Bariatric Walker
When To Order:
Walkers and rollators assist individuals with balance and gait issues. They reduce the risk of falls, improve the individual’s quality of life and address a individual’s fear of falling.
Walkers should be considered when a individual:
- experiences balance issues during sit to stand,
- experiences gait or balance issues while standing, walking, or turning
- experiences balance issues while completing grooming, cooking or other daily tasks
- experiences light headedness, dizziness, orthostatic hypotension or other issues that may result in a fall,
- experiences pain, neuropathy, or other condition resulting in a lack of equilibrium
- experiences endurance challenges, including sarcopenia and shortness of breath on exertion
- has a history of falls
- has a fear of falling
Medical Documentation:
The clinical care team needs to document in the individual’s medical record the following:
- The individual has a mobility limitation that impairs their ability to perform Activities of Daily Living (ADL’s) at home.
- A walker will resolve the individual’s mobility limitation.
- The individual can safely use the walker in the home.
- The individual’s provider (MD, DO, NP or PA) must complete a written order.
Selecting Equipment
The following considerations impact the selection of equipment:
- Walker should be used for fall prevention as soon as a individual experiences balance issues. This may occur during sit to stand, while completing daily tasks or when getting out of bed a night. Early intervention is key to preventing the individual from having a fall.
- Walker with Seat, has a push down braking system. It should be considered for individuals with manual dexterity issues and cognitive issues.
- Rollators are completely covered by insurance and will incur an upgrade fee. The hand braking system on a rollator may make it inappropriate for individuals with cognitive issues or manual dexterity issues.
- Standing rollators may be appropriate for individuals with good trunk control, tall individuals and individuals expected to fully rehab their mobility skills.