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Junior 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.