Walker for better balance

[Amynah]

Hi everyone, I have been noticing that I can't walk straight, have turning difficulty and am gripping the Waller as if my life depended on it. I can't balance either front wheel or back wheel are rising as I walk. Did this happen to anyone? Do you think that I should get a different walker. I bought a foldable light weight from complete care. Is there anyplace I could go to try the walker before purchasing.

[Cuds]

HiYou should be able to go to any disability aids shop and try stuff before you buy. You can also do a search of companies that do walkers and get a rep to bring out some to demo before you buy.

Have you got a 3 wheel one or 4? 4 wheels are more stable but you might need a heavier version if it is lifting when you walk.

Hope this helps- good luck.

[Amynah in reply to Cuds]

Thanks, I use 4 wheel walker. NHS gave me a heavy-duty walker 5 years ago and I could not carry it into my car or fold it. You know we ataxian can't use our hands And fingers. I am going to phone the mobility shops near me and see if they come to me or I can go to them to try.

[Jacqui-A]

I have just taken possession of a U-step 2 supplied by my physio. They will bring one to your home so as you can try it, you can Google it first if you wish.

Hope this helps.

I don’t walk at all without support.

[Amynah in reply to Jacqui-A]

My situation is same I cant walk without a walker both indoor and outdoor. I will phone the mobility shops near me and also U-step 2 and see if I have to go there or they can come to me.

[PatsyIpswich]

My neuro physio recommended visiting retailer to try them out but would personally advise 4 or possibly 5 wheels

[Amynah in reply to PatsyIpswich]

Thanks I use a 4 wheel walker, never heard of 5 wheel. I think I will phone the mobility shops next week and see if they come out or want me to go there.

[PatsyIpswich in reply to Amynah]

personally, I prefer going to them as I had TOPRO rep come to me and he only brought one in to me. My neurophysio recommended him and gave me contact details for charity to apply for funding. You might like to try applying for funding from a charity. Lots of things to consider when buying .. I have three rollators [a couple quite old] and a serving trolley which I use indoors .. this is very useful for carrying things to other rooms.

[claire01]

I also have the U Step, is designed for neurological conditions highly recommend and they come to your home to try the equipment 😄 good luck x

[TedTom in reply to claire01]

Interested to hear about how you find the u step. Friend with ataxia has wide gait so has extra wide 4 wheel Walker as she kept hitting her feet on “normal “ one ie not designed for ataxians! This one at least enables her to get closer to support and walk a bit more upright. Does the u step enable you to walk close to the support? Seems the worst thing of any walkers we’ve looked at ( a great many) force you to walk away from the Walker putting too much weight on hands rather than helping to use legs in correct posture. Thanks

[Amynah in reply to TedTom]

You are right about putting too much weight on the arms and the distance from walker

[TedTom]

Thanks, it’s been an ongoing (and so far failing!) mission of mine to find something more suited to support ataxia issues as opposed to more common walking support needs. I’ve tried different companies re making something more suitable to accommodate gait, upright posture etc but apparently economically not viable as not a big enough market. Will keep on trying! Best wishes to you x

[sylviagreenhalgh]

careco has a range of outlets . I went to the one in Croydon. the staff are helpful. they will send you a brochure or look online. before I went I rang the store to make sure the item I wanted was instore which it was. all the best Sylvia

[Amynah in reply to sylviagreenhalgh]

Thanks Silvia, I am using the careco walker for 2 years now, they are really good but my problems started 2 months ago , so I guess I need a different walker. I will wait for what the physio says.