Can you give me some tips on choosing an appropriate walker for my parent? My parent has some balance issues as well as arthritis and could use a little more help than what a cane provides.

When it comes to choosing a walker, there are several styles and options to consider, but finding the best fit for your parent will depend on their abilities and where they will be using it. Here are some tips that can help you choose.

Types of Walkers

There are three basic types of walkers on the market today. To help your parent choose, consider how much support they will need. You should also visit a medical equipment store or pharmacy that sells walkers to test the different types. To locate a nearby equipment supplier, search Medicare’s directory available at Medicare.gov/medical-equipment-suppliers.

Here are the different types of walkers to choose from:

Standard walker: Considered the most basic style, this walker has four legs with rubber-based feet (no wheels), is very lightweight, about 5 to 6 pounds, and typically costs between $30 and $100. This type of walker must be picked up and moved forward as you walk, so it is best suited for individuals who need significant weight-bearing support or who are walking very short distances.

Two-wheel walker: This type has the same four-leg style as the standard walker except it has wheels on the two front legs that allow you to easily push the walker forward without lifting, while the back legs glide across the floor providing support while you step forward. These are ideal for people with balance issues and are priced between $50 to $250.

Rollator: A rolling walker has wheels on all (three or four) legs. Four-wheel rollators typically come with a built-in seat, basket and hand-breaks. This style is best suited for people who need assistance with balance or endurance inside or outside the home. Some rollators even come with pushdown brakes that engage with downward pressure and lock if you sit on the seat. If your parent needs to navigate tight spaces at home, three-wheel rollators provide good maneuverability, but without a seat. Rollators typically run between $55 and $650.

Other Tips

After deciding on the type of walker, there are additional factors to consider to ensure that the walker meets your parent’s needs. The walker’s height must be adjusted appropriately. To find the correct height, your parent should stand with their arms relaxed at their sides and adjust the walker so that the handgrips line up with the crease on the inside of their wrist.

You should also verify that the walker’s weight capacity will support your parent, and if they choose a four-wheel rollator, that their body fits comfortably between the handgrips when sitting. Heavy duty (bariatric) rollators with higher weight capacities, bigger wheels and wider seats are also an option.

Your parent should also test the handgrips to make sure they are comfortable and that the walker folds up for easier storage and transport. Depending on where your parent plans to use the walker, there are accessories that can be added for convenience such as food tray attachments, tote bags for carrying personal items, oxygen tank holders and tennis ball walker glides that go over the feet of a standard walker to help it slide more easily across the floor.

Lastly, if a walker is medically necessary, consult with your parent’s doctor or a physical therapist. If a walker is prescribed, Medicare will cover 80% of the rental or purchase price.

Savvy Living is written by Jim Miller, a regular contributor to the NBC Today Show and author of "The Savvy Living” book. Any links in this article are offered as a service and there is no endorsement of any product. These articles are offered as a helpful and informative service to our friends and may not always reflect this organization’s official position on some topics. Jim invites you to send your senior questions to: Savvy Living, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.