Safety and home
Walker
A walker is a frame with four legs that a person grips to steady themselves while walking. Some have wheels on the front legs. Medicare Part B covers walkers as durable medical equipment when a doctor orders one for home use and the person is eligible.
Why it matters for your family
A walker gives support and lowers fall risk when balance is poor. It must fit. Handles set too high or low strain the back and shoulders, and a poor fit can raise fall risk. Medicare says it covers walkers, including rollators if you are eligible, and you pay a share after the deductible. Suppliers must enroll in Medicare. A common mistake is to buy one at a store without a doctor's order and then learn Medicare will not pay. Another is to keep an old one that does not fit. Ask a doctor or physical therapist to fit it and teach use. Clear rugs and clutter at home.
Source: medicare.gov
Read more: Personal and advanced care
Related terms
- RollatorA rollator is a walking aid with three or four wheels, hand brakes and often a built-in seat.
- WheelchairA wheelchair is a chair on wheels that lets a person move when walking is hard or unsafe.
- Fall preventionFall prevention is the set of steps that lower the chance an older adult will fall.
- Mobility assistanceMobility assistance is help with moving around, such as standing up, walking, using stairs, and getting in and out of a bed, chair, or car.
- AmbulationAmbulation means walking from place to place, with or without a cane, walker, or help from another person.
- Fall riskFall risk is the chance that a person will fall and be hurt.
