People with walking disabilities need assistive devices to help them walk normally. Both walkers and wheelchairs are devices used to assist people in walking. They are different in definition, function and classification. In comparison, walking aids and wheelchairs have their own uses and applicable groups. It is hard to say which is better. It is mainly to choose the appropriate walking aids based on the conditions of the elderly or patients. Let's take a look at the difference between a walker and a wheelchair and which one is better between a walker and a wheelchair.
1. What is the difference between a walker and a wheelchair
Both walking aids and wheelchairs are assistive devices for physical disabilities. If they are classified according to their functions, they are personal mobility assistive devices. They are devices for the disabled and can improve their functional status. So what is the difference between these two devices?
1. Different definitions
Walking aids include walking sticks, walking frames, etc., which refer to appliances that assist the human body to support body weight, maintain balance and walk. A wheelchair is a chair with wheels that help replace walking.
2. Different functions
Walking aids mainly have the functions of maintaining balance, supporting body weight and strengthening muscles. Wheelchairs are mainly used for home rehabilitation of the wounded, sick, and disabled, turnover transportation, medical treatment, and outing activities.
3. Different categories
The classification of walking aids mainly includes walking sticks and walking frames. The classification of wheelchairs mainly includes unilateral hand-driven wheelchairs, prone wheelchairs, sit-stand wheelchairs, standard wheelchairs, electric wheelchairs, and special wheelchairs.
2. Which is better, a walker or a wheelchair?
Walking aids, it and wheelchairs are designed for people with walking disabilities, so which one is better, walking aids or wheelchairs? Which one to choose between a walker and a wheelchair?
Generally speaking, walkers and wheelchairs have their own applicable groups, and it is not necessarily better which one is better. The choice mainly depends on the actual situation of the elderly or patients:
1.Applicable people of walking aids
(1) Those who have difficulty moving their lower limbs due to disease and the elderly with weak lower limb muscle strength.
(2) Elderly people with balance problems.
(3) Elderly people who lack confidence in their ability to walk safely due to falls.
(4) Elderly people who are prone to fatigue and dyspnea due to various chronic diseases.
(5) People with severe lower limb dysfunction who cannot use cane or crutch.
(6) Patients with hemiplegia, paraplegia, amputation or other lower limb muscle weakness who cannot support weight.
(7) People with disabilities who cannot walk easily.
2. Applicable crowd of wheelchair
(1) An old man with clear mind and quick hands.
(2) The elderly who have poor blood circulation due to diabetes or have to sit in a wheelchair for a long time.
(3) A person who has no ability to move or stand.
(4) A patient who has no problem standing, but whose balance function is damaged, and who lifts his foot and falls easily.
(5) People who have joint pain, hemiplegia and can't walk far, or who are physically weak and have trouble walking.
Post time: Dec-30-2022
