What are walking frames?
Often known as ‘Zimmer frames’ (although Zimmer is actually a brand name), walking frames are a great option to help people who need a little bit more support than a walking stick.
There are a wide range of options available including walking frames with baskets, bags or seats – ensuring there’s a suitable option for everyone.
Basic walking frames are usually lightweight and come with or without wheels. Many can be folded away and are designed to be used easily in small spaces, such as getting around the home independently.
The non-wheeled walking frames are the most stable option and usually come with four legs with rubber feet on the end (although some three legged options are available too). The whole frame is lifted up and then moved forwards as the user walks, which requires some arm strength.
For those who would struggle with lifting the whole frame, there are some available with two wheels on the front two legs. These work by rolling forwards as the back of the frame is lifted up, and then the two legs without wheels act as a brake whilst the user’s weight is put on to the frame.
Both the non-wheeled and two-wheeled options are most suited for use around the house. The tri-walkers and rollators mentioned below have air-filled tyres and are bulkier but easier to move around, making them more suited for use outside the home.
