Zimmer frames is another term for a walking frame. They are form of mobility device that aids individuals with minor or major injuries in their legs to walk and stand and continue with their everyday activities. While some zimmer frames are suitable for indoor use, others are manufacture red for the outside, like gravelled grounds and the heat on the pavement. It is also an excellent mobility device that enables individuals who have had surgeries in the lower half of the bodies to recover by giving them the chance to use their leg muscles, aiding in their strengthening. If you are an outgoing person, then the zimmer frame is probably not the ideal mobility aid equipment for you, as due to its rigidity and lack of wheels, it may be difficult to move in narrow spaces. It also cannot be used to ascend and descend stairs. If you’re travelling requires stairs, then the idea mobility equipment to use are crutches where each crutch can be moved independently of one another.
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The zimmer frame can provide a variety of benefits your life, such as;
Provide ability to use muscles
Muscles tend to slack and relax when they are not used, which may cause a prolonged period of recovery. Using your muscles, although seeming difficult after a surgery, is in fact important to help you get better quicker. This is also essential for the elderly, as no matter what age we are, using our muscles provides us the fitness to continue walking, which in turn benefits our whole body, due to weight loss, lower cholesterol, less risk of diabetes and many other health related advantages.
Takes excess weight off legs
The Zimmer frame distributes the user’s body weight onto the arms, taking away the weight from the legs, which eliminates any pain and distress that is caused through body weight. This allows the individual to walk for longer periods without feeling tired.
Stability and Excellent Balance
The structure of the zimmer frame, with its legs extending to four separate area, means that there is a larger area of support, which ensures that the user is balanced from all sides.
Things to Avoid Ensuring that you are Safe at all times
However, because the zimmer frame has a very rigid structure, lacks wheels that provides rollators smooth manoeuvrability, there are some situations that need to be avoided in order to make sure that you are not putting your health at risk.
The first of these is that if you are using your zimmer frame within the house, remove any rugs or carpets that are not firmly attached to the ground. Also, ensure that the floors are clean at all times, without any objects lying about. So, if you’ve got a baby, keep their toys in one room and get someone to look around the house, to ensure that there is no risk of you bumping into something unexpected.
The second is that the floor should be dry at all times, as floors that are wet can cause slippages.
And the last is to ensure that you are wearing comfortable shoes, that have a grip sole to help you balance better and prevent you from falling.
It is also highly essential to check the condition of your zimmer frame every few days to identify any signs of wear and tear that can lead to injuries. These can be anything from cracked rubber tips that can unexpectedly snap off, causing your frame to lose its stability, to any signs of rust that can cause the sticks of the frame to weaken and snap unexpectedly, causing much serious health risks. Rust can especially occur if you use your frame outside regularly.
You can purchase rubber tips from online distributors or medical equipment stores. If you spot any rust on your frame it is important that you take it to a medical equipment store who can either propose to replace the rusted leg or offer to sell you a new one.
What to consider when choosing a zimmer frame
There are some aspects that we fail to think of prior to purchasing our zimmer frame. These aspects are essential as they can help you buy the zimmer frame that is right for you.
Height of the Frame
When purchasing a zimmer frame it is important to focus on the height, to ensure that you are comfortable with it. If your frame is too tall then you will not be able to extend your arms enough so that your body weight is distributed entirely on your upper section. So, your legs will continue to hurt from your body weight, defeating the purpose of the frame.
On the other hand, if the zimmer frame is too low, it will cause excessive curving in your back, which may in turn cause pain in your spine.
Width of the Frame
Considering the width of your zimmer frame is also essential, especially in relation to the areas you are going to use it in. For instance, prior to purchasing a zimmer frame measure the width of all the doors within the house. It is essential to purchase a zimmer frame that leaves enough space on either side when walking through a door, so that you can easily move around without feeling restricted.
The HealthSmart toilet safety frame sit to stand folding walker is one such example of zimmer frame that is versatile as if can also be used as a toilet safety frame. The frame has two levels that you can hold onto, a lower one for when you are seated and a higher level for when you are standing. The handles are made of soft foam that ensures that your hands are comfortable whilst using the frame.
- MAKES IT MUCH EASIER TO RISE FROM A BED, CHAIR, WHEELCHAIR OR TOILET. Once standing, it works as a regular walker.
- PUSH BUTTON AT TOP RELEASES IT TO FOLD FLAT for storage or travel.
- SOFT FOAM GRIP HANDLES FEEL COMFORTABLE IN YOUR HANDS. Slip resistant tips add to safety.
- ALSO WORKS WELL AS A TOILET SAFETY FRAME to help you sit down and stand up more easily
- ADJUSTABLE HEIGHT from 29" - 34" in 1" increments. 17" between handles. 300 lbs. weight capacity.
Another example is the Domestic Walking Frame by Essential Aids. This zimmer frames structure makes it suitable only for indoors. Its aluminium material, while making it sturdy, also gives it its light weight. It can handle a maximum of 160kg.
Zimmer frames are an important addition to your life if you are looking for a more active lifestyle. They will enable you to continue with your everyday activities. What’s important is that you purchase the one that is right for you.