There are so many things that can make your life easier as you age. For example, many people benefit from mobility aids. Canes, walkers, and wheelchairs are all helpful as you begin to lose your mobility due to aging. However, each of these things can be expensive. Seniors often live on fixed incomes. Therefore, it’s challenging to afford the things that ultimately make life easier. It’s a tough situation to be in. However, you’re not alone. There’s a lot of help out there to get seniors what they need at a fair price. For example, there are some great ways to get free walkers for seniors.
Why Do Seniors Often Need Walkers?
You might need a walker because you have sustained an injury. In that case, a walker might be a part of your physical therapy as you regain your strength. However, walkers are also preventative aids. They make it so that you don’t fall despite reduced mobility or changes in balance and strength. If you don’t fall, you prevent injuries. Therefore, many seniors choose to start using walkers to get around.
How Much Do Walkers Cost?
If you go online to purchase a walker, you’ll discover that there’s a huge price range. You will find walkers that are as inexpensive as about $30. You’ll also find walkers that are ten times that price or more. What do you need to pay for a walker to make sure that you’re getting a good one? Sure, you can pay $30. However, if it isn’t easy to use it, or it breaks soon after getting it, then it’s not worth the $30 you spent on it.
There are different types of walkers depending upon your needs. Some have wheels while others do not. If a walker doesn’t have wheels, then you have to lift it to move it. Therefore, you need upper body strength for those. Some walkers require more strength than others. Some are good for leaning on and carrying your weight for you. Therefore, you have to choose the right walker. And that affect the price. On average, you should expect to pay in the $100-$150 range for a good walker at full price.
8 Ways to Get Free Walkers for Seniors
Obviously, many seniors can’t afford to spend over $100 on a walker. Luckily, there are many ways to get free walkers for seniors. Here are eight of them:
1. Medicare for Walkers
You might qualify to get Medicare coverage for your walker. First, your doctor must deem that it’s medically necessary to have a walker. Then, you need to make sure that you have the right coverage. Medicare Part B may cover it in part or in full. If you qualify, then this can be one of the best ways to get free walkers for seniors. Check your plan to see if this option is right for you. Note that if it’s not fully covered, it may still be much cheaper than buying it outright.
2. Medicaid for Walkers
If you are covered by Medicaid, then chances are that you can get your walker for free. Again, you’ll need a prescription from a doctor saying it’s a necessity. Most doctors are happy to make this recommendation to keep seniors safe.
3. Medical Loan Closet
If you aren’t familiar with medical loan closets, it’s time that you familiarize yourself with them. These are centers where you can borrow a variety of different medical equipment. These are usually gently-used items that have been donated to the loan closet. Typically these loans are free. You usually get short-term loans, although the duration of time you can keep the equipment varies. For example, you might borrow a walker at no cost for the rest of your life and then your family returns it when you have passed away.
4. VA
Were you in the military? If so then your VA benefits might provide you with free medical equipment. Check your local VA to find out if you have the option to receive a free walker. Note that they can also often help with many other supplies from pill cutters to prosthetics.
5. Area Agencies on Aging (AAA)
AAA centers are available to help elderly people with a variety of different issues and concerns. There are both public and private non-profit agencies that fall under this broad category. Each state has its own different agencies. Locate the one closest to you to find out how they can help you. They may offer free walkers for seniors. Alternatively, they may offer financial assistance to cover the cost of getting one. Or they may be able to point you in the right local direction.
6. Local Religious Organizations
Do you belong to a church? That can be a great place to start to see if they can assist you in getting a walker. Even if you’re not a church member, you may find that your area’s local religious organizations have programs for seniors. These can include assistance getting mobility aids such as walkers. Ask around.
7. Ask Your Friends and Family
Speaking of asking around, you’d be surprised by how many people have a walker sitting around in their garage that they aren’t using. Sometimes, a family member that used it has passed away, and they haven’t brought themselves to get rid of it, yet. If you put the word out there among your network that you’re looking for one, then you might discover that someone has one that they are happy to give or lend to you.
8. Online Marketplaces
Branch out from your own friends and family into your neighborhood and broaden your options for finding a local free walker. Check Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, Nextdoor, Freecycle, etc. You can post yourself on some of these sites saying that you’re looking for a walker and see if you get any replies. Of course, take precautions when meeting with strangers to pick up your walker. Meet in a public place and bring a friend or family member for support. These services can provide great free options. However, they have the potential to be scams, as well, so you just want to take precautions.
Additional Links
- 10 Free Things to Do at the Mall
- 12 Benefits of Senior Centers
- How Much is an Amazon Prime Membership for Seniors?