Will Assisted Living Accept You If You Require a Walker?

Yes, most assisted living facilities will accept you if you require a walker and meet their admission criteria. Many communities are designed to accommodate users of mobility aids, such as wheelchairs, walkers and canes and have accessibility features to make life safer and more comfortable for individuals with limited mobility. However, you should always ensure a facility can provide all necessary care and accommodate your needs before moving in.

Approximately 12.1% of adult Americans have a mobility disability with serious difficulty walking or climbing stairs, and aging limits mobility for many seniors. Around 35% of seniors aged 70 and older have limited mobility, and most people aged 80 and older have difficulties with various aspects of mobility, such as strength, balance, coordination and stamina. Additionally, some people use walkers temporarily while recovering from strokes or healing after lower limb or hip surgeries or injuries.

Walking frames can aid stability for those with poor balance, support individuals with leg weakness and — when walkers have an integrated seat — allow people with reduced stamina to take frequent breaks. They can also improve confidence and peace of mind for users and encourage participation in social and leisure activities.

Assisted living facilities often feature walker-friendly layouts, with widened doorways and hallways, level access and reduced trip hazards. Other common accessibility aids, such as bathing seats and grab rails, may also be valuable for seniors with reduced mobility. Communities often provide local transportation in accessible vehicles, and some offer escort services to medical appointments, shopping trips and outings. Residents can also join ability-appropriate recreational and wellness activities. Additionally, trained caregivers are on hand to help residents overcome other potential challenges associated with reduced mobility, such as transferring to and from the bed and performing the activities of daily living. While walking aids can reduce the risk of falls, improper use and maintenance may have the opposite effect. Living in a communal setting often results in swift assistance in case of a fall — one of the most common causes of injury and death in seniors.