The first question is whether your parent needs a standard walker or a wheeled rollator. A standard walker, lifted with each step, gives the most support for someone recovering from surgery or with weak balance. A rollator rolls freely and has brakes and a seat, so it suits someone who walks steadily but tires. Picking a rollator for a person who leans heavily can actually raise the risk of a fall.
In Markham, think about the routes your parent really uses. Older sidewalks around Markham Village and Unionville can be uneven, so larger wheels help. Condo dwellers near Markham Centre may want a narrow frame that fits elevators and tight entry halls. And in winter, a rollator is fine for cleared paths but not for snowbanks, so plan indoor walking at a mall or community centre on the worst days.
Prioritise proper height adjustment, so their wrists sit level with the handles when arms hang loose. Test the brakes together in the store and check that the seat locks firmly. Ask the seller to show your parent how to fold it into the car. If your family prefers Cantonese or Mandarin, ask whether staff can walk through the fitting in that language. Ontario's Assistive Devices Program can help with some walkers when a qualified assessor is involved, and Veterans Affairs Canada may help eligible veterans.
We recommend a fitting in person rather than ordering online. You'll pay a little more for the time and service, but you'll avoid a frame that's too tall, too heavy or too wide to use. Markham's options are spread out, so families often also visit sellers in Richmond Hill or Scarborough.