Using a walker safely
How do I use my wheeled walker (rollator) safely?
What it looks like: https://patienthandling.com.au/rollators-walkers/
You can use a Physiotherapist to guide you as to the best wheeled walker for You:
There are four main activities that you need to perform safely when using your walker. These are: standing up, walking, turning, and sitting down. The following are general guidelines and are not appropriate for everybody. You are strongly encouraged to seek guidance from a therapist for your unique situation.
Preparing to Stand Up:
1. Engage the brakes.
2. Move forward and sit as close to the edge of the chair as you feel comfortable.
3. Keep your feet as far under you as possible. Aim to place your toes directly below the edge of the chair.
4. Place both hands on the arms/seat of your chair OR one hand on the chair and one hand on the walker. Do not tip the walker by placing too much weight on one side of the walker as you stand.
5. Lean forward until you feel some of your weight on your feet.
6. Use your legs to stand as much as possible – your arms should only lift what your legs cannot. Use your arms mostly to help keep your balance as you stand.
7. Do not walk forward until you have tested your balance and you feel strong enough to walk.
8. Disengage the brakes.
Preparing to Sit Down:
1. Stand directly in front of the chair, facing away from it. The back of your legs should be almost touching the chair. Do not start to sit until you are balanced and standing still.
2. Move the walker a little away from you so that you can bend slightly forward as you sit down.
3. Engage the brakes.
4. Reach behind for the chair with both hands (preferred) or with one hand and one hand on the walker. Do not tip the walker by placing too much weight one side as you sit.
5. Slowly lower yourself using your legs as much as you can.
6. If you “plop” into the chair, try leaning a little more forward as you sit and bend your knees to lower yourself to the chair.
Walking with a Wheeled Walker:
1. Place your walker ahead of you before you take any steps.
2. Gently roll the walker ahead of you as you walk. Keep the walker close enough to you that it is supportive.
3. If your steps are uneven, its best to shorten your longer step rather than work to lengthen your shorter step. The shorter step is usually the step where you have less balance.
4. To turn around: stay within the width of the walker even if you are slightly behind. Roll the walker around you without twisting your back – you should always be facing the front of the walker.
5. When standing in the kitchen and bathroom: use the counters for your support rather than the walker – but keep the walker within reach.
How do I use my wheeled walker (rollator)?
Common mistakes seen by therapists
· Not engaging the brakes when sitting or standing.
· Starting to sit while still turning in front of the chair/bed/toilet/car.
· Uneven steps.
· Holding the walker too close/too far away from you while taking steps.
· Forgetting to use the walker – walking away from the walker.
· Holding the walker with both hands while standing up and sitting down.
· Leaning too far away from the base of support provided by the walker.
· Twisting away from the walker while turning.
· Sitting on the walker while someone pushes it. (Note: There are some models of walkers that allow this function).
If you need assistance, people should help you by guiding your body forward and keeping your weight over your feet. You should not be pulled through the arms or shoulders. You should not hold onto your helper … you hold the furniture and walker. Your helper holds onto You!!
Maneuverable Rollator – four wheels
Accessories commonly available: · Bags / baskets
· Oxygen holders
· Ergonomic brake styles
· One hand brake
· Padded seats – may flip up to allow user to step further into walker
· Saves considerable energy
· Arm and back muscles spared from repetitive lifting movements
· Front wheels swivel for easy turning in a small space
· Most models offer a padded seat and ergonomic brakes
· Allows for a faster walking speed and a more normal gait pattern
· Smaller casters and lighter frames are geared to being used mostly indoors
· Larger casters and heavier frames are geared to being more stable and safe outdoors
Does my walker fit me?
Height: Most walkers adjust to fit specified height ranges. Your walker should support you standing as tall as possible, with minimal strain upon your hands, wrists, shoulders and neck. Walkers are usually adjusted so that the handles are at the height of your wrist when standing with your arms relaxed at your side.
Seat height adjustability: Depending on your needs a seat may be adjusted lower so that your feet are flat on the floor providing balance and stability. Or a seat may be adjusted higher so that it may be used for perching and makes it easier to stand up.
Width: The width of a walker must provide adequate clearance for your step. You will need a walker that is wider than average if you walk with your feet far apart.
Safe Grip: Ensure that you can comfortably grip the walker for stability. Many manufacturers provide options for ergonomic handles.
Braking system: Ensure that you can reliably operate the wheel lock system on a rollator, and engage the system to slow the speed of your walker if necessary.
Weight Capacity: There is a maximum weight capacity for most walkers/rollators. Please ensure that you are within the weight limits recommended for the walker you purchase.
Find out more about Walkers:
Speak to your Physiotherapist or Occupational Therapist to discuss your mobility requirements. Use the National Equipment Database at www.ilcaustralia.org.au for further information on walkers.
How do I use my wheeled walker (rollator) safely?
What it looks like: https://patienthandling.com.au/rollators-walkers/
You can use a Physiotherapist to guide you as to the best wheeled walker for You:
There are four main activities that you need to perform safely when using your walker. These are: standing up, walking, turning, and sitting down. The following are general guidelines and are not appropriate for everybody. You are strongly encouraged to seek guidance from a therapist for your unique situation.
Preparing to Stand Up:
1. Engage the brakes.
2. Move forward and sit as close to the edge of the chair as you feel comfortable.
3. Keep your feet as far under you as possible. Aim to place your toes directly below the edge of the chair.
4. Place both hands on the arms/seat of your chair OR one hand on the chair and one hand on the walker. Do not tip the walker by placing too much weight on one side of the walker as you stand.
5. Lean forward until you feel some of your weight on your feet.
6. Use your legs to stand as much as possible – your arms should only lift what your legs cannot. Use your arms mostly to help keep your balance as you stand.
7. Do not walk forward until you have tested your balance and you feel strong enough to walk.
8. Disengage the brakes.
Preparing to Sit Down:
1. Stand directly in front of the chair, facing away from it. The back of your legs should be almost touching the chair. Do not start to sit until you are balanced and standing still.
2. Move the walker a little away from you so that you can bend slightly forward as you sit down.
3. Engage the brakes.
4. Reach behind for the chair with both hands (preferred) or with one hand and one hand on the walker. Do not tip the walker by placing too much weight one side as you sit.
5. Slowly lower yourself using your legs as much as you can.
6. If you “plop” into the chair, try leaning a little more forward as you sit and bend your knees to lower yourself to the chair.
Walking with a Wheeled Walker:
1. Place your walker ahead of you before you take any steps.
2. Gently roll the walker ahead of you as you walk. Keep the walker close enough to you that it is supportive.
3. If your steps are uneven, its best to shorten your longer step rather than work to lengthen your shorter step. The shorter step is usually the step where you have less balance.
4. To turn around: stay within the width of the walker even if you are slightly behind. Roll the walker around you without twisting your back – you should always be facing the front of the walker.
5. When standing in the kitchen and bathroom: use the counters for your support rather than the walker – but keep the walker within reach.
How do I use my wheeled walker (rollator)?
Common mistakes seen by therapists
· Not engaging the brakes when sitting or standing.
· Starting to sit while still turning in front of the chair/bed/toilet/car.
· Uneven steps.
· Holding the walker too close/too far away from you while taking steps.
· Forgetting to use the walker – walking away from the walker.
· Holding the walker with both hands while standing up and sitting down.
· Leaning too far away from the base of support provided by the walker.
· Twisting away from the walker while turning.
· Sitting on the walker while someone pushes it. (Note: There are some models of walkers that allow this function).
If you need assistance, people should help you by guiding your body forward and keeping your weight over your feet. You should not be pulled through the arms or shoulders. You should not hold onto your helper … you hold the furniture and walker. Your helper holds onto You!!
Maneuverable Rollator – four wheels
Accessories commonly available: · Bags / baskets
· Oxygen holders
· Ergonomic brake styles
· One hand brake
· Padded seats – may flip up to allow user to step further into walker
· Saves considerable energy
· Arm and back muscles spared from repetitive lifting movements
· Front wheels swivel for easy turning in a small space
· Most models offer a padded seat and ergonomic brakes
· Allows for a faster walking speed and a more normal gait pattern
· Smaller casters and lighter frames are geared to being used mostly indoors
· Larger casters and heavier frames are geared to being more stable and safe outdoors
Does my walker fit me?
Height: Most walkers adjust to fit specified height ranges. Your walker should support you standing as tall as possible, with minimal strain upon your hands, wrists, shoulders and neck. Walkers are usually adjusted so that the handles are at the height of your wrist when standing with your arms relaxed at your side.
Seat height adjustability: Depending on your needs a seat may be adjusted lower so that your feet are flat on the floor providing balance and stability. Or a seat may be adjusted higher so that it may be used for perching and makes it easier to stand up.
Width: The width of a walker must provide adequate clearance for your step. You will need a walker that is wider than average if you walk with your feet far apart.
Safe Grip: Ensure that you can comfortably grip the walker for stability. Many manufacturers provide options for ergonomic handles.
Braking system: Ensure that you can reliably operate the wheel lock system on a rollator, and engage the system to slow the speed of your walker if necessary.
Weight Capacity: There is a maximum weight capacity for most walkers/rollators. Please ensure that you are within the weight limits recommended for the walker you purchase.
Find out more about Walkers:
Speak to your Physiotherapist or Occupational Therapist to discuss your mobility requirements. Use the National Equipment Database at www.ilcaustralia.org.au for further information on walkers.