Did You Know?! Walkers Can Cause Accidents They’re Meant to Prevent?

When mobility and balance become an issue, “Walkers Come To The Rescue” for those who have cognitive decline, restricted weight-bearing, leg weakness and/or balance issues.

 

Walkers help older adults keep their independence, stay safe and offer the stability they need, along with giving a boost to their mental and physical health!

Walker Safety Tips for Seniors – Choosing & Using the Right One

Walker Safety Tips for Seniors – Choosing & Using the Right One

Choose the right walker and Learn how to use it safely.

Check Out the Easy Tips Below To Get Started !

 

Walker Safety Tips for Seniors – Choosing & Using the Right One

Choosing and Using a Walker – What You Need to Know*:

1. Which Walker is Best For You:

Walkers range from basic to uber deluxe and offer different levels of stability depending on each person’s needs. 

Your Doctor or Physical Therapist can recommend the right model for you.  You can also try out various walker models at medical supply stores. This makes it easier to determine the best choice for you or your loved one! 

You also have the option to rent or purchase a walker depending on the length of time you will need to use it.

• Hemi Walker/Cane: Used like a cane and offers more support, strength for heavier weight-bearing and more stability than a cane. Great for those with weakness in one leg, or only have the use of one arm.

• Standard Walker: Light-weight, portable and foldable. Must lift up the walker to step forward. Some people use tennis balls on the front legs to make it easier to push without lifting. Be aware that this can cause trips and falls if the ball gets hung up on carpet or uneven floors.

• Standard Walker/two-wheels: Light-weight, portable and foldable. With wheels on the front legs, this Walker makes it easier to slide along the floor. If maintaining posture and balance is difficult with a wheeled walker, the Standard Walker with no wheels could be a better option.

• Rolling Walker or Rollator/three-wheels: Foldable, with a 360degree front swivel wheel, ergonomic handles with a handbrake, easy to lock and a removable storage bag. Easy to use outdoors in most terrain. Great for narrow doorways and tight corners. 

• Rolling Walker or Rollator/four-wheels: Foldable and supportive with a comfortable seat and backrest, ergonomic handles and a handbrake, under-seat storage and great for indoor and outdoor use. Easy to fold with one hand and to park, store and use almost anywhere.

• Upright Walker/four-wheels: Stand taller, walk further and eliminate hunching over. With this walker the weight of the patient is centered on their forearms instead of the arms, wrists and lower back. Be sure to choose a design that has a wide support base to prevent tip-overs and possible falls.

Learn More Here: Which Walker is Best For You?

Local Maui Walker Assistance: Go To Gammie Home Care

Walker Safety Tips for Seniors – Choosing & Using the Right One

2. Sizing Your Walker – The Perfect Fit:

The “fit” of your walker is important. Your walker must be adjusted to the correct height so you can use it safely and avoid stress on your shoulders and back.

• The ‘bend’ in your elbow matters! With your shoulders relaxed, place your hands on the grips – your elbows should bend at a comfortable angle of about 15 – 20 degrees.

• Wrist height matters. Stand inside the walker and relax your arms at your sides. The top of the walker grip should line up with the crease on the inside of your wrist.

• With a four-wheel walker, make sure to adjust the seat height, so it is not too high or too low. The correct seat height prevents strain and possible injury.

• Make sure the grip is comfortable for you, many walkers have hard plastic grips or may not feel comfortable. You can always purchase soft or textured grips that fit your particular needs.

 

• Remember to check the weight capacity of the walker and make sure it fits with your weight and offers proper support.

Learn More Here: Mayo Clinic

 

3. Tips for Safe Walker Use:

• Stand up as straight as possible when using your walker – avoid straining your back, shoulders and neck.

• Place all 4 legs, or wheels, of the walker on the ground for stability before putting your weight on the walker.

• Look forward when walking. Do not look at your feet.

• Keep a firm grip on both handles.

• b, then step forward and put your weight in the palm of your hands.

• Keep the walker close to your body for support.

• Take small, controlled, even steps.

• Watch for uneven, wet, or slippery surfaces.

• Practice turning in a big circle – this prevents injury to your knee joint.

• When accompanying someone using a walker, please walk behind them to ensure that if they have balance issues, you are there to support them and prevent injury.

For More Details & Information: How to Use a Walker Safely or Use a Walker Like an Expert

 

4.  Walker Maintenance for Your Safety:

• Check the wheels and/or legs for dirt and debris to ensure the walker is stable. This is especially important when the walker is used outside or in public places.

 

• If your wheels are inflatable, make sure they are full of air – this creates better stability and ease of use.

• Check the grips for wear and tear to avoid injury from loose or slippery handles.

• Keep it clean by wiping down the seat, backrest, handles, grips and wheels or tips.

• Replace tips, slides, or wheels if they become worn down, which can make them less effective and more difficult to move the walker forward.

•  Inspect the brakes for safety – you can always reach out to your medical supply store for any help you need.

For More Details & Information: How to Maintain Your Walker

 

* This information is for educational purposes and cannot replace a recommendation from your healthcare professional.

 

Did You Know?

Our ‘Never-ending Training’ ensures our Nurse Aides are highly skilled and always learning something new!

We continually offer skill training in our classroom –

taught by experienced personnel and industry experts covering topics that range

from bedcare, dementia care, hospice care and safety techniques to proper lifting, transfers,

bathing, and so much more!

 

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For more information check out the following articles:

What to Do When Your Loved One Says “No!” To In-Home Care

OR

What You Need To Know to ‘Age in Place’ Safely

 

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