Tips For Handling A Rolling Walker Safely

By Michelle Olson


It may seem like just a simple piece of equipment mostly operated by the elderly and infirm, but walkers are frequently involved in pretty serious accidents. Used improperly, they can cause broken bones, concussions, and automobile collisions. Although everyone should be careful in the vicinity of an individual who needs this equipment to get around, the person using a rolling walker bears responsibility for operating it safely.

If the equipment is not adjusted to your height, you will either have to bend over to use it correctly or have your arms in an uncomfortable position. Ideally walkers should be at wrist height when your arms are hanging loosely at your sides. Holding onto it while walking beside it is not how it was intended to be used. Although it is sometimes tempting to look down, you should stand as straight as possible and watch where you're going.

People who use walkers have to be aware of their surroundings. This is a good idea for everybody, but those with a piece of equipment in front of them have to be doubly vigilant. You never know when someone will leave a stray book or toy on the floor. Running into something can cause you to lose your balance. Uneven steps, rugs, and doorway strips can all be hazardous when navigating with walkers.

If you wear hearing aids or glasses, you should have them on when you are using your walker. Stepping into a room or hallway might be dangerous if someone doesn't see you coming. It isn't a good idea to get in a hurry and try to rush across a street or down an aisle. You don't want to walk too closely behind someone else either.

If walkers are not in good working order, they can be dangerous. You should inspect the wheels for any trash or debris you might have picked up. The rubber tips on leg bottoms need to be secure and unworn. If the seat tips back and forth, it should be screwed tighter.

The seats on walkers are not meant to be used while the equipment is in motion. They are conveniences for the users. Walkers should not be used in the place of ladders. Using the equipment in ways not intended by the manufacturers can cause injury if it topples over or breaks. Putting too many packages or grocery bags in the seat can unbalance it and make it tip.

There is a certain etiquette to be followed when using walkers. If you are in a restaurant, for instance, the best idea is to let the waiter take it from you and store it out of the way until you are ready to leave. You shouldn't park your equipment in aisles at a theater or concert. Not only could someone trip over them, but they might be a hazard in the case of an emergency.

Whoever invented walkers did a great service for people with mobility issues. Unlike a wheelchair, walkers allow individuals to stand and move around. They can get some exercise and have a degree of independence at the same time.




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