Slopes: remember to squeeze the brakes if you are going down a slope to control the speed of the walker. Many rollators include a seat for resting. Walker-Facts.com expresses a special Please consult with a therapist on other activities that you wish to perform while using your walker (ie: stairs; doors, spring-loaded or revolving; carrying items; putting your walker in / out of a car; roadside curbs; cooking and cleaning). Here are some safety tips you should keep in mind when you are using your walker or rollator. The following are general guidelines and are not appropriate for everybody. You should not hold onto your helper … you hold the furniture and walker. If you need to turn around, make sure to stay within the width of the rollator. Rolling walkers, or rollators, are walkers with a wheel at the bottom of each leg. and all those who have contributed to this site. Give to the Red Cross.

You’ll need to consider much more than physical ability. You should always be facing the front of the rollator.

Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists, Alberta Seniors financial assistance and benefits, Quebec Department of Health and Social Services. Uneven steps. Use your arms for keeping balance. Move your injured or weak leg toward the walker first. l If the walker has a tray, it should be positioned onto the seat so that the plastic plugs fit into the holes in the seat. Instructions for care and use of a 4 wheeled walker (rollator) Instructions for care and use of a wheelchair. Starting to sit while still turning in front of the chair/bed/toilet/car. Holding the walker with both hands while standing up and sitting down. • The rollator bag/basket has a weight capacity of 10 lbs. Professionally prepared resources that offer guidance to a successful thought process based on past experiences. But keep the rollator within reach. What is a Rollator? How to Safely Use Your Walker Although more than twice as many older adults use canes rather than walkers, a 2009 study found that seven times as many injuries were associated with walkers. Common mistakes seen by therapists. Oh, and prices are correct at the time of publishing!

How to Use a Walker Fitting a walker Stand up straight.

Many thanks to these companies for sponsoring Walker Facts. Sitting on the walker while someone pushes it. Here are our tips for safe rollator use, though we encourage you to seek guidance from a medical health practitioner for your specific situation. You can help when help is most needed. Roll it around with you, keeping your body parallel to the front bar; don’t twist your back. Learn more about becoming a Canadian Red Cross volunteer today! It also covers tips for ease of use. Some users may notice their stride is uneven. How do I use my wheeled walker (rollator)? Items should not hang over the top or front of the basket. May 22, 2013 - Rollator Use Handout-- Help rollator-using patients be safe and mobile. Commonly given answers. 2. We hope you enjoy our articles and the products we recommend! How do I use my wheeled walker (rollator)? Twisting away from the walker while turning. (If your upper arm is at 12 o’clock, your hand points to 5 o’clock.) It's their support that keeps this resource free to everyone. Ensure all four wheels This downloadable PDF handout uses friendly text and illustrations to clearly explain how to safely use a rollator. Holding the walker too close/too far away from you while taking steps. When you hold your walker, your elbows should bend 20 to 25 degrees. Using a Walker Walking with a walker 1. When standing, use your legs to lift yourself instead of your arms. Instructions for care and use of a foam wheelchair cushion

By keeping mobile you’ll stay in better shape both physically and mentally, and lead a richer life. She had read some horror stories about elderly people falling when using a walker. A rollator is a suitable walking aid to be used outdoors. Sep 9, 2019 - My wife was particularly concerned about dad having a fall when we first got his rollator.

If you are deaf or hard of hearing, please … Simply put, a rollator is a walker with a wheel at the bottom of each leg. All rights reserved. From basic activities to common mistakes, here’s a guide to help you use your non-wheeled walker or wheeled walker safely and effectively. Your helper holds onto you!! I am going to walk you through on how to adjust your walker, how to correctly use it, the differences in a rollator versus a standard front-wheeled walker and which ones are the best. The walker may have a tab under the seat which locks the walker in the open position. Most of these walkers have four wheels, a seat and brakes that you push down to …