Correct Use of Walkers

What to Do and Safety

What to Do

Safety Tips

Show Me How

Equipment
WHAT TO DO

Recognizing Problems

A walker provides needed support and stability to allow a person with a weakness or injury to walk and move about safely. However, at times a person has difficulty using a walker. This may be due to fear of falling, pain, upper body muscles are too weak to use the walker, or the legs are too weak to support the body.

  • Are there obstacles in their walking path making it hard to move about? (e.g. Furniture, piles of newspapers, children’s toys)
  • Is the person using the walker incorrectly as they walk, sit, or stand from a chair?
  • Are they showing signs of fatigue or unsteadiness as they walk?
  • Does the person have difficulty lifting the walker?

If the person continues to have difficulty, call the physical therapist or responsible doctor.

To Keep a Walker in Good Condition

Routinely check the condition of a walker to be sure it is safe to use.

  • Look closely at the frame each day.
  • Look for any signs of bending or deformation of the frame.
    • Are there any loose or missing screws that will weaken the joints of the frame?
    • Are there screws that stick out?
  • Take a close look at the handgrips.
    • Handgrips are plastic, foam or soft grip.
    • Look for signs of cracked or loose grips.
    • You want a grip to be secure so that it fits the hands and won’t slip during use.
    • If a person has trouble grasping a grip with the fingers, it might help to have a larger grip.
SAFETY TIPS

Here are some tips for preventing falls when using any type of walker:

  • Keep the tips of the walker clean. Use mild soap and water to remove dirt, hair, and gravel.
  • Remove all throw rugs, electrical cords and unneeded objects (e.g. children’s toys, pet toys) out of the common walking pathways in the home.
  • Clean up spills on the floor immediately to prevent slipping.
  • Door thresholds between rooms should be flat and smooth, not raised.
  • Always keep any items that the person needs close at hand to avoid reaching or repeatedly having to stand.
  • Rearrange furniture to provide open space through hallways and major rooms.
  • Have the person use a small backpack, fanny pack or purse to help carry things around.
  • In the bathroom use non-slip mats, grab bars, a raised toilet seat, and a shower tub seat.
  • For more information, see our lesson on Fall Prevention.
SHOW ME HOW

Video:

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Step-by-Step Instructions

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EQUIPMENT

 

  • Properly fitted, sturdy walker.

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