What does Walker mean?

A walker or walking frame is a tool for disabled or elderly people who need additional support to maintain balance or stability while walking. A walker is a three-sided metal frame with four legs. The basic design consists of a frame that is about waist high, approximately 12-15 inches deep and slightly wider than the user. Walkers are available in a variety of sizes such as pediatric walkers or bariatric walkers. Most modern walkers are height adjustable and should be set at a height that is comfortable for the user but will allow the user to maintain a slight bend in their arms. The legs of the walker may or may not have wheels attached, depending on the strength and abilities of the person using it.

Dual Release Walkers

Dual Release Walkers are walkers with folding mechanisms on either side of the walker that make it easy to open or close the frame of the walker. To fold the frame of the walker, the user simply presses the two buttons or pedals on either side of the frame. Dual Release Walkers are much easier to fold and at the same time safer than Single Release Walkers as the user is required to press two buttons or paddles instead of one.

How to Choose the Right Walker?

There are many kinds of walkers available in the market today. The best person to suggest a good walker for you is your doctor. Selecting the best walker may depend upon your health problem and where you plan to use the walker.

• Before you choose a walker, be sure that the walker has rubber grips for the hands.
• Make sure it has non-skid rubber tips or wheels to keep you from sliding.
• Decide if you need a walker for indoor use, outdoor use, or both.
• Some walkers have a lightweight metal frame that is easy to lift as you walk.
• Other walker models have a heavy metal frame and are pushed forward with each step.
• If you require additional support, check whether the walker comes with that particular harness.
• Check whether the walker has height adjustability in your preferred range.
• It is advisable to choose a walker which offers a lot of parts and accessories like built-in seats, metal baskets, etc.

Walker Safety tips

• Wear non-skid shoes or slippers with rubber soles and a good grip to prevent slipping.
• Do not wear shoes with leather heels or soles that may slide and cause you to fall.
• Attach a bag or basket on the walker to conveniently store small things like medicines, water bottles, etc.
• It is highly advisable to use the walker on a smooth, clean, dry, and lighted floor.
• Remove throw rugs to prevent falls.
• Tape or nail down loose carpet edges to prevent tipping.
• Keep the traffic areas and the floor free of clutter.
• Check the rubber tips and wheels regularly on your walker. Replace them if they are worn down or torn.
• Look straight ahead when you are walking. You may run into or trip over something if you are looking at your feet.

How to use Walkers?

Your caregiver will teach you how to use the walker safely. If you cannot reach your walker by yourself, ask someone to help you. The following steps will help you use your walker.

Getting up from a chair:

• Put the walker in front of your chair and slide forward in the chair.
• With your hands on the arms of the chair, slowly stand up.
• Firmly grasp the handles of the walker.
• Move forward into the walker.
• Stand with your walker until you feel balanced and ready to walk.
• When you are ready to walk, move the walker forward about one footstep ahead of you.
• Make sure it is firmly set on the ground before you step forward.
• Firmly grasp the handles and take one step forward
• Continue to take small steps.
• Do not put the walker too far in front of you as you walk.

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