How to Choose a Walker

Using a walker can be an emotional decision. However the right walker may make your life easier, less painful, and prevent injury. Here are tips on how to choose and use a walker.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Decide where you will use your walker most- indoors, outdoors, or both equally. Walkers with lightweight frames tend to be easier to lift as you walk so may be easier to use outdoors. However, front wheel walkers have wheels that make it easier to move around the house and tend to be a bit sturdier than the lightweight framed walkers. There are also heavier walkers for added safety if you are prone for falling.

2. Height: Realize that most walkers are adjustable. Check the walker to make sure that the height of the walker can adjust to your height. Ideally you want to be able to have the top of the walker slightly above your waist for comfortable use.

3. To get up from a chair you first put the walker in front of your chair and slide forward in the chair. Next with your hands on the arms of the chair you slowly stand up. Next you firmly grasp the handles of the walker and move forward into the walker. Now you stand with your walker until you feel balanced and ready to walk.

4. To walk you move the walker forward approximately one foot in front of you. Make sure that it is stable and firm on the ground and then step forward. Now you firmly grasp the handles and take another step forward. Repeat this.

5. To sit down you stand with your back to a chair. Gradually slide your feet back so that the back of your legs touch the chair. Now you set your walker firmly in front of you. You now slide the weaker of your two legs slightly in front of you. You hold the walker handles with a firm grip and shift all of your weight to your stronger leg. Now you keep one hand on the walker as you read for the arm of the chair with the other hand. Now you tighten your grasp on the chair arm. Now you slowly move the other hand from the walker to the other chair arm. Now you tighten that. Now you slowly sit down and slide into the chair.

Tips & Warnings

• If you need to carry things hang a bag onto your walker or get a purse and use tape to attach it to the front of your walker.
• Always contact your appropriate medical provider for guidance on what specific walkers are appropriate for your situation or condition. If you do not have a medical provider try to work with a durable medical equipment company that allows you to speak with a physician or therapist on their staff to help you choose equipment. You can try companies such as Greendura (greendura.com) or Apria (apria.com).

[sneedc]

on 12/22/2008 Walkers are nice, but HOVERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRounds are the bomb dig.