9 Tips for the Proper Use of a Walker

The best walker is of no use if you don't know how to handle it properly. However, this is neither the fault of the walker nor its user - rather, in most cases, it is due to a lack of thorough instruction. Now you may be wondering what to consider when using a walker. The answer is: quite a lot! It starts with adjusting the correct height and doesn't end with operating the brakes. To avoid accidents due to inexperienced and incorrect handling of the walker, appropriate training is an important measure for fall prevention.

The correct posture while walking

"Walk in the walker and not behind it! Keeping the distance between your body and the walker as small as possible is for safety and helps prevent back pain."

Adjust the correct height

Let your arms hang loosely down. The handles should be adjusted to about the height of your wrists.

Sitting on the walker

Turn around between the handles of the walker so that your back faces the seat. Support yourself with your hands on the handles of the walker, lean your upper body forward, and slowly sit down. If your walker has a back strap, you will not only sit more comfortably but also prevent yourself from tipping backward.

The correct height of the walker

A walker is not a chair, but a walking aid. You do not sit on a walker for long and comfortably like in an armchair. The seat height of the walker should be higher than that of a chair. The angle of your knee hollows should be about 100 - 120 degrees when you are sitting on the walker. This way, you can easily and safely get up.

Braking while walking

To prevent the walker from rolling away on an incline, you can slow it down by pulling and holding the brake lever.

Determining the brake

"If you want to sit down, you must first engage the brake. To do this, press the brake lever down with the palm of your hand until it clicks into place."

Overcoming curbs and door thresholds

Approach smaller obstacles at an angle and push the front wheels one after the other over the edge. If your walker has a tipping aid, small foot levers at the height of the rear wheels, use them. If the curb is still too high, it is best to look for a spot where the sidewalk edge is lowered.

Fold and Unfold

Premium walkers are folded lengthwise. To do this, simply pull up a release strap on the seat, squeeze the carrying handles together, and attach the safety bar. Practical tests have shown that most seniors are generally unable to fold and store the so-called cross-folders independently.

Small tips for protection against theft and vandalism

Rollators are increasingly being stolen or damaged. In contrast to bicycles, however, rollators cannot be insured against the risk of simple theft through household insurance. They are only insured if they are stolen from the apartment as part of a burglary. If they are left in the hallway, in front of a store, or a doctor's office, the insurance will not pay. When purchasing a rollator, ask for such a premium rollator insurance that you can obtain at medical supply stores.