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Safe Use of a Walker

Using a walker can allow people with minor mobility issues to carry out many daily tasks, such as personal travel. Knowing how to use a walker properly can mean the difference between gaining mobility and falling in an accident. Ensure that your mobility unit isn't going to put you in harm's way.

  1. Choose a Walker With the Accessories You Need

    • Choosing the right kind of walker can make a big difference in its overall safety. Some walkers have wheels that help people who lack upper-body strength to push the walker forward using propulsion, rather than lifting the walker repeatedly. Some walkers come with a metal basket that allows the user to transport items instead of trying to carry them while maneuvering the walker. Be sure the walker is adjustable in height and can be set to the correct level for the person using it.

    Be Aware of Your Surroundings

    • When using a walker, be aware of your surroundings. Trying to take a walker into a room cluttered with furniture or boxes may make forward progress or turning around difficult, especially if the user lacks upper-body strength to lift and move the walker. Be aware of things like nails or sharp corners that can hurt the person as he moves.

    Be Aware of Weather Conditions

    • Conditions such as rain, wind, snow, and ice can make using a walker dangerous. Rain and snow make the walker handles slippery. Wind becomes an issue in terms of forward progress for walkers. Ice makes walkers less accurate, and can result in the user slipping as the walker slides forward farther and faster than it should. Storms can bring about one or all of these conditions.

    Know Your Limits

    • Know the distance you are comfortable walking, the weight you are comfortable carrying, the conditions you are comfortable navigating, and the duration you are comfortable traveling during any given walk. Fatigue can cause major stress to the body, and can make using the walker very difficult. Do not be afraid to alter your limits from day to day, handling more on some days and less on others. Avoid fatigue-related injuries by understanding and recognizing what your body can handle.

    Read the Guide

    • Before you use your new walker, read the booklet that comes with it. The instructions will tell the most effective and safest way to use the walker, and will highlight safety issues that pertain to your particular walker.

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