Three or four- wheeled walkers ( or rollators ) provide more support that walking sticks and are designed for those who :
￫ Can walk reasonably well but need extra support over longer distances.
￫ Are at risk of falling when walking.
￫ Have difficulties with balance, strength, endurance or coordination.
￫ Have pain or instability in any weight bearing joint.
￫ Need to rest often when walking.
￫ Are recovering from an injury.
￫ Wish to reduce the walkers are to assistance and support carers need to provide.
Three-wheeled walkers are easy to man oeuvre but are less stable that four- wheeled models ( which have larger base of support ) and are therefore only recommended for relatively stable users. They are generally designed for both indoor and outdoor use and feature either bicycle - style loop hand brakes or push down brakes.
The loop lever hand brakes feature levers that can be squeezed upwards to brake temporarily or pushed down to lock into place. Push down brakes work by pushing down though the handles which then pushers a spring - loaded rubber stopper, (located between the twin castor rear wheels) down into the ground. When is removed from the handles the brakes will spring off. It is important to practice operating the brakes before selecting a walker.
Adjusting the height:
When adjusting the height of a walking frame is important to wear everyday shoes and stand in a natural position with hands resting comfortably to the sides of the body. In this position the walking frame hand grips should sit approximately at wrist crease height. Four- wheeled walkers often come with a seat that is fixed in height so it is important to check that this is appropriate before making a purchase. When sitting on the seat in a comfortable position feet should be resting flat on the ground.
Using a walker / rollator
1. Engage the brakes.
2. Move forward and sit as close to the edge of the chair as you feel comfortable.
3. Keep you feet as far under you as possible. Aim to place your toes directly below the edge of the chair.
4. Place both hands on the arms/ seat of you chair or one hand on the chair and one on the walker. Do not trip the walker by placing too much weight on one side of the walkers as you stand.
5. Lean forward until you feel some of your weight on you feet.
6. Use you legs to stand as much as possible- you arms should only lift what you legs cannot.Use you arms mostly to help keep your balance as your stand.
7. Do not walk forward until you have tested you balance and you feel strong enough to walk.
8. Disengage the brakes.
Preparing to sit down
➙ Stand directly in front of the chair, facing away from it. The back of your legs should be almost touching the chair. Do not start until you are balanced and standing still.
➙ Move the walker a little away from you so that you can bend slightly forward as you sit down.
➙ Engage the brakes.
➙ Reach behind for the chair with both hands (preferred) or with one hand and hand on the walker. Do not tip the walker by placing to much weight one side as you sit.
➙ Slowly lower yourself using you can.
➙ If you ' Plop' into the chair try leaning a little more forward as you sit and bend you knees to lower yourself to the chair.
Walking with a wheeled walker
➭ Place your walker ahead of you take any steps.
➭ Gently roll the walker ahead of you as you walk. Keep the walker close enough to you that it is supportive.
➭ Stay within the base of support, with the frame held at a comfortable position in front of the body.
➭ When turning corners it is important not spin directly on the sport. but to walk in a wide turning circle.
➭ If you steps are uneven, its best to shorten you longer step rather that work to lengthen you shorten step. The shorten step is usually the step where you have less balance.
➭ To turn around stay within the within the width of the walker event if you are slightly behind. Roll the walker around you without twisting you back, You should always be facing the front of the walker.
How to size and use a walking frame (static' hopper' pick-up' frame) Adjusting the height.
➭ Stand with you shoulders relaxed and arms by you side.
➭ The hand grip height should be at the crease of you wrist.
➭ Use the height adjustment button to change the length of each leg of the frame.
➭ Ask one of our consultants or your therapist to demonstrate if you are unsure.
Getting up from a chair
➭ Place the hopper frame centered and in front.
➭ Pull feet back hands on arm rests of your chair.
➭ Lean forward push up from arm rest to stand up.
Using a walking frame
➭ Stand upright with you feet together holding the frame with both hands.
➭ Lift the frame forward a small distance and put it down with all four tips family on the ground.
➭ Step forward with one leg whilst placing you weight though the frame and then bring the other leg alongside.
➭ Do not step too fa forward.Imagine a line between the back two legs of the frame and do not put you heels in front of it.
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