Now that you’re older, you may have noticed a decline in how well you’re able to get around. As much as it may pain you to admit it, using a walker or rollator can help you maintain or even increase your mobility.
Here are some safety tips you should keep in mind when you are using your walker or rollator.
Standing up with a walker or rollator is going to be a little different than your used to. To stand, you will want to:
It’s important to realize that when you are using your walker, you’re going to be walking on terrain that you may not be used to. To walk in new areas, you will want to:
If you encounter a situation where you have to turn around, make sure you are within the width of your device. Move the device with you as you turn, keeping your body parallel to the rollator or walker’s front bar. You should never twist your back because you could pull a muscle. Always stay frontward when using the device.
Sitting down with your walker is going to be a little different than if you’re trying to sit down on your own.
You might think that walking with your walker is like pushing a shopping cart. In some ways, that is true. However, here are some tips:
Don’t feel like you have to go all over town just because you have a rollator or a walker. It’s important that you understand your limits and your honor them. If you feel like you’re getting tired, stop and sit.
When you’re going for a walk with your walker, you’re going to want to wear non-slip sneakers or shoes because you can never be too safe. If it is wet, slippery, or icy outside, consider walking indoors instead.
It’s great that you’re able to get around better, but you want to be mindful of the conditions where you walk. If it’s cold, slipper, icy, or bad weather, you will either want to forego walking outside (as previously mentioned) or alter your speed so that you can safely walk.
Altering your speed is also important when you are walking in public with others. You don’t want to walk too closely to people with your walker or rollator because you don’t want to run into them should they stop abruptly. But, you also don’t want to walk too slowly and take up too much space.
Just like parking your car, you have to be mindful of where you park your walker.
Again, like your car, you will want to perform monthly inspections to ensure your walker remains in proper working order.
Whether you think it is time to start using a walker, or your family is trying to convince you of using it, it is important that you know how to use the device safely. We hope that this article will give you or your loved ones the confidence to reclaim your mobility and enjoy getting around!