Are you looking for some equipment to help your handicapped loved ones in free movement? You might be aware of using a rollator walker to help older people move around quickly. It is not only a tiny piece of equipment but a blessing in disguise for the ones who want freedom of transportation.
This blog will share how to use a rollator walker correctly. Check the Rollator Walkers collection online and find the best equipment for your loved ones. Furthermore, explore this article to learn how to get used to a rollator walker, along with some fantastic safety tips.
Read: Stop Using a Walker: A Guide to Confident Walking
A Rollator Walker and its Uses:
A rollator walker is a specific piece of equipment with four wheels supporting the human body while walking.
It is made to help disabled and disabled individuals or those who have difficulty walking due to congenital disabilities or other reasons. The device comes with four wheels and a handle for safe transportation.
The walker is safe to use while moving from one room to another or outside. Moreover, it helps balance the body weight and provides safety and stability during the walk.
A rollator walker is safer than a counter because it has wheels that help during walking.
Read: Step-by-step Guide to Fold a Rollator Walker | Safety Tips
Rollator Safety Tips: Proper Usage Guidelines
Individuals not used to walking with the rollator walker find it challenging to walk with it initially. If you have no previous experience but are looking forward to getting your hands on this equipment, you must follow the safety tips for walking with rollator.
Here, we share some safety tips to help you roam freely. For instance,
1: Read manufacturer instructions
Every company designing the equipment wants to inform the user about the equipment. Therefore, every piece of kit comes with an instruction manual.
We recommend you read the instructions provided by the manufacturer carefully. The instructions may vary from the models, so be mindful of your product.
Furthermore, extend your knowledge on the safety guide about using a rollator walker with four wheels and learn from YouTube tutorials.
2: Correct hand position
Walk close to the rollator and keep your hands on the frame and thumb inside. Hand position is necessary to learn while walking with the rollator.
It is advised to hold the fingers loosely around the brakes. While walking, a loss of balance can occur, so you must be able to press the brakes at the very moment.
3: Be safe while making turns
Before heading out, practicing walking with the rollator inside the house is advised.
Learn how to walk straight and turn around with the equipment. When thinking of taking a turn, turn around to see if there is enough space to turn. While moving around the corners, stay close to the walker.
Keep some extra space while turning at any point, as it is just like moving in a longer car. Remember that your rollator needs some extra space while turning.
4: Use brakes
Brakes are an essential part of the device that can be helpful in a critical situation. Brakes are not just when you need to sit on the walker. Instead, you can use the brakes to slow down a rollator walker.
The brakes help keep the speed in control and help you learn how and when to stop while accompanying the walker.
5: Weight balance
One essential tip you must learn is not to put your weight on the rollator. Initially, walking on your body weight is challenging as you have support in your hands.
So, please don’t put your weight on the handlebars as they can’t handle your weight. Use the walker for the stability in your walk.
6: Use a flashlight
Another pro tip about walking with a rollator is to attach a flashlight to the rollator walker when walking alone at night.
The light can be helpful for you to move forward, and the others can also recognize you quickly in the dark.
7: Take small steps while turning
One of the most crucial safety tips for using rollator walkers is to take small steps when turning.
It would help if you always walked naturally with the walker. Let the walker wheels move with you at the same pace.
8: Stay inside the walker
Walking correctly is essential when walking with a walker. You might still struggle with fitting a rollator walker while walking.
Make sure you step inside the walker, and your chest should face the walker with hands on either side.
Do’s and Don’ts of a Rollator Walker
Using a rollator walker for the first time can be very tough as aged people already have a slow walking style, and it can be exhausting with the wheels. So, here we share some dos and don’ts about using a walker:
Do’s:
- Walk upright.
- Always look forward while walking.
- Keep the walker at a slow pace.
- Take small steps.
- Keep extra space in the front while turning.
Don’ts:
- Do not lean on the walker.
- Do not walk briskly.
- Don’t look down while walking.
- Do not shuffle your feet.
Sum up:
To sum up, rolling walkers are a safe and practical mobility aid that gives you immense independence.
You must be very careful about using a walker when standing up, walking, turning, and sitting down. Keep all the safety measures in mind while performing these turnings as well.
If you still have difficulty using a walker with front wheels, don’t hesitate to get help from the therapist.
FAQs
Who should not use a rollator walker?
People with a balance issue while walking, standing, or sitting must avoid using a rollator walker.
At what optimum height should I push my rollator?
A recommended height gap for individuals is the vertical distance from the floor to their wrist bones. Check the handlebar height while choosing a walker.
How do you set up a rollator walker?
To assemble the walker, read the instructions mentioned on the package. Set the handlebar, frames and tighten the screws.
What is the difference between a walker and a rollator?
A walker has two wheels in the front, while a rollator has wheels on all sides and usually comes with four wheels that offer support during standing, sitting, walking, and turning.