Just Walkin' And A Rollin'

By Ross Bryan

Rollators, regularly referred to as walkers (with four wheels and brakes), offer great benefit to those needing assistance in walking. But, like so many medical aids, often they are not being used properly or their full benefits are not being realized.

As with canes and crutches, the height of the handles are frequently too low or too high for the person using it. With either of these situations you will oftentimes see the person standing back from the rollator and, if they should trip or a knee buckle, the machine will be of little or no help to them.

If, on the other hand, they were to have the handles at the proper height and kept themselves close to the rollator they would find that the support was there when it was needed.

Stand up quite straight without exaggeration with your arms hanging relaxed beside you and your eyes looking straight ahead (don't look down to see how things are going). Have someone adjust the handle to the break of the wrist (this is where the crease is when you bend your wrist inward). This is the length that will offer a person the greatest control, the least strain, and the best security.

As for staying close, I tell each of my clients to imagine a line drawn across the back of the rollator in line with the rearmost part of the back wheels. Always keep part of one foot ahead of that line. That should assure you, should anything happen, that the rollator will be there to support you.

Further, most of these machines have seating arrangements for the user to rest. Make sure that the brakes are on before sitting. Also, check often to assure yourself that the brakes are in good repair.

Ross Bryan is the owner/manager of Tranquil Lane Products Inc.  Articles