ArticlesBy Ross Bryan
Rollators, regularly referred to as walkers (with four wheelsand brakes), offer great benefit to those needing assistance inwalking. But, like so many medical aids, often they are not beingused properly or their full benefits are not being realized.
As with canes and crutches, the height of the handles arefrequently too low or too high for the person using it. Witheither of these situations you will oftentimes see the personstanding back from the rollator and, if they should trip or aknee buckle, the machine will be of little or no help to them.
If, on the other hand, they were to have the handles at theproper height and kept themselves close to the rollator theywould find that the support was there when it was needed.
Stand up quite straight without exaggeration with your armshanging relaxed beside you and your eyes looking straight ahead(don't look down to see how things are going). Have someoneadjust the handle to the break of the wrist (this is where thecrease is when you bend your wrist inward). This is the lengththat 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 aline drawn across the back of the rollator in line with therearmost part of the back wheels. Always keep part of one footahead of that line. That should assure you, should anythinghappen, that the rollator will be there to support you.
Further, most of these machines have seating arrangements forthe user to rest. Make sure that the brakes are on beforesitting. Also, check often to assure yourself that the brakes arein good repair.
Ross Bryan is the manager of Tranquil Lane Products Inc. If you require a more in-depth explanation or have questions you can e-mail Ross at article@tranquillane.com. Please put the article heading in the Subject: .
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