Something need to know when using the walker

After choosing a suitable walker for the elderly, it is only the beginning of using walking aids. Some older adults may not know how to use them and what should be noticed when using the aids to support themselves.  

Here are what should be paid attention to before using. Normally, foldable walkers have a button for folding, make sure the button has returned to the correct place before using the walker if the walker was folded. When using a height-adjustable walker, please confirm whether the height of each leg has been adjusted to the same level for safety use. If the height adjustment button has no fixed function, it should be replaced to prevent falls.

There are a variety of walking gaits that can be used, but generally, we choose to use two types of gait as follows. First is the four-point gait, it needs the elder bearing partial weight on both feet and requires a constant shift of weight but provides maximal support. It’s suitable for the elderly with poor muscle strength in both feet but can still bear the weight of themselves on the ground. Then is the three-point gait,  using this gait, the elderly will bear weight on one foot, it requires better balance and arm strength than the four-point gait. Therefore, it is preferred to use it after doing some training.

Besides, the elderly should take care to stand for a few moments for maintaining balance before moving in case of encountering postural hypotension problems. If dizziness does not improve or worsens, sit down immediately and seek assistance if necessary. When using the walker with a seat outdoors, choose a flat surface to avoid falls when crossing over a ditch and also make sure the parking brakes are closed before sitting down.

Due to the decreasing cognitive, body movement, or movement planning ability the elderly needs more time to build up movement experience, so it is recommended to accompany them for some time and then allow them to use it independently after stabilization.

Something need to know when using the walker

After choosing a suitable walker for the elderly, it is only the beginning of using walking aids. Some older adults may not know how to use them and what should be noticed when using the aids to support themselves.  

Here are what should be paid attention to before using. Normally, foldable walkers have a button for folding, make sure the button has returned to the correct place before using the walker if the walker was folded. When using a height-adjustable walker, please confirm whether the height of each leg has been adjusted to the same level for safety use. If the height adjustment button has no fixed function, it should be replaced to prevent falls.

There are a variety of walking gaits that can be used, but generally, we choose to use two types of gait as follows. First is the four-point gait, it needs the elder bearing partial weight on both feet and requires a constant shift of weight but provides maximal support. It’s suitable for the elderly with poor muscle strength in both feet but can still bear the weight of themselves on the ground. Then is the three-point gait,  using this gait, the elderly will bear weight on one foot, it requires better balance and arm strength than the four-point gait. Therefore, it is preferred to use it after doing some training.

Besides, the elderly should take care to stand for a few moments for maintaining balance before moving in case of encountering postural hypotension problems. If dizziness does not improve or worsens, sit down immediately and seek assistance if necessary. When using the walker with a seat outdoors, choose a flat surface to avoid falls when crossing over a ditch and also make sure the parking brakes are closed before sitting down.

Due to the decreasing cognitive, body movement, or movement planning ability the elderly needs more time to build up movement experience, so it is recommended to accompany them for some time and then allow them to use it independently after stabilization.