By Maurice
If you require more assistance when walking, standing up, or sitting down, a rollator walker boasts many benefits for people of all ages.
In particular, rollator walkers offer support for those with poor balance and limited strength. They’re also great for having a dedicated place to sit when you’re venturing outdoors and become tired and need to rest.
Before you purchase a rollator walker, there are some important things to know about how to use a rollator walker - to improve your safety when sitting, standing, walking, and turning around. You may also require some guidance on incorporating the rollator walker into your daily routine, such as using on grass, in the kitchen, and more.
How to Use a Rollator Safely
Here are some common scenarios for using a rollator walker, so you can remain safe and confident in an array of environments.
Standing
One of the biggest challenges that users can face with a rollator walker is standing safely and keeping their balance. Before standing, ensure that the walker’s handles are dry, as rain can create a slippery surface. Here are some ways on how to use a rollator walker for standing:
Walking
At first, it can seem overwhelming to walk with a rollator walker. For most people, this stage requires some practice indoors before bracing outdoors. Take short amounts of time to build your confidence for when you’re ready to explore outside.
When you’re ready to use the walker outdoors, experiment with using it in different weather and on a variety of surfaces and inclines. Here are some tips for walking safely with a rollator walker:
Sitting
There might be times when you’ll want to sit down on the walker, such as in a supermarket or after a long walk. Follow this guide for a safe way to sit on the built-in seat.
Turning Around
There might be situations where you need to turn around, which requires some preparation and patience. Begin by moving the walker with you as you turn, ensuring that your body is parallel to the walker’s front handles. Most importantly, never twist your back, as this could trigger pulling a muscle. Always remain frontward when moving the walker to avoid any injuries.
Keep Your Rollator in Working Order
Firstly, you must maintain a rollator walker to ensure that it’s in good working order. You can achieve this by checking the wheels to make sure that they’re clean and roll easily. If there’s any debris or objects visible, remove them before using the walker.
Furthermore, replace any rubber tips on the legs if they’ve become worn. Spend some time testing that the brakes work efficiently and are responsive. And if the rollator walker has become broken, ensure you get it repaired before using it, or you could seriously hurt yourself.
The Proper Posture for Rollator Use
One of the first things to do when you receive a rollator walker is adjusting its height for the correct posture. In particular, you should pay particular attention to the handles’ height to obtain proper posture for walking.
There are a few factors to consider at this stage, such as not setting the handles too high. Doing so can make it uncomfortable to walk and strain your neck. Not to mention that your elbows will be at an uncomfortable angle or stretched out. If the latter, this can encourage the shoulders to raise high and put unnecessary strain on your neck muscles. On the other hand, setting the handles too low can also result in injuries and pain. Plus, you won’t receive adequate support for walking, which can lead to poor posture and back pain.
To understand how to use a rollator walker at the correct height, it should be at hip height when your arms are relaxed. This should be the case when you’re wearing appropriate footwear, as shoes add extra height.
As a guideline, here’s an approach to adjusting the height of a rollator walker:
How to Use a Rollator Walker on Grass
There will be a variety of floors that you’ll be required to walk on, ranging from pavement to gravel to grass. To uncover how to use a rollator walker on grass, the wheels must be large enough to glide over grass. Large wheels also enable you to smoothly and safely climb onto the curb. If the wheels aren’t suitable, it could get stuck on the surface, leading to safety implications. In addition, a convenient spring system provides a smooth feel when using the rollator walker on the grass.
Moreover, if you’re new to using your walker on grass, slowly approach the area and key your eyes toward the floor, looking out for uneven areas, hazards, or inclines.
How to Use a Rollator Walker to Eat at a Table
An indoor trolley is the most convenient way to eat at a table if you require more support, and these trolleys allow you to carry meals and drinks from one room to another. Plus, many feature trays that can be easily clipped on and removed for easy cleaning.
For a similar option, you might want to consider a three-wheeled rollator walker if you require support for traveling to and from the table to eat. Its narrower front provides a slimmer design that’s more convenient to place under or next to the table without getting in the way.
Here are some helpful ways to sit down at a table safely to enjoy a meal:
If you find that you fall back into your chair when you attempt to sit down, attempt leaning forward more as you sit. You can also try bending your knees to lower yourself to the chair. Never feel embarrassed about taking your time when you’re sitting down. Pace yourself and listen to your body. Spending an extra few minutes is much better than rushing the process and hurting yourself.
How to Use a Rollator at the Kitchen Sink
Before using a rollator walker in your home, you may want to consider making the kitchen space spacious and safe to use with one. For example, cabinets under a kitchen sink can prevent you from rolling up close to wash the dishes. In the best-case scenario, remove any cupboards under the sink that can restrict your stability. Furthermore, mats and rugs can restrict movement and prevent you from moving up to the kitchen sink.
Do you have any additional tips or experience on how to use a rollator walker? If so, share your thoughts in the comments.
Sources:
Benefits of Using A 3 Wheel Rollator
10 Safety Tips For Using A Walker Or Rollator
Using a walker safely: How do I use my wheeled walker (rollator) safely?
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