Roll Mobility Blog
How to Use a Rolling Walker
Stand up straight when using your rolling walker.
Whether you’re recovering from surgery or just suffering from the effects of aging, a rolling walker can help you keep your balance and take some of the strain off your legs.
Getting around the house is easier and safer with a rolling walker, especially if you suffer from bouts of dizziness or lightheadedness, which can make you lose your balance. The support provided by a rolling walker can reduce the risk of falls when used properly.
Using the Rolling Walker for Balance
If you use your rolling walker only for balance, simply guide the walker forward as you step inside the walker. Use your normal gait.
You should be close to the walker with your hands slightly ahead of your body, pushing the walker along. Don’t lean over the walker.
Using the Rolling Walker for Support
If you use your rolling walker to support your weight, it’s best to keep the walker still as you step forward.
With your back upright, start by pushing the walker forward.
Step forward with one leg until your foot is inside the middle of the “box” created by the four walker legs. Hold the walker still as you take the first step forward.
Then step forward with your other foot.
Move the walker slightly ahead of you and continue the process to keep walking forward.
Tips for Using a Rolling Walker
- Don’t lean over the walker. Stay upright to protect your back.
- Common mistakes that cause you to lean over the walker are (1) pushing the walker too far in front of you, or (2) adjusting the handles to the wrong height.
- The walker handles should be high enough to allow the user to stand up straight and keep the walker close to them. The top of the handles should line up with the crease on the inside of the user’s wrist. Elbows should be bent at about 15 degrees.
- Don’t hurry or take large steps. Turn slowly to change directions. Don’t use your rolling walker on the stairs.
Rolling Walkers for Sale
Looking for the best deal on a rolling walker? Check out our selection of Medline, Drive, Invacare, and Roll Mobility rolling walkers.
Prevent Falls for Seniors while Walking
A rollator can help prevent falls for seniors and rehabilitative patients.
Seniors commonly fall while doing everyday activities like walking to the bathroom or stepping up on a landing. Throw rugs, raised thresholds, and objects on the floor are just a few of the tripping hazards that seniors face. Thanks to mobility devices like rollators and canes, however, seniors can take back their independence and reduce the chances of a fall.
Canes and rollators provide walking support at home, at the mall, around the neighborhood, and almost anywhere your loved one needs to go. Single-point walking canes are best for users who need a slight balance check every once in awhile. For users who need more support, a quad cane is the next step up. With four points of contact with the ground, quad canes are more stable. A small base quad cane is small enough to use on stairs. A large base quad cane is too large for the average flight of stairs but provides more support for users who need it, especially for heavier users.
If a quad cane no longer provides enough support, consider a wrap-around frame. Walkers and rollators wrap around the body to provide support in front and on both sides. To move a walker, the user either slides the walker forward, lifts it and moves it forward, or lifts the back of the walker and rolls it forward on the two front wheels. Rollators are easier to move, but the user must be able to operate the hand brakes for control.
Deciding which type of mobility aid is right for your loved one is a choice that your doctor, health care provider, or physical therapist can help you make. Each individual’s needs and level of mobility is different, so don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations on mobility equipment from your medical support team.
How to Set Up a Folding Walker
Simply unfold the sides to set up a folding walker.
Folding walkers are fairly simple to set up and adjust. In just a few steps, the walker is ready to use. Make sure all four legs are adjusted to the correct height for the user.
Setting Up the Walker
- Take the folding walker out of its packaging and unfold the two side frame panels by swinging them outward until they lock into place with the two top lock buttons.
- Adjust all four (4) extension legs (or wheels) to the required height by pressing the adjustment button in and either pulling down or pushing up on the leg. Make sure that the adjustment button securely pops into place.
- After adjustment, make sure that all four (4) legs are at the same height adjustment level. If one leg is shorter or longer than the others, the walker will rock and be unstable.
Folding the Walker
To fold up the walker, press down on the release/lock button located on one side of the center brace and fold the side frame panel inward. Repeat for the opposite side frame
Finding the Correct Walker Height
Stand behind the walker with arms hanging loosely at your sides and the walker in front of you. When the walker is adjusted to the correct height, your elbows should be slightly bent at a 20-30 degree angle when you grip the walker handles.
To adjust the walker legs, push in the adjustment button and slide the tube up or down until the button pops through the correct adjustment hole. Repeat for the remaining legs. Count the holes on each leg to make sure the legs are adjusted to the same height.
Walker Ski Glides from Roll Mobility
Universal Fit Walker Ski Glide
Does your loved one struggle to pick up a two-wheeled walker and move it forward? Installing walker ski glides can make it easier to move the walker because they reduce friction and eliminate the need to lift the walker. Unlike traditional rubber tips that drag on carpet and linoleum, walker glides literally glide along the floor. Ski glides can be used on almost any surface, including carpets and rugs, wood floors, tiling, and even sidewalks and other outdoor surfaces.
Walker ski glides are quick and easy to install. Roll Mobility offers two designs: one with a universal fit and one with a tool-adjustable fit. Both types are designed to fit walkers with a 1″ tube frame. Simply remove the rubber tips, insert the new ski glides, and tighten (if applicable). The durable composite construction ensures long life.
Tool-Adjustable Walker Ski Glide
See the specifications below for more information on these products.
Walker Ski Glide
- For Standard Walkers with 1” Tube Frame
- Easy Installation
- Durable Construction
- Sold in Pairs
Deluxe Walker Ski Glide
- For Standard Walkers with 1” Tube Frame
- Tool Adjustable Fit
- Durable Construction
- Sold in Pairs
Walking with a Walker (3 Point Gait)
A 2-wheeled walker allows you to roll the walker
instead of lifting it.
If assistance is needed, the caregiver should stand behind the individual using the walker and on the same side as the injured or weak leg.
Steps for Using a Walker
To walk with a walker using a three point gait, follow these steps:
- Move the walker. Lift or roll the walker so that it is placed at a comfortable distance in front of you, about an arm’s length away. Make sure all four legs are firmly placed on the floor. The back legs of the walker should be about even with your toes.
- Move your weak leg. Moving your injured or weak leg first, step towards the walker.
- Move your good leg. Next, step forward with your good leg, bringing it slightly ahead of the injured or weak leg. As you step with your good leg, support some of your weight with the walker to avoid placing too much weight on your weak or injured leg.
- Repeat steps 1 through 3: move the walker, then the weaker leg, then the stronger leg.
Safety Tips for Using a Walker
- Be careful not to step too close to the walker or lean forward over the walker, or you may lose your balance. Keep a comfortable distance between you and the walker at all times.
- Do not place the walker too far in front of you. Keep the walker’s back legs even with your toes.
- Look straight ahead as you are walking. Keep your head up and avoid watching your feet. Looking down at your feet while you walk is more tiring and may cause you to run into something.
- Only move as fast as you feel comfortable. Take your time and don’t rush.
Wheelchair Transfer to Walker
Follow the steps provided to transfer from a wheelchair to a walker.
Transferring from a wheelchair to a walker or vice versa should be done carefully in order to prevent falls and ensure the safety of the individual involved in the transfer. These instructions are meant for active transfers, where the individual needs little to no assistance.
Since each individual is unique, varying levels of assistance or adaptation may be required, depending on physical limitations. The individual and caregiver should be aware of the individual’s limitations and be willing to adapt the method of transfer as needed. Consult a physical therapist or healthcare professional for individualized advice on transfer methods.
Wheelchair Transfer Steps:
- If assistance is needed, the caregiver should stand on the side that is weaker or injured.
- Stabilize the wheelchair by backing the chair against a wall (if possible) and engaging the wheel locks.
- Raise the footrests and swing them out of the way.
- Position the walker directly in front of the wheelchair. Lock the walker or rollator brakes, if this feature is available.
- Check the wheelchair brakes again to make sure they are fully engaged and locked.
- Scoot your body forward to the front half of the wheelchair seat.
- With both feet flat on the floor, take a firm hold on the wheelchair armrests, lean forward slightly, and push up with your arms and legs to lift your body out of the wheelchair and into a standing position. Give yourself a moment to stabilize.
(Note: NEVER grab hold of the walker to help you stand up from the wheelchair. The walker can easily tip over backwards. Only transfer your hands to the walker after you are in a standing position and well balanced.)
- Carefully transfer one hand at a time to the walker, starting with your strongest hand.
- Give yourself a moment to stabilize before walking.
Please consult a health care professional or physical therapist for any questions or concerns about the suitability of any mobility aid prior to use.
Installing Walker Ski Glides for Ease of Use
Walker with two wheels, rubber feet, and replacement ski glides
Lifting a walker takes extra effort that some elderly patients just don’t have. By making the walker easier to move forward, they can move around more easily. Standard folding walkers come with either two wheels or no wheels. Either type of walker can be modified to make it easier to handle.
Most walkers come standard with rubber feet that provide extra traction. The extra resistance provided by these rubber feet can make it difficult to slide or roll the walker forward, forcing the user to lift the walker instead.
Tennis balls are a popular replacement, but they wear out quickly. For a longer lasting alternative with less resistance, try replacing the rubber feet with ski glides. They slide smoothly over carpet and other surfaces.
To install Roll Mobility ski glides on a walker:
Walker ski glide with locking hex key
- Remove the rubber tips from the rear legs of the walker.
- Insert the ski glide into the walker leg with the raised ski lip facing towards the front of the walker.
- The ski glides should fit securely into the walker legs.
- Use the hex key to tighten the screw in the bottom of each ski glide by turning it clockwise.
Note: To remove the ski glides, loosen the screw in the bottom of each glide by turning it counterclockwise with the hex key. Then slide the ski glides out of the walker legs.
Roll Mobility ski glides include a locking hex key to tighten them in place. These types of glides last longer than the kind that simply slide into the walker tube without tightening. This cheaper version can loosen and work its way back out over time.
After replacing the tips, test the walker out before allowing the elderly patient to use it. The ski glides should be held firmly in place and should be turned with the ski lip facing straight ahead. Instruct the user how to use the walker with the new replacement tips before allowing the patient to use the walker unassisted.
Folding Walker Setup and Adjustment
Folding walker diagram
Walker Setup and Adjustment
- Take the walker out of its packaging and unfold the two side frame panels by swinging them outward until they lock into place with the two top lock buttons.
- Adjust all four (4) extension legs (or wheels) to the required height by pressing the adjustment button in and either pulling down or pushing up on the leg. Make sure that the adjustment button securely pops into place. See “Finding the Correct Height for a Walker” below to find the correct height level for the user.
- After adjusting the walker, make sure that all four (4) legs are at the same height adjustment level. If one leg is shorter or longer than the others, the walker will rock and be unstable.
- To fold up the walker, press down on the release/lock button located on one side of the center brace and fold the side frame panel inward. Repeat for the opposite side frame.
Finding the Correct Height for a Walker
Before adjusting the folding walker for your height requirement, make sure that both the walker and user are on level ground. Also, it will be helpful to wear the shoes you will most often wear while using the walker to assure the most comfortable setting.
When your arms are extended downward, the top of the handle should be at wrist height. When your hands are placed on the hand grip, your elbows should be bent at a 20-30 degree angle. Raise or lower the walker legs as needed to conform to these specifications.
Find the Best Rollator or Walker for You
What can a rollator or walker do for you or your loved one? These mobility aids give you back your independence, reduce the risk of losing your balance or falling, and increase your confidence in walking, standing, and performing daily tasks that require mobility.
Walkers come in several different styles, including the wheeled rollator and the folding walker.
Folding Walker
Four Wheeled Rollator
With rollators, there is no lifting involved, and the user is able to move at a faster pace or slow down by squeezing the hand brakes. The loop lock brakes on the handles allow the user to lock the wheels in place and rest on the built-in seat (available on most four wheeled rollators). This feature is a huge advantage for individuals who need to rest often. They can easily take a break at any time without needing to find a chair.
Another advantage of rollators is that the wheels swivel, making them easier to turn. The oversized wheels available on some rollators make it easier to walk and roll on any surface, either indoors or outdoors.
If you are deciding between a folding walker and a wheeled rollator, you may want to consult a physical therapist or healthcare professional for assistance in determining your needs. They can help you find just the right mobility aid for your situation.
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