HOW TO USE WALKERS AND CANES:

Walkers and canes are often used incorrectly and it is very dangerous.

I have worked with elders for 20 years, teaching over 8,000 classes in exercise for those older during that time. In my observation only about 10% of people use their walkers correctly. This improper use ultimately causes falls that otherwise would not have occurred, a sad result for a problem that is easy to remedy. This article shows you how to use your walker properly. There is a special section at the end that describes tips for cane use.

Tip for using a walker:

A walker serves 2 purposes:
  1. It helps you walk safely.
  2. It helps you safely transfer your weight from sitting to standing and vice versa.
1. Good posture is very important when using a walker but that is often the first thing that deteriorates. People get so hunched over. They look down at the ground instead of where they are going. So much weight is placed on the arms gripping the walker that chronic shoulder and neck pain results. They walk with most of their weight far behind the walker which makes balance much harder.

​​2. People routinely do not use their brakes when they sit or stand. This causes great additional fall associated risk. 
Kind of walker: The type of walker that Medicare provides does not have brakes. They are great for use when walking but extra vigilance is needed when sitting and standing. Ideally someone will be assisting.

Height of the walker: Have the physical therapy department adjust your walker to the correct height. The correct height is one where if you stand straight, your hands gently rest on the handles of the walker.
Posture when walking: 
  • Walk so that your hips are between the handles. Do not have your hips behind with your weight leaning forward. Step in close to the walker.
  • Walk with your hands resting gently on the walker handles. You should not be leaning heavily on the walker. Hands should rest on the handles instead of gripping them.
  • As you walk, look out ahead of you instead of down to the floor. In general we should look in the direction we are going. Sometimes that is difficult because of hazards that surround us. There are some excellent tips for how to do that safely. Click on the button below.
Brake use when sitting down: 
  • Use your walker to get as close as possible to the chair you want to sit in. Do not leave your walker at the side of the room and "wing it" to your chair. Someone else will move your walker out of the way if need be once you are sitting.
  • Put your brakes on so that the walker will not move out from under you as you sit.

Brake use when standing up:
  • Put your brakes on so that the walker is sturdy as you transfer your weight from sitting to standing.

I see many people skip the step of putting their brakes on when both sitting and standing. I cannot emphasize how dangerous this is.

Please understand that most falls happen because of something unexpected. For instance, a sudden loud noise can startle you so that you begin to lose your balance. When you do not use the brakes during this sitting/standing process then the walker can roll out from under you causing an awful fall.

Tips for using a cane:

  • Set your cane at the right height with the level of the top of your cane at your wrist.
  • When walking with a cane, use it on the strong side of your body.  As your weaker side steps forward, move the cane to meet it.
  • When going up stairs, move your good leg first. Follow with the weaker leg and cane at the same time.
  • When going downstairs, step down with the weaker leg first.
  • Be careful in the placement of your cane near your feet. If you are too close you can trip over the cane if something happens suddenly.
  • Always keep your other hand free of packages or purse. Use a backpack or cross body bag instead.

In general walkers and canes are assist devices. Try not to place all of your weight on them. Instead think of them as guides.