How to Use Walking Aids and What Are the Differences Between Them

Walking aids provide essential support for individuals with mobility challenges, helping them maintain balance and independence. There are several types of walking aids available, each offering different levels of support, manoeuvrability, and ease of use. Choosing the right one depends on your specific needs and the environment you’ll be using it in. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the most common walking aids, explain how to use them, and highlight their key differences.

1. Four-Wheeled Walker: Maximum Support and Stability

The four-wheeled walker, or rollator, offers the most support among walking aids. It features four wheels, handlebars, and brakes, making it ideal for people who need considerable help with balance and mobility. It also typically includes a seat for resting during longer walks.

How to Use:

• Always engage the brakes before sitting down or standing up.
• Push the walker in front of you as you walk, holding the handlebars for balance.
• Keep the walker close to avoid overreaching and compromising your stability.
• Use the seat to rest when needed, ensuring it is on a stable surface.

Best for:

• Outdoor use or longer distances where you may need to rest.
• Individuals who require maximum support for balance and mobility.

2. Rollator Frame: Easier Manoeuvrability Indoors

The rollator frame, often equipped with two wheels, is a lighter, more compact version of the walker. It’s ideal for indoor use, offering easier manoeuvrability in tight spaces. The rollator is best for those who need moderate support but prefer a more lightweight and flexible walking aid.

How to Use:

• Push the frame forward with both hands while walking.
• Use it to support your weight as needed but avoid leaning too far forward.
• Adjust the handle height for a comfortable walking posture.

Best for:

• Indoor mobility, especially in smaller or more confined spaces.
• Users who need moderate support with a lightweight frame.

3. Walking Stick: Lightweight and Minimal Support

The walking stick or cane offers the least amount of support and is perfect for people who experience mild mobility issues or occasional balance problems. Walking sticks are lightweight, making them ideal for short distances and for those who only require minimal assistance.

How to Use:

• Hold the stick on the side opposite the weaker leg or injury.
• Move the stick forward in sync with the weaker leg to provide balance.
• Ensure the stick’s height is adjusted so your elbow is slightly bent while holding it.

Best for:

• Short distances or outdoor walks.
• Individuals with minor balance issues or joint pain.

Key Differences Between Walking Aids

• Support Level: The four-wheeled walker offers the most support, followed by the rollator frame, with the walking stick providing the least.
• Manoeuvrability: Walking sticks are the easiest to manoeuvre, while four-wheeled walkers are better suited for outdoor use. Rollators provide a middle-ground solution, offering moderate support with improved indoor manoeuvrability.
• Portability: Walking sticks are the lightest and most portable, while rollator frames are easier to manage than bulky four-wheeled walkers.

How to Get a Walker & Choosing the Right One

Acquiring a walker requires careful consideration of your mobility needs and lifestyle. Here’s how you can go about it:

1. Consult a Physiotherapist: It’s essential to consult a physiotherapist before choosing a walker. A physiotherapist can assess your mobility, balance, and strength, ensuring you select the right walking aid for your situation.
2. At Health Next Door, our experienced mobile physiotherapists offer in-home consultations, guiding you through the selection process. They will help determine which walker best suits your lifestyle, whether you need maximum support with a four-wheeled walker or lighter assistance with a walking stick.
3. Prescription and Fitting: After your physiotherapist’s assessment, they may write a prescription for the appropriate walker. They’ll also help you ensure that the height and handles of the walker are adjusted to your specific body dimensions.
4. Purchase or Rent: Walkers can be purchased or rented from mobility aid suppliers. Depending on your situation, you may also be eligible for funding through programs like NDIS, Medicare, or private insurance to cover the costs of the walker.

Choosing the Right Walker

The right walking aid can greatly improve your independence and safety. When choosing a walker, consider the following:

• Level of support you need: Do you need substantial help with balance, or is your need more occasional and minimal?
• Your environment: Will you be using the walker mostly indoors or outdoors? How much space do you have to maneuverer?
• Portability: Do you need a walker that’s easy to transport or store?

If you’re unsure, it’s always best to consult a physiotherapist for professional advice. They can guide you through selecting the best walker and teach you how to use it safely to prevent injury.