If you use a rollator to help you get around, make sure you learn about proper safety. This type of mobility aid is designed to provide assistance to those who have trouble standing or walking. These walking aids are commonly used among seniors, patients with chronic medical conditions, and those who are recovering from an injury or surgery. If you’re looking for some helpful rollator safety tips, you’ve come to the right place. Keep reading for more details, then swing by and see us at Anderson Home Health Supplies! We look forward to assisting you.
How to Sit & Stand Safely
If you’re not careful, your rollator may tip when you go to stand up. As a general rule of thumb, you should avoid putting all your body weight on the rollator. Additionally, you should not attempt to pull yourself up out of a seat using your walking aid as it may tip over.
You’ll want to use your legs to stand and only push your arms down on the rollator. This will feel more natural than if you were to force your rollator to handle all of your body weight while standing. Not to mention that it’s also much safer.
When sitting down on the rollator seat or another chair, you should also use your legs. Your equipment can provide a bit of assistance, but you don’t want to lose your center of gravity by putting too much pressure on it. The best way to remain safe and prevent tipping or falling is to avoid putting all of your weight on the rollator.
Use Caution With Obstacles & Turns
Navigating around obstacles and executing turns can be challenging for first-time users. Reducing your speed is the best way to handle unexpected obstacles. If you’re going too fast as you try to maneuver around an obstacle, you may be at risk of falling.
When turning, go slowly and avoid twisting your back with your rollator. This could lead you to fall or pull a muscle. You should also avoid pivoting your body away from the equipment as you turn. You don’t want to lose the ability to balance yourself, so move with the rollator without straining yourself.
Take it Slow & Steady
Having a way to move around quickly can be a huge relief for those with mobility issues. However, you don’t want to go so fast that you put yourself in danger, which leads us to our next rollator safety tip. It’s easy to lose control of your rollator, which can cause an accident. You may also lose your center of gravity and fall, so it’s always best to take it slow and steady.
Use the Brakes
Another rollator safety tip that may come in handy is to use the brakes to your advantage. For instance, keeping your fingers on the brakes allows you to respond quickly to any obstacles that you may encounter. If not, you may not be able to engage the brakes in time. When you’re not using your equipment, lock the brakes. This is especially important when sitting or standing. If not, your rollator may roll away from you when you need it the most.
We hope our tips have been useful. When you’re ready to browse our rollators for sale in Tampa, FL, be sure to visit Anderson Home Health Supplies. We proudly serve those in Brandon, Dunedin, and Oldsmar. Our team looks forward to assisting you!