Accessibility: Is Your Walker Safe?

To begin walking     

• Adjust your walker to the correct height  
• Roll the walker forward as you take steps into the centre of the walker   

Learn to use the hand brakes correctly 

• To lock brakes, push down on brake handles  
• To unlock, pull up on handles and release  
• To slow down, pull up and squeeze hand brakes   

To sit on the seat of the walker 

• Lock the brakes  
• Turn around slowly, transfer one hand to the opposite walker handle
• Keep hands on both handles as you sit down  

When standing up from a chair or bed 

• Position walker in front of you and lock the brakes  
• Push up from the bed or chair; the walker could tip if you pull on it  
• Unlock brakes before you start walking  

To transfer to a chair 

• Walk to the chair and turn around using the walker  
• Back up to the chair until your legs touch the seat  
• Lock the brakes, reach for the armrest for support, and sit down  

- - - - - -  

Using a Cane Safely 

Walking with a cane 

• If you have a “bad” leg (weakness or pain) hold the cane opposite the “bad” leg.  If not, use the cane on your strong side  
• Always move the cane and the opposite leg together  
• Replace worn rubber tips  
• Attach an ice pick in the winter  

 Going up the stairs 

• Take the first step with your strong leg  
• Then move the cane and the “bad” leg to the same step   

Going down the stairs 

• Take the first step down with the cane and the “bad” leg  
• Then lower the strong leg to that same step  

For more information, please call the Halton Region Health Department at 905.825.6060 ext. 7113, toll free: 1.866.442.5866 or visit their site.   

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