Walking frames and wheeled walkers are extremely helpful walking aids for those with reduced mobility due to a health condition, injury or old age. They provide extra stability and support for people who require it, allowing them to get around the house and complete daily tasks independently and safely.
The newly developed Walk Safe® is an innovative front-wheeled walker offering enhanced mobility, stability, and safety in a lightweight, ergonomic design. Knowing how to use a walking frame with wheels correctly is essential for ensuring your safety, comfort, and confidence, and it allows you to fully benefit from all the incredible features of the Walk Safe® walking frame.
Read our guide to learn how to use the Walk Safe® properly.
The benefits of using the Walk Safe® correctly
Using a walking frame or wheeled walker correctly helps to prevent falls, avoids unnecessary strain and exertion, and improves mobility and independence.
The Walk Safe® was designed with user safety and comfort in mind, backed by years of research conducted by NRS Healthcare and the University of Salford, and tested by physiotherapists. Its large swivel front wheels with a patented Magnetic Directional Bias, rear gliders, and pressure brakes ensure that you can navigate and manoeuvre the frame safely around your home, while the cushioned upper handles and lower handles allow for a comfortable, stable grip.
Learning to use the Walk Safe® will allow you to benefit from its features and effortlessly navigate around your home.
How to use a walking frame with wheels
Setting up the Walk Safe®
Before you start walking with the NRS Healthcare Walk Safe® walking frame, it is essential to adjust it to fit comfortably around your body. It comes in two sizes, medium or tall, and is height and width adjustable to ensure an ergonomic fit. You can also add accessories to your frame, like the Buckingham Caddy, to carry items hands-free. Once your Walk Safe® has been properly set up and adjusted, you’re ready to be on the move.
Walking with the Walk Safe®
The Walk Safe® is used just like any other wheeled walking frame but provides added stability and manoeuvrability. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use it.
Standing up and sitting down
- Before you stand, ensure you are wearing suitable footwear, lean forward whilst sitting (remembering "nose over toes" is helpful!) and use the lower handles of the Walk Safe® to push down on, then stand.
- Once you’re balanced, move your hands to the upper handles of the frame.
- To sit down, turn with the frame until the bed or chair touches the back of your legs.
- Push down and use the support of the lower handles (or the arms of your chair) to slowly lower yourself into your seat.
- Reach down with each arm, one at a time, to hold on to the chair’s arms or the bed’s grab rails.
Walking
- Once you’re standing and feel stable, glide the Walk Safe® one step ahead, taking care not to overexert yourself or place it too far away.
- Walk towards the frame.
- Repeat steps 1 and 2.
- If you can only partially weight bear, after step 1, place your injured/weaker leg in the middle of the Walk Safe® walking frame, resting most of your weight on the frame's handles.
- Step forward with your healthy leg, slightly past the injured/weaker leg, without stepping too far inside the frame.
- Repeat steps 1, 4 and 5.
- To turn corners, simply turn the Walk Safe® in the direction you’re going; the large swivel wheels allow you to easily turn without lifting the frame.
When walking, take care not to place the frame too far in front of you and not to step too far into it. If at any point you feel less stable, apply more weight onto the Walk Safe® to activate the pressure brakes and safely stop. Get moving again when you feel more balanced.
Using the stairs
Never use a walking frame to go up or down stairs; you should have a second frame for upstairs use.
Outdoor use
Walking frames and wheeled walkers like the Walk Safe® are designed for indoor use only. If you require extra assistance and support when outdoors, browse our range of mobility aids and walking aids.
Difference between the Walk Safe® and traditional wheeled walkers
Walk Safe® stands out from traditional walking frames and wheeled walkers, as it is expertly designed to provide greater safety, stability, comfort and manoeuvrability.
Traditional walking frames are usually less ergonomic, requiring you to stoop over them. They also require lifting over certain surfaces and turns, which can be challenging if you have reduced strength and mobility, increasing your risk of falls and injury.
The Walk Safe® fixes this issue with large front swivel wheels and rear gliders, allowing you to move from surface to surface, cross thresholds, and easily take turns. It also features unique pressure-sensitive brakes, which activate automatically when you lean on the frame, giving more security and stability. It is height and width adjustable for added comfort and support, with cushioned upper handles and lower handles for sitting and standing.
The Walk Safe® helps you stay balanced and walk longer distances without fatigue, making it a more user-friendly choice for daily use.
Find your ideal mobility aid at Complete Care Shop
Find out more about the advanced, user-friendly Walk Safe® in our Walk Safe® guide, and discover how its innovative design can help make life easier.
Complete Care Shop aims to provide high-quality living aids to improve your quality of life, safety, comfort and independence. Browse our wide selection of mobility aids to find the ideal one for your needs and lifestyle. If you need any guidance, get in touch with our Occupational Therapists for expert product advice or contact us.
