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A four-wheeled walker is a walking aid which is for outdoor use only.
It gives you more support than a walking stick and helps to conserve your energy.
In addition, it has a seat which can be used to rest on and a basket to carry shopping.
In this short tutorial, we'll show you how to use this piece of equipment.
Firstly, the walker needs to be at the correct height.
Stand with your arm by your side, and then bend your elbow to a 45-degree angle.
Measure from the wrist to the floor. Take this measurement as the height of the handgrips.
The height should be set so that your feet are flat on the floor at all times.
Follow the supplier's instructions for adjusting and maintaining.
There are a number of safety considerations.
Keep the walker close to your body. As there are four wheels the walker could easily move
away from you leading you to overbalance and fall, particularly down hills.
To counter this, use the brakes to control the speed and distance from your body.
When you come to sit down, it is essential that the walker is up against a wall so that
should it move when you sit down it cannot slide away from under you.
Always lock the brakes before sitting down. Turn around and gently sit down.
Lift the brake to release the locking mechanism.
When you fold the walker up, remember to keep your fingers clear of moving parts.
Walk normally, keeping the walker close to you as you push it.
Three-wheeled walkers are also available which have the advantage of being able to be used
indoors. The disadvantage is that the three-wheeled design may be less stable.
Remember to check your equipment regularly. If available, always check any instructions
provided by your supplier. Always seek assistance if you are having difficulty.