Walking frames Tāparepare hīkoi
A walking frame makes walking safer if you have reduced mobility. It can help you get around your house more easily and out into the community. Find out what to look for in a walking frame and how to use one.
Deciding to use a walking frame
People are often reluctant to consider using a walking frame. They may wait until a health professional tells them to use one or they feel so unsafe walking that they have no choice. But a frame can be just another tool to help you enjoy life. It can help you walk further, for longer, and keep doing the things you love.
Some people choose to use a frame so they can get out into the community, and others find they need one to get around the house.
Funding for walking frames
If you cannot walk safely within your own home, you may be able to get a walking frame through Health New Zealand. Ask your healthcare provider to refer you to a physiotherapist who can give you advice about your mobility and assess you for a funded walking frame.
If you are buying a frame yourself, it can be expensive, so it is important you get the right one. You may like to print off this guide to help you make a choice.
Guide to choosing a walking frame
Walking frames come in different shapes and sizes and meet a range of needs. It is important to know what you are looking for before you buy one.
Think about why you need a walking frame and where you are likely to use it.
- If it will be indoors and you have a small house, you will need a small frame that turns easily.
- If you are going to use it for long walks outside on rough ground, you will need a sturdy frame with large wheels and possibly a seat.
Most frames are four-wheeled, and this is a safe, stable option.
A three-wheeled frame might be recommended for very small houses but they are less stable and may not be safe if you have trouble with your balance. It is possible to get some very small, stable four-wheeled options for small environments.
Some walking frames have 4 stoppers instead of wheels. These are great for people who walk slowly and have poor balance or difficulty taking weight on their legs. They are very safe as they cannot run away, but they do limit walking speed as you need to lift them forward at each step.
If you will only use your frame indoors or on very flat surfaces, you may not need brakes. Brakes are useful if:
- you will ever go up or down a slope or steps
- you sometimes walk too quickly and need to slow down (for example, if you have Parkinson disease).
If you have a walking frame with brakes, make sure you can easily put the brakes on and take them off again.
A seat can be very useful if you get tired or breathless when out walking. It can allow you to go further and with more confidence, as you will be able to stop and rest. On the negative side, a seat means a bigger, bulkier frame that is further away from you and can cause you to lean forward a little.
Remember that the seats on walking frames are not designed to be sat on for a long time. Do not sit on your frame and have somebody push you. If you often need someone to push you, consider buying or hiring a wheelchair.
Most walking frames can be folded. If you will need to take your frame out in a car or taxi, you should check that it folds neatly and is not too heavy to lift into a car boot.
A basket or bag can be very useful if you are going out to the shops. But they add extra weight and bulk to your frame. Look for a basket or bag that you can easily take off when you do not need it.
If you use a frame indoors, a basket and tray combination is great for keeping things close by, like your phone, tissues, your book, or other items you need. But be careful not to overload the frame.
You can get a range of accessories for your frame such as:
- armrests
- single arm steering options
- oxygen bottle holder
- comfortable handles for arthritic hands.
Talk to the supplier about all your needs. You can also be assessed by a physiotherapist to help you decide on the best options for you.
It is important your frame is the right height for you. If it is too low, you will start leaning forward, and if it is too high, it will not provide the proper support. When you push your frame, your elbows should be slightly bent, and your shoulders should not be hunched up.
If you are not sure if your frame is at the right height, ask a physiotherapist to check it for you.
Using a walking frame
There are different techniques for using a walking frame depending on the type of frame and the person using it. But there are some techniques and tips that will help you get the most out of your walking frame, no matter what make or model it is.
Prepare your home
Make sure your home is free of loose rugs, trailing electric cords, cluttered floors and other things that could get in your way and trip you up.
If you have stairs, buy separate frames for using upstairs and downstairs – do not try to take your frame up and down the stairs.
Things to do
- Keep the walking frame near where you sit so you do not have to walk to get it.
- When you are walking, keep the frame as close to you as possible.
- Be careful around pets, as they can get in the way of the frame and trip you up.
- Make sure you know how the brakes work and how to lock them – you will need to lock the brakes before sitting on the seat if your frame has one.
- Whenever you use the frame, make sure you are wearing supportive footwear.
- If your frame has a tray, make sure it is level so drinks do not spill when you use it.
- Make sure you know how to attach and remove the basket and tray
- Make sure you know how to fold and unfold the frame for when you need to put it in a car.
- Get your frame checked regularly for signs of wear and tear by whoever supplied it to you.
Things to avoid
- Do not use the frame to pull yourself up from a chair as you could end up pulling it on top of yourself. You should push yourself up using the arms of the chair and hold the frame once you are standing.
Getting into and out of a chair - Never use the frame on a wet floor because the wheels or stoppers may slip.
If you need help learning the best way to use your frame, you can ask a physiotherapist or occupational therapist to visit you in your own home to make sure you are getting things right.
Getting a walking frame
Age Concern has a directory of businesses and organisations that supply disability and mobility equipment for people of all ages.