How To Use a Walker With Wheels: Safety and Movement Recommendations

Walkers are a great tool to prevent falls, increase independence, and aid in recovery.

But learning to use a walker with wheels may feel overwhelming as you must relearn how to do things like walking or sitting again with this new contraption. It may even feel like it’s more of a burden than a help.

After all, the walker is supposed to help prevent injuries — not cause more! It is important to know how to use a walker with wheels properly and safely.

To help give you and your loved ones, peace of mind, we’ve created this guide to show you the difference between walker types, how to use each type, as well as how to use a walker with wheels safely.

Table of Contents

• Standard Walkers vs. Wheeled Walkers
• How To Use a Rolling Walker Properly
• Additional Suggestions on How to Use a Walker With Wheels by Walker Type
• Benefits of Assisted Living Facilities for Seniors Who Rely on Walkers
• Senior Services of America: Assisted Living Facilities That Prioritize the Safety of Our Residents 

Standard Walkers vs. Wheeled Walkers

It may feel overwhelming with so many walker types to choose from. So let’s break it down- there are two main types of walkers: 

• Standard Walkers: This type does not have wheels. There are rubber tips on each leg. It requires the user to lift the walker and move it forward with each step. This walker is considered the most stable.
• Wheeled Walkers: This type of walker has two to four wheels on the legs. This type is easier for users to maneuver. The wheels on the legs do not require the user to lift the walker when taking steps forward. A “rollator” is another term to describe walkers with three to four wheels. 

Let’s look at the three different types of wheeled walkers a little more closely:

1. Two-Wheel Walker: This type of walker has two wheels on the front legs and rubber-tipped legs on the rear legs. This allows the user to support some of their weight while moving. It also allows the user to be able to stand more upright.
2. Three-Wheel Walker: This type of walker has one wheel in the front and two wheels on the back legs. The triangular frame provides continuous balance. This allows the user to easily maneuver in small spaces and is more lightweight.
3. Four-Wheel Walker: As the name suggests, this walker has wheels on all four legs. It provides the most support among wheeled walkers. Most come with a seat for the user to rest if needed and often have a place to store the user’s belongings.

How To Use a Rolling Walker Properly

Once you and your doctor or physical therapist have picked out a walker, learning how to use the rolling walker properly is the next step. Here are some general tips regardless of what type of walker you use:

• Before applying your weight, make sure all wheels and/or legs of the walker are on the ground.
• Keep your eyes forward, not down at your feet.
• Ensure the walker is fitted to your height. The handles should reach hip level. Consult your doctor or physical therapist if you need assistance.
• Use the handles and keep your arms in front of you with your elbows slightly bent. Do not keep the walker too close to your body or too far in front of you.  
• Check your surroundings, look for items on the ground and uneven surfaces. Always wear shoes with non-skid soles.

Moving With a Rolling Walker

The wheels on the walker allow you to push the walker as you move forward. Here are some tips for how to walk with your rolling walker:

• Step forward with your weaker leg (if applicable) and push the walker forward. Alternate legs as you step forward.
• Take small steps and keep the walker at arm’s distance with your elbows slightly bent.
• Take it slowly and carefully.
• Maintain your posture with your eyes cast forward, not on the ground.
• Keep all wheels and legs on the ground as you apply weight.
• If your walker has hand brakes, apply the brakes as necessary to maintain control.

Turning With a Rolling Walker

Once you understand the basics of moving with a rolling walker, you will need to know how to turn with the walker. If there is a lot of space to turn, take small, slow steps as you steer the rolling walker. Take the turn wide.

If the space is small, requiring a tight turn, you may need to lift the walker to turn. Before stepping forward, make sure all the legs and wheels are on the ground. You may need to lift the walker several times if the space is tight.

Transitioning From Sitting to Standing and Vice Versa With a Rolling Walker

To stand up with a wheeled walker from a sitting position, you’ll want to take the following steps:

1. Have the walker in front of you with your legs inside the frame.
2. Press both hands on the armrest of the chair or on the surface where you are sitting and push yourself up. Lean forward slightly.
3. Do not push up from the handles of your walker. This will cause the walker to tip and increase your risk of a fall.  
4. Place your hands on the grips of your walker once you are standing.
5. Before walking, ensure all legs and wheels are on the ground.

To sit down with a wheeled walker, you should:

1. Slowly, walk backward into the chair where you will sit and stop when the back of your legs reaches the chair or surface.
2. Reach one hand back to the armrest or surface and then repeat with the other hand.
3. Slowly lower yourself down and avoid plopping!

Rolling Walker Safety 

Preventing falls is our top priority when using a walker. While using a walker with wheels is supposed to be a mobility aid and provide support to reduce the risk of falling, walkers actually can be dangerous if not used properly.

Here are tips to keep you safe when using your rolling walker:

• Check your surroundings. Uneven surfaces, items or cords on the floor, wet surfaces, and area or floor rugs are all sources of falls with a rolling walker. The CDC has a handy checklist for identifying hazards in your home.
• Check your walker for wear and tear. The wheels and the rubber tips may need to be replaced. Replacement parts can be ordered.
• Wear proper shoes. Wearing non-slip shoes or shoes with good traction will reduce the risk of falling.
• Know your limits. Staying active is very important and walkers can certainly help with that! But it is important to not overextend yourself. Take breaks from walking with your walker as needed.
• Ask for help! Most people are more than willing to help if you ask. Ask someone to bring the walker closer to you or help you position it if you are trying to get up.

Our facilities are designed with safety in mind– all while making our residents feel at home! 

Wide hallways, even surfaces, and roll-in showers are intended for residents with rolling walkers. Our full-time staff is committed to helping our residents when they need it and is dedicated to keeping the facility free of potential hazards. 

How To Use a Walker with Wheels on Stairs

Using a walker with wheels on the stairs is not safe. But avoiding a single step, such as a curb, may be unavoidable.  

To go up on a step or a curb, it is suggested that you: 

1. Lift the walker on the step or curb and place it in front of you.
2. Make sure all wheels and legs are on the floor.
3. Place hands on the grip of the walker. Step up using your strong leg first as you apply your weight to the walker. Bring your weaker leg up the step last.

To go down a step or a curb:

1. Place the walker on the step or curb below you.
2. As always, make sure all wheels and legs are on the floor.
3. Step down using your weaker leg first. Apply your weight on the walker. Bring down your other leg.  

Additional Suggestions on How to Use a Walker with Wheels by Walker Type

Let’s look at specific tips on how to use a walker with wheels for each walker type.

Specific Tips on How to Use a Walker with Front Wheels Only

Front-wheel walkers allow you to stand upright more and apply weight to the walker. Since there are no wheels on the back of this type of walker, you can push the walker or lift the walker as you take small steps.

Specific Tips on How to Use a Walker With 4 Wheels

Most walkers with 4 wheels have brakes. It is important to apply the brakes when transferring to sitting or standing up.

You can also gently apply the brakes to maintain control while walking.

Specific Tips on How to Use a Walker With 3 Wheels

While 3-wheeled walkers are great because it is easier to navigate narrow spaces, it comes at a cost. This type of walker is the least stable. Since there are only three legs, it is easy to tip.

Like other walkers, it is important to use the brakes when transferring.

Specific Tips on How to Use a Walker with Wheels and Seat

One useful feature of many walkers is a built-in seat! This provides the user with a great place to rest as needed.

But as discussed previously, it’s important to know how to use a walker with wheels and a seat to reduce the risk of injury. Follow these simple steps:

1. Lock the brakes on the walker and ensure all wheels and legs are on the ground.  
2. Slowly and carefully turn around so the walker is behind you.
3. Like sitting down in a chair, back up to the seat until the back of your legs touches the seat.
4. Using the handles for balance and stability, slowly lower yourself down.

Benefits of Assisted Living Facilities for Seniors Who Rely on Walkers

Accessibility

One important thing to consider is whether living independently at home is the safest option. You should consider your home and whether you can safely navigate with a walker.

Assisted living facilities are specifically designed to accommodate walkers of all types- promoting independence and safety.

Senior Services of America communities are equipped with low-profile flooring, wide hallways and doorways, and accessible bathrooms. Dining facilities and common areas are spacious to navigate with a walker. This allows for all individuals to be able to participate in activities.

On-Site Mobility Therapy

Balance and posture are very important when using a walker. Working with a Physical Therapist (PT) may be beneficial.

A PT will do a fall risk assessment and can identify gait patterns. PTs can then prescribe targeted exercises to improve balance and posture while using a walker.

At many of our facilities, we offer physical therapy onsite. If you need PT outside the facility or need to go to any other medical appointments, our transportation is accessible for individuals using walkers. 

Senior Services of America: Assisted Living Facilities That Prioritize the Safety of Our Residents

At Senior Services of America, we understand the importance of maintaining independence. We are committed to making our facilities accessible for all residents while prioritizing their safety. 

Our facilities are carefully and thoughtfully designed to accommodate all types of walkers. Residents can fully enjoy our communal areas as they are all walker-accessible and we cater to the needs of our residents by ensuring that our activities and outings are accessible to all. Our trained staff is committed to maintaining a safe environment for our residents while encouraging independence. 

Find your nearest community to learn more.