7
Proper Use of the Walker
WARNING:
DO NOT use the walker near an open flame or an extreme heat
source.
Use only parts, accessories and adapters authorized by the manufacturer.
DO NOT use the walker with any unintentionally missing or abnormal parts.
Never use on an incline unassisted.
Use only on flooring or a smooth ground surface void of obstacles.
Use with extreme caution on rugs.
Center of Balance
WARNING:
The point where the walker will tip forward, tip backward or to the
side depends on the center of balance and stability. Follow the instructions in
regard to center of balance to avoid a fall or injury to the user and/or care
provider.
To avoid a fall or tip over, the user should have someone help them until they know the balance
points of the walker and how to avoid a tip over.
The center of balance and stability of your walker are affected by:
1.
A shift in the user’s body position, posture or weight distribution.
2.
Using the walker on a sloped surface.
Doorways and Obstacles
Make sure the floor area where this walker will be used is level and free of obstacles. The user
and/or care provider may need to remove or cover threshold strips between doors. A ramp may
need to be installed at some doors.
The user needs to keep both hands on the handles. If he or she fails to do so, they may lose
control of the walker and tip over.
When the user is maneuvering the walker they should not propel the walker by pushing or
pulling on an object. He or she should make sure to never pull themselves though a doorway by
grabbing the doorjambs with one or both hands.
To help correct the center of balance of the walker the user should lean his or her upper body
forward slightly as the walker goes up and over an obstacle or press his or her upper body
backward as the walker declines from a higher to a lower level.
