Walking aid sizes
Walking aids are usually available in one or two different height ranges.
Rollators and walking frames may also come in different widths.
Now is a good time to look closely at the walking aids available to you.
This activity would be good to do in a group, but you can also do it on your own.
Activity
For each type of walking aid you have available:
1. Adjust the walking aid to:
- Maximum height
- Minimum height.
Tip: Depending on the walking aid, adjustment may be made by:
- Releasing a push pin
- Removing screws
- Cutting (e.g. for wooden walking sticks).
2. Measure the range of adjustment.
Tip: This will be the distance between the minimum and maximum height.
3. For the rollators and walking frames you may have available, find out if the width is adjustable.
Weight rating
Walking aids usually have a weight rating.
This is the maximum weight the walking aid can safely support.
Always check the weight rating of a walking aid before providing it to the person.
It is not safe to provide a walking aid if the person’s weight is greater than the weight rating of the walking aid.
Activity
Look for the weight rating for any of the walking aids available to you.
Tip: This may be written somewhere on the walking aid or you may find it on a supplier webpage.
Question
A person who weighs 85 kilograms needs elbow crutches. The elbow crutches you have available have a weight rating of 100kg. Is that weight rating suitable for the person?
Question
A person who weighs 115kg needs a walking frame. The walking frame you have available has a weight rating of 105kg. Is that weight rating suitable for the person?