This style of walking equipment offers the user additional postural support for gait training and rehabilitation. Sometimes complete recovery is not possible, or you may have an illness or disability that permanently affects your legs, balance or coordination. In these situations, mobility equipment may be required for long-term use. To ensure that the appropriate device is selected, your needs, your lifestyle and your home environment should be assessed. Pressure brakesThese are operated by downward pressure on a spring-loaded frame. This causes the motion of the rear wheels to be interrupted when the user is leaning on the frame. However, they may not be suitable for users who cannot push down heavily enough on the frame or for heavier users who may apply the brakes permanently For older adults and anyone living with a long-term health condition, the bathroom can be a hazardous place for slips and falls. Fortunately, there are precautionary steps everyone can take to minimise the risks of falls in the bathroom. Continue reading

As with other walking aids, the usual measurement to take is the distance between the wrist crease and the ground.

Charitable trusts may sometimes provide funding for equipment. Charities will only give awards in accordance with a predetermined criteria, so it is important that you carefully select the trusts you apply to. aidingyour walking pattern in terms of speed and evenness of stride. The equipment may also help maintain an upright body posture you also know how to counteract any possible long-term change it may make to your body, for example exercises and your positioning when at rest. We have rooms available for you to book – our assessment room and meeting room can both be booked using the room booking form on IRIS. If you do wish to book, please liaise with our clinical team about availability prior to completing the form. We support patients and/or their carers to prepare for a visit, including help to organise reasonable adjustments.

These frames have a central handgrip that enables the frame to be held/moved using one hand. Care should be taken if using a one-handed frame as it does not offer as much support as gripping the frame with both hands. Advice should be sought from a physiotherapist as using this sort of frame may have an adverse effect on some rehabilitation programmes. Consider the size of the frame base if it is going to be used in a domestic setting, as some may be too wide to go through small doorways. Frames with four legs that are spread widely apart will be the most stable but may be difficult to get through doorways. If the doorway is particularly narrow, the user may have to walk through sideways. Narrow four-legged frames are available, but are not as stable.Getting out for a walk can be a daunting prospect for your relative if their balance and strength isn’t quite what it used to be. Yet walking is a great way to keep fit and is something that can help with both of those issues. Continue reading The environments that you spend most time in - your home, college, work or social setting. Do you need to manage the stairs or access a small bathroom/toilet? The troughs and handgrips can be adjusted to find the most suitable and comfortable position. Alternatively, some walkers have a platform rather than individual gutter rests on which to rest the forearms and a vertical handgrip.