With spring now upon us, many people are looking forward to the warmer weather and the increased opportunity to get out and about. It’s therefore the perfect time to make sure your mobility aids are in full working order so you can get the most out of them this season.

Rollators & Walkers

Rollators and walkers can be the key to confidence and mobility for those who use them, so make sure yours is in top condition.

• Check brakes regularly to make sure they’re working properly. If they aren’t, be sure to get them fixed immediately.
• Carry out frequent visual inspections and check for any damage or general wear and tear. You may be able to cover cosmetic nicks and scratches with a felt tip pen, but more significant damage will need to be repaired professionally.
• Check the tips and wheels of your walker on a regular basis and replace them if they’re worn down as this can lead to slipping. You can shop our range of tips and wheels here.
• Check the casters to ensure they’re not too loose and that the wheels aren’t stuck and unable to move freely.
• Wipe high-touch areas such as handles down regularly with disinfectant wipes to avoid the spread of germs.
• Take your walker to the next level with the right accessories. Trays, baskets, and bags can be attached to your walker for easy carrying. A drinks holder can help you stay hydrated while you’re out and about. Meanwhile, a cane holder can help you take your cane with you, which can be useful for accessing smaller spaces where your walker may not fit.

Canes

If a cane is your mobility aid of choice, keep it well maintained using the suggestions below.

• After you’ve been outside, dust off any dirt and dust with a dry, microfibre cloth. If you’ve been somewhere particularly muddy, wipe it down with a damp cloth and soapy water.
• Metal shouldn’t be left damp for too long, so make sure to dry your cane off thoroughly and store it in a cool, dry place.
• While you’re wiping down your cane, check for nicks, scratches, and broken parts, paying particular attention to the rubber tip and the handle. If the rubber tip is broken or worn down, it can lead to slipping, so make sure you replace it straight away. You can shop our range of replacement cane tips here.

Wheelchairs

For the most relevant tips on maintaining your wheelchair, check the manufacturers manual, which should have information specific to your model. Below are some general tips for keeping your wheelchair in working order.

• Possibly the most important part of your wheelchair, it’s essential that the tires and inner tubes are kept in good condition and at the correct pressure – which is often printed on the tire itself. Tire pressure should be checked every month and adjusted accordingly. If the pressure is too low, it will be difficult to manoeuvre, if it’s too high, tires may burst and will be worn down more quickly.
• Features such as the quick release mechanism, the anti-tip system, the screws, the self-locking joints, the footrest, and upholstery should be inspected every 3-4 months, at which time a thorough cleaning of the chair frame is advised.
• If your chair isn’t moving fluidly or it’s pulling to one side, there could be an issue with the front wheels. Check the angle at which the wheels are adjusted and ensure that they can both touch the ground and rotate freely.
• It’s recommended to take your wheelchair for annual checks with an authorized supplier, who will also be able to fix any broken parts.

Keeping your mobility aids in full working order is essential to help you move safely and with confidence throughout spring for the rest of the year.

Did you know?

You can speak to a Customer Service Representative at your nearest Wellwise by Shoppers™ location to learn about service options available in your area.

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The information presented in this blog post is designed for educational purposes only. You should not rely on any information on this post as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or as a substitute for professional counseling care. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, you should always consult with a physician or other healthcare professional.

Ressources

https://justwalkers.com/pages/walkers-tips

https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000342.htm

https://www.walking-canes.net/pages/howtocleanyourwalkingcane#:~:text=Wood%20Walking%20Canes%3A,may%20be%20glued%20back%20on.

https://fashionablecanes.com/pages/caring-for-your-cane

https://www.sunrisemedical.co.uk/blog/tips-maintenance-manual-wheelchair#:~:text=General%20wheelchair%20care%20and%20maintenance&text=Check%20every%203%2D4%20months,cleaned%20using%20soap%20and%20water.