using the right mobility aid can reduce the risk of falling reduce pain compensate for neurological impairment and improve confidence unfortunately some of these aids are acquired through informal sources without seeking advice from a health professional as a general rule the larger the mobility aid the more stable it becomes however the trade-off is walking speed and access to different environments which is often reduced the most common type of wheeled Walker come with four wheels but some have two or three wheels try wheel walkers sometimes called Delta frames have a single front wheel and two rear wheels most models will have a seat basket and height adjustable handles there are two types of brake systems on wheeled Walker's cable or spring-loaded push down brakes the cable brakes can be locked prior to sitting or standing the majority of these Walker's will fold down for easy storage and transportation the user of this type of frame will need more support than a stick but can still walk reasonably will wait bare equally through both legs and can manage longer distances the aid can be used if a person lacks the upper limb strength to lift a frame wheeled Walker's should only be used on smooth level terrain people with Parkinson's disease may prefer wheeled frames instead of pickup frames patience should be wearing the appropriate Footwear standing in a natural position with arms hanging down by the side in this position the hand grips should be at the height of the wrist crease the person using this walkers should be standing upright once the user has established good balance brakes can be unlocked if applicable prior to walking when walking with the aid it's important to stay within its place of support with the frame at a comfortable position in front of the body the brakes can be used to slow the Walker down if required do not bend with the Walker too far in front this will lead to the person leaning too far forward and bending of the hips or back when turning try to avoid turning around on the spot it's important to walk in a wider turning circle the users feet should remain within the wheels when turning stepping outside of the wheels can reduce stability and increase the risk of tripping on the wheels do not pull on the handles of the Walker to stand up as it may over balance a much safer method is to push down on the bed or chair to stand upright it is also important not to sit in a chair or on a bed while still holding on to the four-wheeled Walker always feel for the arms of the chair or the bed before sitting down when sitting on the four wheeled Walker ensure the brakes have been applied first the full wheeled Walker is not a replacement for a wheelchair a person should not be transported while sitting on the seat as there is a high risk the Walker will tip over if the ground is uneven avoid overloading wheeled walkers for example shopping bags can make it harder to push and cause the Walker to tip mobility equipment must be inspected for signs of wear and tear always check for signs of bending deformity breakage or corrosion protruding or missing screws split or loose hand grips worn rubber tips the safe user weight limit sticker always wear well fitting Footwear and with non-slip soles no thongs loose slippers or socks when outdoors take care on wet or uneven surfaces frames should not be used on stairs when prescribing a mobility aid in the home check for and eliminate any trip hazards such as loose rugs power cords or cluttered furniture if the person using the mobility aid has stronger leg strength in one leg turned toward the stronger side to provide more support where possible these aids should all be prescribed by a trained health professional such as a physiotherapist or occupational therapist for more information contact your local hospital physiotherapy department other options in the community may include private providers local pharmacies or local health equipment suppliers you