How do I get someone to use a walker?: A Comprehensive Guide

Falls are a leading cause of injury for adults 65 and older, with more than one in four experiencing a fall each year. When a loved one is at risk but resists using a mobility device, understanding how do I get someone to use a walker becomes a crucial and sensitive task.

Quick Summary

Successfully encouraging a loved one to use a walker requires empathy and understanding their resistance, emphasizing the benefits to their independence, and involving healthcare professionals to provide a trusted recommendation. Allow them to feel in control by personalizing their choice and practicing patiently.

Key Points

• Empathize, don't command: Understand the emotional reasons for resistance, such as fear of losing independence or feeling embarrassed, and address them with compassion.

• Involve trusted professionals: A doctor or physical therapist can provide an authoritative, neutral recommendation and offer proper training to build confidence.

• Let them choose: Allow your loved one to have a say in selecting the walker type, style, and accessories to give them a sense of control and ownership.

• Practice gradually: Begin using the walker in a controlled, safe environment at home before attempting public or challenging areas, building confidence slowly.

• Focus on independence, not limitation: Frame the walker as a tool that enables them to stay active and mobile, helping them continue hobbies and outings they enjoy.

• Personalize the device: Encourage decorating the walker with personal touches to make it feel less like a medical device and more like an extension of their personality.

Understanding the Psychology of Walker Resistance

Before you can help, you must first understand the reasons for their hesitation. Many older adults resist using a walker not out of stubbornness, but from a complex mix of emotional and psychological factors. These include:

The Fear of Losing Independence

To many, a walker symbolizes a loss of youth, health, and independence. They may feel it marks them as 'old' or 'handicapped.' Frame the conversation around how a walker enables independence rather than takes it away. Explain that using the device will allow them to continue doing the things they love—like going to the grocery store or walking in the park—safely and for longer.

The Stigma of Being Perceived as Frail

Social stigma plays a significant role. Your loved one might worry about how they will be perceived by friends and family. This is a matter of pride. You can counter this by pointing out that mobility aids are common and that their use is a sign of being proactive and wise about their health, not frail. Personalizing the walker with decals, colored tape, or stylish accessories can also help make it feel more like a personal item and less like a sterile medical device.

Fear of Falling, Even With the Walker

Paradoxically, some people fear falling even more when using a new device. They may feel unsteady or think the walker will tip over. This fear is best addressed with professional guidance. A physical therapist can provide training and build confidence through supervised practice in a safe environment.

Expert Strategies for Encouraging Walker Use

1. Involve Their Healthcare Team

One of the most effective strategies is to involve a trusted medical authority. A physical therapist or doctor can make a recommendation that is seen as objective and based on professional expertise, not just a concerned family member's suggestion. They can explain the medical necessity and benefits, which often carries more weight.

2. Communicate with Empathy and Respect

Choose a calm, private moment for the conversation, and approach it with empathy. Instead of starting with "You need a walker," try phrases like:

• "I've noticed you seem a little unsteady sometimes, and I'm worried about you."
• "A walker could help you feel more confident and safe when you walk around."
• "What are your concerns about using a walker? I'm here to listen."

3. Make it a Shared Decision

Give your loved one a sense of control by including them in the decision-making process. Take them to a medical supply store to browse different models, or look online together. Discuss the pros and cons of different features, like wheels, seats, and baskets. When they are part of the process, they are more likely to accept the outcome.

A Comparison of Popular Walker Types

Choosing the right walker is key to ensuring comfort, safety, and compliance. The right type depends on your loved one's specific needs.

Feature	Standard Walker	Two-Wheeled Walker	Rollator (4-Wheeled)
Best For	Maximum stability and weight-bearing support, often post-surgery or for very limited mobility.	Those needing some support but with difficulty lifting a standard walker.	Active users needing balance support for longer distances; requires more balance control.
Movement	Must be lifted with every step, providing stability but requiring more energy.	Front wheels allow easier gliding, while back legs provide friction for safety.	Glides easily and quickly; equipped with hand brakes for stopping.
Features	No wheels; may have tennis ball glides for easier movement on surfaces.	Adjustable height, sometimes foldable.	Seat, storage pouch or basket, handbrakes, adjustable height.
Considerations	Requires good upper body strength; slow pace.	Less stability than a standard walker; still requires some arm strength.	Can move too quickly for some users; requires good balance and cognitive awareness to use brakes.

Practical Steps for Successful Adoption

Practice in a Safe Space

Start in a controlled, safe environment like a hallway with clear paths. Practice walking short distances. As they grow more comfortable, expand the practice area. This gradual approach minimizes anxiety.

Create a Walker-Friendly Home

Ensure the home environment is optimized for walker use. This includes:

1. Removing loose rugs and clearing clutter from hallways.
2. Securing electrical cords and other tripping hazards.
3. Making sure there is enough room for the walker to maneuver, especially in tight spaces like bathrooms.
4. Improving lighting, especially along frequently traveled paths.

Focus on the Benefits, Not the Ailment

Continually reinforce the positive aspects. Focus on increased mobility, fall prevention, and the ability to continue their favorite hobbies. Remind them that it's a tool for an active life, not a symbol of decline.

Provide Ongoing Encouragement and Support

The transition to using a walker can be emotional. Be patient, offer consistent praise for their efforts, and celebrate small victories. Your unwavering support is often the most important factor in their success.

Conclusion

Encouraging a loved one to use a walker is a deeply personal and often challenging journey. By approaching the situation with empathy, involving healthcare professionals, and making the process collaborative, you can help them overcome their resistance. Remember, the goal is not to force a tool upon them but to empower them to maintain their independence, dignity, and safety for years to come. For more information on safely using a mobility aid, consult resources like the MedlinePlus medical encyclopedia.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my loved one refuses to use the walker I bought?

If they refuse the one you purchased, they may have an emotional attachment to their perceived independence or feel resentful about not being consulted. Involve them in picking out a different model or customizing the existing one to give them more control.

How can I make the walker feel less like a medical device?

Personalize it! Encourage them to add colorful tape, stickers, or attach a stylish basket or bag. Focusing on the practical benefits, such as the seat for resting or a bag for carrying items, can also help.

My parent has memory issues and forgets to use their walker. What should I do?

Place the walker in an accessible, highly visible location. Attach a simple, bold reminder sign, and use consistent verbal cues like, 'Here is your walker, let's use it to get up.' In some cases, a doctor or occupational therapist can provide specific strategies for memory-impaired individuals.

Is a wheeled walker or a standard walker better for balance?

For maximum stability and balance, a standard walker (without wheels) is often recommended because the user must lift it with each step. Wheeled walkers and rollators are easier to push but require more balance control, as they can roll away if not properly handled or braked.

How can a physical therapist help my loved one accept a walker?

A physical therapist can objectively assess their mobility needs, recommend the correct walker, and, most importantly, provide hands-on training. They can teach safe and effective walking techniques, building confidence and reducing the fear of falling.

What if they only use it at home but refuse to take it outside?

This is a common issue related to social stigma. Start by taking small steps. Begin with a short trip to a trusted location, like a neighbor's house or a quiet park, with a patient and supportive companion. Gradually increase the distance and public exposure as their confidence grows.

How do I ensure their walker is the correct height?

When the person stands inside the walker with their arms at their sides, the handgrips should be level with the crease in their wrist. When holding the grips, their elbows should have a slight bend (about 15 degrees). An incorrectly sized walker can cause poor posture and instability.