Using a Walker

Table of Contents

Children sometimes need the assistance of a trained adult to utilize a walker for mobility. The instructional steps assist the registered nurse working under the auspices of the school or program in professional judgement and accountability of delegation. Additional steps may be required depending on the learner’s health needs.

Steps

  1. Verbalize your role to ensure safety
  2. Wash your hands. Have or help the student wash their hands.
    1. Students will likely have a properly fitted reverse walker.
    2. Help watch for obstacles and redirect the student or walker as needed.
    3. If the walker fit looks improper or their use seems unsafe, notify the student’s physical therapist, and school nurse.
  3. Check the fit of the walker for student’s height
    1. With the student standing erect and inline with the rear legs of the walker, the student’s elbows should be flexed at 20-30 degree angle when hands are on the grips
  4. Monitor gait
    1. Use the arms to move the walker forward 6-8 inches without flexing the trunk forward
    2. Move the weaker leg first while bearing weight on the walker
    3. Move the stronger leg even with the first
    4. Student’s body should not touch the crossbar
    5. Watch for obstacles and help redirect as needed
  5. Wash your hands. Have or help the student wash their hands.
  6. Document the date, time, procedure, learner’s  response, your initials and signature