Instructions

Instructions for Mobility Products

For Walking Cane & Crutches, Wheelchairs and 4-Wheeled Walkers
Before using any type of mobility device, consult with your doctor, read all instructions provided with the device, and be sure to heed all warnings.

Walking Cane & Crutches

ADJUSTING CANE HEIGHT
STEP 1: Stand up straight with your shoulders relaxed and have someone hold the cane at your side. The cane handle should be at the crease, or joint of your wrist.Educate yourself on the health risks of your lifestyle choices such as alcohol or daily fat intake. Determine if your intake levels are too high and the associated risks. You may find that cutting your intake just slightly can save you in the long run.
STEP 2: Press the pin in and loosen the bottom half of the cane, sliding it to the desired position and lock it into place.

ADJUSTING CRUTCH HEIGHT
STEP 1: Stand up straight with your shoulders relaxed, feet slightly apart. Place the crutch tips 6” from the side of each shoe. The top of the crutch arm pad should be 1 1/2 to 2” below the armpit.
STEP 2: The handgrip should be placed so that the elbow is slightly bent, so when you take a step, the arm should fully extend.

ADJUSTING FOREARM CRUTCH HEIGHT
STEP 1: Stand up straight with your shoulders relaxed and have someone hold the cane at your side. The cane handle should be at the crease, or joint of your wrist.
STEP 2: The cuff should be adjusted to 1-2” below the bend of the elbow.
STEP 3: Widen or narrow the crutch cuffs to help ensure a secure fit.

WARNINGS:
– Forearm crutch cuffs are designed to add stability, they are not designed to support the user’s weight.
– Periodically check the rubber tips for rips, tears, cracks or worn tread. If found, replace immediately.
– Ensure adjustment buttons are securely engaged before use.
– Do not walk on slippery surfaces. Avoid snow, ice or rain conditions.
– Wear well fitting, low heel shoes, and double secure all shoe laces.
– Do not look down while walking with your device. Always look straight ahead when you walk.

4-Wheeled Rolling Walkers

ADJUSTING HANDLE HEIGHT
STEP 1: Stand up straight at the walker with your shoulders and hands hanging loosely at your sides. The walker handles should be at the crease, or joint of your wrist.
STEP 2: Loosen the knobs on the outside of the handlebars and move the handlebars to the desired height. Re-tighten the knobs.
STEP 3: When walking with hands on the handlebars, your arms should be slightly bent at the elbow.

HOW TO USE YOUR WALKER
Step 1: Lean on the walker, allowing it to roll forward with control as you step forward. The user should be as upright as possible, using good posture.
Step 2: To slow the walker down, squeeze or pull up on the handbrake.
Step 3: To apply the brakes, push down on the handbrake.
Step 4: To release the handbrake, carefully squeeze the brake handles, being careful not to pinch your fingers. Practice engaging and releasing the handbrake several times.
Step 5: To sit on the seat, first, always engage the handbreak.
Step 6: Turn around and back up until you feel the seat touch the back of your legs
Step 7: Reach back and place your hands/arms on the handles of the walker.
Step 8: Sit down slowly and carefully.
Step 9: To fold the walker, lift up on the handle attached to the seat. If the walker has a tab under the seat, lift up on the tab to release the seat so it will fold.
Step 10: To unfold the walker, push down on the seat or open/close mechanism to open fully.

WARNINGS:
– Do not use the walker on stairs or escalators and pay special attention on ramps or slopes.
– Always lock the handbrakes of the walker before sitting or standing up.
– Do not move the walker when sitting in it. The walker is not intended to be used as a wheelchair.
– Do not overload baskets or bags attached to the walker to prevent tipping of the walker, or tripping over items that might fall out unnoticed.
– Be sure all body parts are clear of the frame before folding the walker.
– If the walker has a flexible back strap, do not push down or lean on this strap with your hand. Do not use this back strap to lift and carry the walker.

Wheelchairs

FOLDING YOUR WHEELCHAIR
STEP 1: If you have footrests, pivot the footplate upward into the vertical position, and then swing the footrest in the locked position to the front of the wheelchair.
STEP 2: Lift the seat, from under the center edge of the seat upholstery, until the chair folds together.

UNFOLDING YOUR WHEELCHAIR
STEP 1: Standing next to the chair, tilt the wheelchair to lift the opposite wheels off the ground.
STEP 2: Press down on the top of the seat rail until the seat is fully extended and the rails are seated securely.
STEP 3: Lock both wheel locks.
STEP 4: If you have footrests, move them for clearance and transfer into the wheelchair.

USING YOUR WHEELCHAIR
Be Aware of Your Center of Gravity
With a trusted helper, practice bending, reaching, leaning and transferring in and out of your wheelchair. Proper positioning is essential for your safety.
Forward Reaching, Leaning & Bending
Position the casters so they are extended away from the wheels and then engage the wheel locks. Do not attempt anything that requires you to move forward in your seat, or reach between your knees as this can skew your center of gravity.
Backward Reaching & Bending
Position the wheelchair as close as possible. Position the casters so they are extended away from the wheels (create the longest possible wheelbase). Reach back only as far as your arm will extend without changing your seated position.
Assisted Tipping
To navigate curbs or a stair, an assistant should grasp the back of the wheelchair and step on the tipping levers, inform the occupant of the intended move and remind the occupant to lean back.
Know Your Capabilities
In terms of strength and endurance, make limited attempts in negotiating inclines, declines, curbs or ramps. With increased success and confidence, you can increase your range of navigation. Inspect new areas for hazards such as holes, obstacles, slippery substances or uneven surfaces before proceeding.

WARNINGS:
– Check rubber on tipping levers and handgrips to ensure they are tight and secure.
– Check the locks for proper adjustment to ensure they lock the wheels securely.
– Inspect all nuts, bolts and attached hardware for proper tightness.
– Check the tires.
– Check proper footrest length adjustment.