Using Walkers Safely: Walker Safety Tips for Seniors

As our parents age, changes in balance, strength, and reaction time can make everyday tasks more risky. In Canada, falls are a leading cause of injury-related hospitalizations for older adults, and many of those falls happen at home. For many seniors, a walker can provide the stability and confidence they need to stay independent – but only if it’s the right device, fitted correctly, and used safely.

If a walker is the wrong style, the wrong size, or used incorrectly, it can actually increase the chance of a fall. As an adult child, you may be the one researching options, attending appointments, and making home safety changes so your parent can continue to age in place.

This guide is designed for Canadian families who are helping a parent choose and use a walker safely. You’ll learn how to pick the right device, adjust it properly, reduce fall risks at home, and know when it may be time to bring in extra support, such as in-home care services from ComForCare.

Why Walker Safety Matters for Canadian Families

Age-related changes like weaker bones, joint pain, vision changes, and cognitive decline can all affect balance and coordination. A fall can lead to fractures, hospitalization, and loss of independence – and many falls happen while walking to the bathroom, getting out of bed, or moving around the kitchen.

Walkers and other assistive walking devices (also called durable medical equipment) can:

• Provide extra stability and support
• Help seniors walk further with fewer rest breaks
• Reduce the risk of falls when used correctly
• Support safer aging in place at home

However, if a walker is poorly fitted, used on unsafe surfaces, or chosen without professional guidance, it may not give your parent the protection you’re hoping for. That’s why it’s important to involve your parent’s healthcare team and look at walker safety and home safety together.

How to Choose the Right Walker for Your Parent

Some people can safely get by with a cane, but many older adults benefit from the greater stability of a walker. Walkers come in several different varieties, and choosing the right one is critical to your loved one’s safety.

Whenever possible, involve a physiotherapist, occupational therapist, or physician in the decision. They can recommend the right style, show your parent how to use it, and help with paperwork for funding programs where available.

Below are common types of walkers and what they’re generally best for. These are general guidelines – always follow your parent’s healthcare provider’s recommendations.

Common Types of Walkers

Hemi Walker

A hemi walker is not like a standard four-legged walker. It’s used more like a cane but offers a wider base of support. A hemi walker may be helpful if your parent:

• Has one weaker leg or one side affected by stroke
• Only has the use of one arm
• Needs more stability than a cane but doesn’t need a full standard walker

Because it’s used on one side, proper instruction from a therapist is important to keep posture and gait safe.

Standard / Folding Walker

A standard or folding walker is what most people picture when they think of a walker. It has four rubber-tipped legs and no wheels.

Best for:

• Seniors who need strong, stable support
• People who can’t safely put weight on one leg or foot
• Those who have the strength and coordination to lift the walker between steps

Pros:

• Very stable and supportive
• Often lightweight and foldable for transport

Cons:

• Your parent has to lift it as they step, which can be tiring
• It can be cumbersome in tight spaces

Some people put tennis balls or “skis” on the back legs so the walker can glide across floors. Be cautious: this can help on smooth surfaces, but it may catch on carpets or uneven floors and become a tripping hazard.

Two-Wheel / Front-Wheel Walker

A two-wheel (front-wheel) walker has two wheels in the front and rubber tips or “skis” on the back legs.

Best for:

• Seniors who don’t need to put all their weight on the walker
• People who need extra balance support but can walk fairly steadily
• Primarily indoor use on smooth surfaces

Pros:

• Easier to move because your parent doesn’t need to lift it
• Foldable and relatively easy to carry
• Can be fitted with back “skis” to glide more smoothly

Cons:

• Not ideal if your parent must fully bear weight through the walker
• If used by someone with very poor balance, the wheels can roll too quickly and contribute to a fall

This type of walker is often a good choice for indoor use in apartments, condos, or bungalows, especially when hallways are relatively clear.

Three-Wheel Walker / Rollator: Great for Tight Spaces

A three-wheel walker (three-wheel rollator) looks a bit like a slim scooter, with three wheels and hand brakes. Many models include a basket and/or bag for personal items and fold easily for transport.

Best for:

• Seniors who have fairly good balance and strength
• Homes with narrow doorways or tight hallways
• Those who go out frequently and need something portable

Pros:

• Easy to maneuver in small bathrooms and tight spaces
• Often lighter and slimmer than four-wheel rollators
• Good for indoor and some outdoor use (depending on wheel size)

Cons:

• Less stable than four-wheel rollators
• Requires the ability to use hand brakes correctly
  

If your parent has cognitive decline or difficulty following instructions, they may do better with a simpler device.

Four-Wheel Walker / Rollator: Indoor and Outdoor Use

A four-wheel walker (four-wheel rollator) is a walker with a seat, four wheels, and hand brakes. It’s one of the most popular mobility aids.

Best for:

• Seniors who can walk independently but need support for balance and endurance
• Those who like to go on longer walks and want a place to sit and rest
• Indoor and outdoor use when used properly

Pros:

• Stable on many indoor and outdoor surfaces
• Built-in seat allows rest breaks
• Baskets or bags can hold personal items
• Often folds for storage or transportation

Cons:

• Not ideal for people who can’t manage the hand brakes
• Can roll ahead too quickly if your parent leans heavily on it
• May be unsafe for someone with significant balance issues or advanced dementia

A therapist can help determine whether a four-wheel rollator is safe for your parent’s specific needs.

Sizing and Adjusting a Walker Safely

For a walker to be effective and safe, it must be the correct height and adjusted to your parent’s body and usual footwear. A poorly fitted walker can cause shoulder, neck, and back pain – and may even increase the risk of a fall.

Here are general guidelines (not a substitute for professional fitting):

• Have your parent stand upright inside the walker with their usual indoor shoes on.
• Their arms should relax comfortably at their sides.
• The walker’s hand grips should line up roughly with the crease of their wrists.
• When holding the grips, their elbows should bend slightly – about 15–20 degrees.
  

Additional safety considerations:

• For walkers with a seat, make sure the seat height allows your parent to sit and stand without straining or “plopping” down.
• Check the walker’s weight capacity and ensure it’s appropriate for your parent’s weight.
• Recheck the height if your parent’s posture, strength, or usual footwear changes.

Whenever possible, ask a physiotherapist or occupational therapist to size and adjust the walker and show your parent (and you) how to use it properly.

Paying for a Walker in Canada

The cost of a walker varies depending on the type of device, features, and where you live. Fortunately, there are several ways Canadian families may reduce out-of-pocket costs.

1. Provincial Assistive Device and Equipment Programs

Some provinces offer funding or cost-sharing programs for mobility devices like walkers, rollators, and wheelchairs. For example:

• In Ontario, the Assistive Devices Program (ADP) helps pay for up to 75% of the cost of many mobility aids for eligible residents with long-term physical disabilities.
• Other provinces and territories may offer similar programs, equipment loan cupboards, or community-based support.

A physiotherapist, occupational therapist, or your local ComForCare office can help you learn what programs may be available in your parent’s province and how to apply.

2. Extended Health Benefits and Veterans’ Programs

Many employer or retiree health plans cover part of the cost of mobility equipment when prescribed by a healthcare professional. Veterans Affairs Canada may also help eligible veterans with the cost of walkers and other medical equipment.

Encourage your parent to:

• Review their extended health benefits booklet
• Ask their insurer what documentation is required
• Share any plan information with the clinician prescribing the walker

3. Community Equipment Loans and Rentals

If your parent only needs a walker for a short time – for example, after a surgery or hospitalization – renting or borrowing from a community equipment program can be more affordable than buying.

Check with:

• Local health authorities
• Community centres or seniors’ centres
• Non-profit organizations and service clubs in your area
  

Home Safety Tips for Seniors Who Use Walkers

Because so many serious falls happen at home and many involve walking, it’s not enough to choose the right walker. You’ll also want to make your parent’s home easier and safer to move around in.

Here are practical home safety steps you can take together:

Prevent Falls Around the House

• Clear walking paths. Move furniture, cords, and clutter out of hallways and main walkways so your parent can easily move with the walker.
• Secure throw rugs. Use no-slip rug tape, non-skid backings, or remove small rugs altogether if they bunch or curl.
• Improve lighting. Add brighter bulbs and night lights in hallways, bedrooms, and bathrooms so your parent can see where they’re placing the walker.
• Watch thresholds and transitions. Raised thresholds, uneven flooring, and thick carpets can catch walker legs or wheels. Consider smoothing transitions or adding small ramps where appropriate.
  

Make Bathrooms Safer

Bathrooms are common fall hotspots. Consider:

• Installing grab bars beside the toilet and inside the tub or shower
• Using a raised toilet seat or toilet safety frame
• Adding a shower chair or bench and a hand-held shower head
• Placing non-slip mats inside and outside the tub or shower

If the bathroom is too small for the walker, talk with an occupational therapist about options or layout changes.

Support Safe Stairs and Entryways

• If your parent lives in a multistory home, consider whether a stairlift or main-floor setup is needed.
• Install sturdy handrails on both sides of stairs.
• At entrances, make sure steps are in good repair, walkways are clear, and handrails or grab bars are available.

In Canadian winters, keep entryways as clear as possible of snow, ice, and wet leaves, and ensure your parent has proper footwear with good traction.

Plan for Emergencies

• Make sure your parent has access to a charged phone or emergency call device they know how to use.
• Consider a medical alert system or fall detection device, especially if they spend time alone.
• Keep emergency numbers and your contact information in large print near the phone and saved in their phone contacts.

For more comprehensive home safety checklists, you can also review national resources like the Government of Canada’s Safe Living Guide—A Guide to Home Safety for Seniors.

Quick Walker Safety Tips for Families

Once your parent’s walker is chosen and fitted, these simple habits can help keep them safe day to day:

1. Label the walker. Attach a name tag or label so it isn’t accidentally taken in senior centres or medical clinics.
2. Walk beside or slightly behind. When you’re with your parent, walk beside or just behind them rather than in front. If they lose balance, you’ll be close enough to help.
3. Test the brakes. For rollators, make sure your parent knows how to use the hand brakes and that the brakes fully engage before they sit on the seat.
4. Check tips, skis, and wheels. Regularly inspect rubber tips, skis, and wheels for wear or debris. Replace worn parts promptly to prevent wobbling or slipping.
5. Choose comfortable grips. Hard plastic grips can be tough on joints. Softer or textured grips may feel more secure and reduce hand fatigue.
6. Keep it clean. Wipe down handles and parts regularly to remove dirt and germs, especially during cold and flu season.
7. Customize thoughtfully. Baskets, bags, and trays can be helpful – just make sure they don’t make the walker too heavy or front-loaded, and that nothing hangs low enough to catch on the floor.

Adult walkers can provide much-needed stability and confidence. When used correctly, they support safer, more independent living – which is the goal for many families.

How Adult Children Can Support a Parent Using a Walker

Even the safest walker won’t prevent falls if your parent feels rushed, overwhelmed, or unsure about how to use it. As an adult child, you can make a big difference.

Go to Key Appointments Together

Try to attend walker-related appointments with your parent:

• Ask the therapist or doctor to show both of you how to use the walker safely.
• Learn how to navigate curbs, thresholds, tight spaces, and outdoor surfaces.
• Ask what signs to watch for that might mean the walker is no longer the right fit.

Take notes or ask if you can record short video clips (if permitted) so you can review them together at home.

Practice in Real-Life Scenarios

Walk with your parent through their daily routines:

• Getting out of bed
• Walking to the bathroom at night
• Going in and out of the front door
• Moving around the kitchen while carrying small items

Notice where they hesitate, reach for furniture, or struggle to maneuver the walker. Use what you see to guide home safety changes and follow-up questions for their healthcare team.

Check In as Needs Change

Health conditions such as arthritis, heart disease, Parkinson’s, or dementia can change how safe a walker is over time. Check in regularly:

• Are they walking less or avoiding certain rooms?
• Are there more “near misses” or stumbles?
• Do they seem confused about how to use the brakes or seat?

If you notice changes, schedule a follow-up with their healthcare provider or therapist. Sometimes a different style of walker – or added in-home care – is needed to keep them safe.

When In-Home Care Can Make Walker Use Safer

Changing mobility needs don’t have to force your parent into a long-term care home or retirement residence before they’re ready. With the right support, many older adults can continue to live safely in their own homes.

ComForCare’s caregivers can:

• Provide hands-on assistance with walkers and mobility equipment
• Help with personal care, such as bathing, dressing, and toileting
• Support with meal preparation, light housekeeping, and medication reminders
• Accompany your parent to medical appointments, community activities, and errands
• Watch for changes in mobility, balance, or confidence that you and your parent can discuss with their healthcare team

Our goal is to help your parent stay as independent and safe as possible, while giving you peace of mind.

If you or someone you love could benefit from in-home care services, companion care, or other caregiving support, contact your local ComForCare Home Care office to learn more and schedule a free in-home consultation. Together, we can build a plan that supports both your parent’s safety and their independence.