Walker Accessories, Walker Basket, Walker Wheels, Walker Glides, Walker Tray

What Are Walker Accessories?

Many people use a walker or rolling-walker because of weakened legs or back due to surgery, birth defects, an elderly age, dizziness, and rehabbing from injury or surgery. When using a walker, the user’s hands are usually occupied by maneuvering the walker when walking to and from places. Walker accessories assist the user to become more independent and safer when using a walker. Being able to carry food from the kitchen on a tray or in a pouch, being able to transport an oxygen tank, or to safely wheel or glide over different ground surfaces while all the time using a walker is a benefit for both the user and the family/caregivers that would usually have to offer assistance.

Walker or rolling-walker accessories are just what they sound like, devices that accessorize a walker for the comfort, safety and independence of the individual, making the walker user-friendly for those who have a difficult time walking without assistance.

The following items offered by Rehabmart are some examples of walker or rolling-walker accessories:

Walker wheels; fixed wheel – Adding non-swivel walker wheels will convert a standard walker into a more maneuverable rolling walker. Different sized wheels are offered for safely maneuvering over different types of ground surfaces.

Walker wheels; swivel caster – These wheels are used with the front two legs of the walker, allowing the user to use the walker in a more natural walking stride and to assist with better maneuverability over surfaces that may provide difficult for the walker user.

Universal platform walker attachment – This device is designed for those who are unable to grip the walker with their hands in the standard way. The platform attachment cradles the forearm of the user, allowing the user to bear their weight on their forearm instead of using their hands to support their weight by gripping the walker handles. Many platform attachments come with an adjustable strap that will securely hold the arm in place on the platform attachment.

Walker pouch – A walker pouch will hold and secure personal items within its pockets so the walker user doesn’t have to use a hand to carry any items. If the walker users try to carry items in their hands, they will not being able to grip and move the walker the correct and safe way, possibly leading to a falling accident or dropping the items they were carrying.

Walker cup and cane holder – Another accessory that assists the user to transport a cane or a cup while using a walker. Often times, a user of a walker will have to use a cane in places where a walker may not fit, and this allows him to transport the cane safely and securely.

Drinking system device – Because trying to carry a glass or cup of liquid while using a walker can be distressing as the user is only using one hand to maneuver the walker, or the liquid will often spill from the cup while in transit. A drinking system allows the user to travel distances and be able carry the liquid in a back carrying-case, and to drink the liquid by biting and sucking on the mouthpiece from the drinking system without spilling a drop, all the time allowing the use of both hands on the walker.

Walker tray – Best used with rolling walkers, a walker tray is a tray that attaches onto the walker. The tray provides extra carrying space to carry drinks and personal items from room to room, or to be used as a stable working surface.

Oxygen tank holder – Usually used for C and/or D oxygen tanks, the oxygen tank holder allows the walker user to carry and use oxygen while using the walker. This accessory is recommended for a rolling-walker.

Walker glides – Glides take the place of walker wheels, usually the front wheels, to help move the walker more smoothly across uneven surface like a door threshold which can “trip up’ the front wheels of a rolling-walker. It also increases the maneuverability of the walker while also minimizing the need to lift the walker over uneven surfaces.

Walker caddy – Similar to a walker pouch but without pockets, a walker caddy is usually a plastic 5 inch-deep carrying container that fits inside the walker’s handles, allowing the user to carry items from room to room without hindering the user’s hands.

Rolling-walker glide brakes – Used for rolling-walkers with two or four wheels, the glide brakes are activated when the user applies downward force to the walker’s hand grips, lowering the rubber tip brake and stopping the rolling-walker from rolling. This is great for slanted or slippery surfaces that might cause the user to lose control of the walker.

Walker basket - Much like the tray, pouch and caddy, the walker basket offers a convenient area to place items when shopping or traveling while using the walker.

Walker hand pads – Hands pads can come in different materials, but the reason for the hand pads is to reduce hand discomfort and to help wick away sweat from the palms when gripping a walker.

Light accessory – This is a flashlight that attaches to a rolling-walker, helping to safely light the way of the user in darkened areas. Some light accessories will turn on/off by means of a motion sensor, further keeping it a hands-free device.

Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Co-Founder & CEO

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