The ‘Do’s’ and ‘Don’ts’ of Promoting Walker Use on The Memory Unit

How many times do we hear it? “Mrs. Smith, you need your walker!”

And how many times a day do we hear that exact phrase? Likely dozens.

I know it’s difficult to not default to phrases like that, but please remember that your Residents on The Memory Unit can’t remember.

Mrs. Smith, living on your unit with moderate dementia, can’t remember to use her walker. Her disease is shrinking and dissolving her brain, and she can no longer fully understand it’s implications on herself or how to mitigate the physical changes she’s experiencing.

Constant repetitive phrases like, “you’re going to fall“, “you’re not safe“, or “you can’t walk without your walker” are only going to promote resistance and frustration in your Residents.

Why?

Because these kinds of phrases can come across as belittling, nagging, and even like we’re reprimanding or disciplining a Resident for not remembering when they physically cannot remember.

So what can we say instead?

Well firstly, it’s important to prioritize a positive attitude around the walker. Talk about it like it’s a helpful and useful tool for anyone.

Alongside of that, directly reference the helpfulness of the walker in the moment. So, for example, if you’re Resident is ambulating without the walker and makes a comment about feeling tired or unsteady, acknowledge those feelings. Then place the walker in front of the Resident and showcase how that walker will help to diminish those things that the Resident is currently feeling.

Give the Resident autonomy as much as possible. Work together to decorate a name banner that can be displayed across the front. Make sure their name is displayed on the walker where the Resident can easily see and read it. Decorate the walker with their favorite colors or patterns.

Ensure that the walker is in good condition. If it drags too much, wiggles and wobbles, looks dirty or old, or doesn’t fold easily, it’s not going to be very appealing to use. Make sure the skis or coasters are intact and clean.

While we’re talking about condition, let’s also talk about fit. I know it might seem obvious, but too many times I see facility staff just grab a random walker for a Resident without properly fitting it to the Resident.

And lastly, but perhaps my most used trick of the trade, give them a walker basket. There’s something about saying “well why don’t you place those items in the basket and push this around instead“. For me, this works 99.9% of the time, with no distress or frustration created in the Resident.