Walker Accessories for Seniors | Buy or DIY?

[@wernersgren5157]

Keep making helpful content like this, but please remember that those of us who aren’t seniors also need walkers sometimes due to our medical conditions and disabilities.

[@EquipMeOT]

Couldn’t agree more!

[@VintageRayne]

Agreed! It’s hard enough to wrap my head around being in my 30’s & needing mobility aids. It’s even harder when the majority is geared solely towards seniors. 🤍🥄🧂

[@Maineuser]

Remember the sturdy bags newspaper boys used, slung over their shoulder and stuffed with rolled papers, as they rode their bikes to sling papers, making newspaper deliveries? Mine’s strap fit perfectly over the bars of my walker, with the bag draping in front. Mine also has the covering flap. But either would be okay. It was really convenient, fit perfectly, and very handy!

[@normalewis4273]

I never comment on videos but i had to on this one. You need to know how incredibly amazing you are for making videos like these to not only help people but also save the money when they have to be assisted by a walker whether it be by age or by a car accident or medical condition Etc I was looking for videos to assist my son who was recently in a car accident and broke his hip I needed things to help with his walker while I go back to work and these ideas of yours for nothing short of amazing and I'm so grateful to have found you and your videos you truly are nothing short of Awesome as you have no idea how many people you are helping I am now a huge fan thank you thank you thank you

[@EquipMeOT]

Thank you for taking the time to comment! It means so much to know that these videos are really able to help! I hope your son's recovery goes well!

[@yesiownfrodo]

Great video. The skis are SO much better than the tennis balls. And they also just work better. If you're going to be on an something like gravel, put a layer of duct tape on the bottom of your skis and then just pull it off when you're done. It's important that what the walker looks like supports the user's dignity. The trays are not made for bariatric walkers, and it keeps you from standing within the walker, which is how you're supposed to stand. I found out that my walker, which I got in stroke rehab, is too short and was never adjusted for me! 10 years I was using it wrong. I was hunched over the walker because the handles were not high enough. Ugh. LOVE this video. Super great.

[@kzookid2051]

Thanks so much for showing all the accessories and how to do many of them as a DYI.

[@childbirthct]

Oh my goodness, these are great ideas thank you so so much. I use a rollator due to POTS/long covid vestibular issues and I am getting ready for going back to teaching -- so much stuff I have to have handy. This really helps. The shopping bag idea!! So obvious but I didn't think of it in several years of using my mobility aids! Thank you!

[@lotsamoxie]

I just watched every one of your videos. Each one is so clear and perfectly demonstrated. Wonderful for people of any age living with physical challenges. Thank you so much, and please keep this series going. ⭐️⭐️⭐️🤗

[@EquipMeOT]

Wow, thank you so much for your kind words! No plan on stopping anytime soon 😉

[@shareea202]

I clicked on JUST to see grocery bag options. You totally delivered!!! I'm recovering from total knee replacement surgery and cant drive yet BUT, I can use my walker. I actually live two doors down from the neighborhood market and will use that to grab a handful of groceries, while getting in my steps.

[@EquipMeOT]

Yay! Glad I could help!

[@phearsphears1314]

Thank you so much for explaining the why's of selecting a walker &/or accessories for it. My Mother, older sister, myself (on a rollator) & several other family members have spent years on these things due to Rheumatoid, Osteoarthritis & severe neuropathy balance problems, & I have personally had many falls. Upon asking busy professional questions about the various devices, you tend to get phrases or short sentence responses that are of little value to making well-informed, intelligent decisions, & usually end up wasting a lot of your very limited funds on poor choices. I have never seen or heard ANYONE impart so much clear, excellent, informative, & concise, advice, and (VERY IMPORTANTLY) DEMONSTRATE WHY so you can REMEMBER it, anything like as well as you have here. I would recommend that everyone considering purchasing any or all of these devices listen to your brief video several times, & use it to help in their decision. I also appreciate you for offering several simple inexpensive diy choices to the many on limited budgets. It was very thoughtful of you, as was making this video. I haven't looked through for one yet, but if you haven't already, I hope you will make a similar one on wheelchair (& other aids like mobility scooters, shower chairs, elevated toilet seats, grab bars, reacher/grabbers, etc.) . It would be so helpful to so many ! Thank you again.

[@EquipMeOT]

Wow! Thank you for your kind words! I hope you do get a chance to look through some of my other videos as there are several that do comparisons across different mobility aids and seating. Thanks again!

[@edwinawilliams6976]

Ezactly all so ge normalized how she shows t shirt sweater notice she started sore shoulder ist not good shoulder ist v.i.p the pillow under a holder brace .they are Sore around back of neck Silk scarf is gentle tied in knot with diagonal large part for arm area.

[@adamloosley401]

Thank you this was super informative. I was just in a motorcycle accident and broke my pelvis and will be using a walker for awhile. I didn't want to spend money on the accessories so the diy tips are awesome. Thank you

[@EquipMeOT]

You’re welcome!

[@paulricelli5520]

🟥 I greatly appreciate the fact that you don't ask for a thumbs-up till the end. Others ask right in the beginning before you've even seen the video. My thumbs-up to you for excellent and informative videos 👍👍👍

[@EquipMeOT]

Thank you for watching and for the 👍🏻

[@gregorycasey3347]

I have been doing just that. I live out in the country and it’s dark so I bought a bicycle head light for my Walker. I got the table top. When bringing food to where I want to eat I use my sitting Walker and walks to bedroom or living room. I placed a blue tooth speaker a cup holder. I am looking into other things i may use.

[@HopskotchBunny]

Love this video! Great tips and info.

[@EquipMeOT]

Glad it was helpful!

[@linuxlost]

Great video. Love the light idea!

[@marriv4517]

Great tips! I'm glad you found cheaper solutions and hacks. Very creative. Thank you for sharing!

[@EquipMeOT]

You’re welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@sherilynsorensen8900]

Thank you! This content was very helpful.

[@DanielleSurkatty]

Epreally appreciate your helpful videos!

[@ras9182]

Hip surgery very soon. Every video is helpful. Simple solutions with real world applications. 5 Thumbs up.

[@EquipMeOT]

Thank you!

[@josietullo5306]

Thank you for your practical suggestions

[@EquipMeOT]

You’re welcome!

[@scruffy281]

Thank you soooo much for this video. It will really save me much needed med money. Thanks for the great ideas!!❤️

[@EquipMeOT]

Yay! So glad to hear this!

[@Indy__isnt_it]

Take a sanding block to pare down the fabric nap. Alternatively, maybe a sharp razor to pull some of the nap off. For me, my crazy golden retriever will shave and split the balls. Sadly, beyond use!!! We just checked a med supply store looking for pre split tenny balls. I was able to choose navy blue over some other lighter colors to show more dirt.

[@daisies4444]

Thank you that was very helpful indeed!

[@EquipMeOT]

You’re welcome!

[@vernekelley9356]

You are the best!

[@dianewilliams699]

Great ideas! Thanks!

[@EquipMeOT]

You’re welcome!

[@tohrurikku]

At the end of the video I got an image of a senior coming out of the darkness on the side of a street with lights on their walkers acting as headlights. A lot of good ideas. I wonder if bicycle headlights might work too. Most people I know do not use walkers that look like that, though this style would have benefited my aunt, who had a hard time with her balance, more.

[@EquipMeOT]

I’m glad you were able to get some good ideas from the video! Thanks for watching!

[@barbaraweidenhammer7644]

Thank you for the ideas & how too ‘s. I just had knee replacement surgery & thought I had 2 wheels on the front ? I don’t, so I can see walker skis in my future.

[@EquipMeOT]

Walker skis make a big difference! Especially on carpet and rugs!

[@PagePage-rp9qc]

New subbie here. What sort of bell would you recommend for walkers to alert someone that the individual using the walker is on the move such as nighttime restroom trips? Thank you for the video. Very informative!

[@mindyssticktogether]

Thank you for the info. My mother is now walker bound and we are looking for organizers.

[@EquipMeOT]

Of course!!

[@esthermortensen4260]

Great information.

[@EquipMeOT]

Glad it was helpful!

[@luminousmoon86]

I just found this channel and I'm so glad I did. I have knee problems, which in turn causes me a lot of issues with standing and balance, so I'm looking to get a walker to help with those issues but I know absolutely nothing about them! This was so helpful and informative. I've watched a lot of your videos and got so many ideas about ways to help with my mobility. Thank you! One thing I didn't see mentioned, is how to adjust a walker for height, and I was wondering if you have a video on that. I'm not exactly sure at what height the handles should be, waist level, or lower.

[@EquipMeOT]

Thank you for watching and commenting! I did a short form video on this on my Instagram but haven’t done it over here yet! The rule of thumb is to set the height of the handle grip to the wrist when your arms are hanging down at your side. This will ensure the height lets your arms bend a bit but not too much!

[@luminousmoon86]

@@EquipMeOT Oh my gosh, thanks so much for the answer so quickly. That's very helpful. I'll be sure to follow your instagram as well.

[@EquipMeOT]

Thanks!

[@needadawg]

Really useful and helpful tips and hacks! My dad will need a wheelchair for moving longer distances (due to his lack of stamina) but is otherwise able to move short distances with a walker. Was wondering if there are tips for transporting walking frames on the wheel I host a little FB group on older adults & ageing, and will be sharing a link to your KZbin channel!

[@EquipMeOT]

Thank you! Depending on the walker type, I’ve hung a pair of oversized clips on the back of the wheelchair to hang it off of. Like these: amzn.to/3pA4yPU

[@needadawg]

@@EquipMeOT thannks so much for the tips!

[@EquipMeOT]

You’re welcome!

[@christielivingston7311]

My husband has ALS and has a drive medical rolator. His left side is weak and legs don’t left much anymore. Do you have any suggestions? We watch your Instagram and KZbin all the time. You have great suggestions.

[@EquipMeOT]

For some an upright walker with forearm supports that allow him to use the larger muscle groups of his upper body can be more effective. They are larger and more cumbersome for everyday use and travel, but tend to support ambulation longer into an ALS diagnosis.

[@VintageRayne]

Non adhesive grip shelf liner is fairly cheap at the dollar store, as an alternative. :) I wonder if there’s a tray that has a curve cut into it like most lap desks have. 🧐

[@MariRodriguez-gx4wr]

Would the black leather bag on the blue walker fit the gray walker and could it face toward you and not away from you. Let me know, please. I think I need the gray walker, I have spondylosis of my upper back.

[@conniestogsdill1437]

Thank you so much

[@EquipMeOT]

You’re welcome!

[@brendalg4]

I don't know if it is intentional but the Amazon link for the light goes to round lights.

[@Maineuser]

Where can I buy the slit foam for the handlebars? My brother-in-law, inside, uses canes. His walker is outdoors, at the foot of the stairs. But he says the aluminum makes for cold hand grips! It’d have to be waterproof, while offering at least a modicum of insulation…

[@EquipMeOT]

I buy this cylindrical foam (blue is the one for handles) and cut it to work for the handles: amzn.to/4fbx4Q5

[@nanjm1]

thanks for the interesting video. I am interested in finding out how to make a knee sling for a walker or use something that is around the house for a sling. I have a medical condition and would benefit from a non weight bearing knee sling attached to the walker.

[@EquipMeOT]

What type of Walker are you using?

[@nanjm1]

@@EquipMeOT I have a silver standard walker, 2 wheels in the front and adjustable height

[@EquipMeOT]

Ok, I’ve seen these pre made and they are pricey. Let me think about some options for DIY and get back to you!

[@debbyriegel9657]

What can I use with a power wheelchair?

[@joancuadra1]

Thank you.

[@EquipMeOT]

You’re welcome!

[@Thepourdeuxchanson]

I can't find a tray with higher sides. It's fine to have a gripper mat underneath a plate to stop it slipping, but what we need is a tray with sides about six inches high. Stopping a bit suddenly or making an awkward turn or stop can cause food within the bowl, cup, or plate to surge backwards then forwards, spilling the contents off over the edge. High sided tray, please. Once we get our dinner to the table, then we can usually take our platefuls and put them on the table to eat.

[@carlyyost4959]

Any ideas where I can purchase a bariatric walker tray? My client desperately wants/needs one but I cannot find one which is so wild to me! Thank you!:)

[@EquipMeOT]

www.graylinemedical.com/products/sammons-preston-walker-tray?variant=19504807051321&gclid=Cj0KCQiA1pyCBhCtARIsAHaY_5cU1hS-iGm7zCEeO24SHEJ_eK2O33gCzxUoR_QjZlkxWw5MwWrEDBYaApyAEALw_wcB

[@EquipMeOT]

Looks like this style comes in a bariatric size option. They are harder to find!

[@EquipMeOT]

I’ve also had some mildly handy folks make them out of wood to fit their walker. It’s cheaper but would require a bit of effort.

[@carlyyost4959]

@@EquipMeOT thank you for the suggestions!! I’m still so surprised the companies don’t make the same trays for bariatric, but the wood is a good idea too :)

[@EquipMeOT]

That’s a huge missed opportunity for those manufacturers!

[@nunyabusiness6450]

Are skis or tennis balls better for outdoor use?

[@EquipMeOT]

Skis are usually good for outdoors. Sometimes the tennis balls get grippy on rough concrete.

[@dagneytaggart7707]

Skis for sure. Tennis balls can catch on some surfaces, pick up debris and will wear through faster, esp on cement.

[@bluestarhealingangels9162]

I am going to get bike lights for our walker we go camping many seniors walks around the camp ground at dusk or walking from one camp site to another one getting a head light & 2 red lights for the rear of the walker sometimes people shop at night a walker with lights would be safer in a parking lot at night…

[@EquipMeOT]

Great idea!

[@josemiranda8686]

Hi lady beside you are so proffesional and so passionate about all you do you are very pretty!! Great tips i will use w my boyfriend! Thank you!

[@EquipMeOT]

Thank you!

[@sharonsandlin9830]

Want a walker handle grip? Cut down a pool noodle!

[@judyshroyer1566]

Im new with a walker. I thought about using pool noodles to put on for bumpers. I just redid my kitchen and im bumping my stainless appliances. Has anyone tried this?