The main purpose of a walking (zimmer) frame is to provide support to the user, it can help with keeping balance, it provides general support so that the person can move around as well as using it outside and it is useful also for when the user wishes to stop to take a rest as it provides something for him or her to hold onto.

Assisting someone who is using a walking frame is limited to being nearby for the user, you can help by carrying anything for the person that they might attempt to carry themselves while using a frame and while indoors it will definately help to remove any obstacles from their path.

I feel that trying to assist a walking frame user in any other way than those mentioned above might actually be less helpful, for example if you try to move the walking frame along with them you could cause them to feel less stable and less in control, it could also be dangerous.

A user of a walking frame needs time to get used to walking with it, knowing how much they need to move it and finding a way of using the frame that they are comfortable with is something that might take longer if you try to assist too much.

Even when it comes to mobility and wanting to do everything that you can to help someone, its sometimes better (more helpful) to step aside and to let the user do what they need to do.

If you find yourself wondering if zimmer frames (walking frames) are safe then first you need to consider in what respect.

When referring to the overall safety of them as a walking aid then yes they are most definately safe if a zimmer frame is found to be most suitable for the user and the particular disability.

How a zimmer frame is used can alter the safety of using one and like many other things, if a frame is used incorrectly then the safety level will be lowered somewhat.

Where they are used can make a difference to safety, for example you wouldn’t want to attempt a full flight of stairs with a zimmer frame but they can be used on shallow steps, the sort that you might find in gardens, leading into and out of homes and some other buildings, as long as there is enough of an area to place the feet of the zimmer frame.

Lastly, something that could affect the safety of using a zimmer frame is trying to hang something off of the frame, especially if its an addition that has not specifically been designed to be used with them.

There are accessories that can be used like zimmer frame net and apron bags and they are safe to add to your frame as long as they are specifically designed for this purpose and not some other type of bag.

Its importance to remember that the frame is there to help you, first and foremost, and not as a tool to move objects around.

You really dont want unnecessary weight added to the frame if it means that getting around becomes less manageable and more of a challenge.

Zimmer frames are safe, if used correctly.

Occasionally i see that people are looking for information regarding zimmer frames and stairs.

I wonder if those people are questioning if they can safely use a zimmer frame as support while climbing stairs but i think that this would be a bad idea and rather dangerous as although frames provide good support around the home and outdoors, when it comes to a flight of stairs they are not ideal.

Where they can be used safely is when there are steps outside that have quite a large area to them before the next step, sometimes where theres only a few steps to go up, and where they are not steep and allow plenty of space to safely place your frame onto.

When it comes to stairs in the home then definately dont take chances with trying to use a zimmer frame to get yourself upstairs, it becomes too difficult regarding holding on to what you need to.

Always use the correct mobility aid for each task as each is specifically designed for its purpose and if chosen and used correctly will assist you and should never create more difficulties regarding your mobility.

Note:  Zimmer Frames are also known as Walking Frames, they are the same mobility aid and the name choice is dependent simply on what you prefer to call them.