My wife is going through rehab for a brain tumor and has to use a walker around the house. To feed her, I found a shelving board out in our garage and I put this board through her walker on the braces for a makeshift table to put her food and drink while she is sitting down.
By Jim
Get a roll of that spongy shelf liner from the dollar store to put on the board. It will keep the plate from sliding. Just toss in washer to çlean it. I did this when my mom had a stroke.
Share on ThriftyFunThis page contains the following solutions. Have something to add? Please share your solution!
My mom was having a hard time using her walker and trying to clean up the house. Using shower hooks, I hooked a bag on there so she could pick things up on her way through the house.
You can make a small slit in a tennis ball and put them on the tips of walkers. Often, walkers can catch on carpeting, especially in offices or homes that the users aren't familiar with.
Ask a QuestionHere are the questions asked by community members. Read on to see the answers provided by the ThriftyFun community or ask a new question.
I would like to have a crochet pattern from the book Annie's Attic: Wheelchair Afghans and Bags. Its the walker bag made with granny squares. Please help me. Thank you so much.
By Jean Hayes from NC
Actually, granny squares are basically similar. If you just get nice instructions for a granny square motif, one that you understand and can handle, all you do is make 'em until you have enough for the size you're looking at and sew them together. Usually, if you do a search granny squares you'll get lots of free patterns on the interent.
I took a look at her site (& I'm a fairly advanced crocheter) & it looks like her patterns are fairly easy to figure out if you're at least an intermediate crocheter. I can't find the exact pattern you described, but from looking at the photo (below) & changing it somewhat.
HERE'S HOW I'D MAKE ONE:
1) I'd make 24 granny squares that are each 4 inches square.
2) Crochet squares together in the following pattern: Line them up so you'd have 3
3) After the granny squares are slip-stitched or sewn together then sew or slip-stitch the fronts & the back together at the sides & the bottom (as if you were making a pillow that was open at one side).
4) On the top, finish it by crocheting once or twice around the top in single crochet in a matching color
5) At the each side of the top (as if it were a purse) crochet loops. (look at the picture below & where there's handles, instead crochet loops instead) ...In each of these loops put in a shower curtain ring in a matching color of clear plastic. Use these shower curtain rings to attach it to your walker or to your wheelchair.
* These shower curtain rings are a much better way to attach this "walker-purse" than actually tying it on because the ties won't come undone or get caught on anything. You can also use metal binder rings from the office store to attach it or simply crochet 2 chains, each about a foot long & use these to tie your walker-purse on to your walker or wheelchair. You can always find shower curtain rings at any Dollar Store or at a Thrift Shop.
* To learn how to make a granny square simply Google "free granny square pattern" & you'll find dozens of different ones!
---> Let me know how your piece turns out!
I am looking for rentals of walkers in San Francisco from surgical supply services. Any information?
Thanks,
Miriam from Southbury, CT
Try the goodwill or thrift shop. They always have a lot of walkers. Probably cheaper than renting.
Thanks for this very good idea. I had thought of looking on ebay--
The Goodwill, thrift shops and yard sales are always cheaper. If you are on Medicare, usually they pay for the rent. But, once you are dismissed from your doctor from using a walker, the surgical supply service gets the walker back.
Hi,
Have you tried Craig"s List. Not sure if I spelled it right, but they are on internet & one can be located for your area. Usually if you post a need
there is someone wanting to help in that area or someone who has what
you need. I agree with the other gals. Thrift stores/garage sales are
a really great place to check. Salvation Army would be good to check also. Good luck.
Our local thrift store has walkers. I am sure you could find one there as children of the elderly who used them give them away.
Check with your senior citizen center. Ours lets us use theirs for free. They have walkers,canes, etc.
many thanks to all you kind people who gave me excellent suggestions how to find a walker to rent for my use at my daughter's home. I will retain this informatin for future use.
If none of these resources help - try contacting the local Lions Club in that area. You can find the local clubs by checking http://www.lionsclubs.org, and many of them have medical loan closets that let you borrow equipment for free, or a donation at your discretion.
Have a great visit!
Editor's Note: Another place that I don't think has been mentioned is your local Freecycle group. To find one in your area go to: http://www.freecycle.org
Many thanks for all who gave me excellent tips on locating a used walker for temporary use. The issue is now moot; I have a walker availabe at my daughter's home. Miriam Null
This is a page about adding padding to walker grips. Putting some padding on the grips of a walker can help to make using it more comfortable.
