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Walkers and umbrellas? Not a match!

18 years ago

My dad must use a walker to get around. Thankfully, he can get out of his house - as long as it's not raining. In Florida, it rains a lot. It seems to me that there ought to be an accessory of some type that can support an umbrella and allow the person to grip the walker with both hands. I've looked on the net to no avail. Does anyone have any ideas? Sources? Thanks in advance.

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Comments (8)

mariend
18 years ago
Wish I could help, but if you don't get a response, post this on the Kitchen Table. Lots of help there. Have you looked in catalogs for medical equipment? My worry would be if it was windy, and it was somehow atached to the walker, it could cause a bad injury.
fairegold
18 years ago
I would bet that you will find no such attachments for walkers, for reasons like what Mariend mentioned.

Product liability lawsuits mean that manufacturers are especially sensitive to products being used improperly and causing accidents.

Of course, you could rig something using bungee cords, but do keep in mind the scenario of a gust of wind causing a real dangerous situation.
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Just a thought. When my mom's resisted a suggestion from me, I find she is much more receptive if the same suggestion comes from a healthcare professional. On top of that, there is a wide range of walker styles, and they should be adjusted for the individual's height and needs. I would really hesitate to just pick one up for him, without getting the right advice from someone who knows how to fit them. In your shoes, I'd try to have him schedule a dr's appt. while I was visiting, and I'd accompany him (giving the dr. a call ahead of time to voice my concerns). That way, if the dr. prescribes a walker, your father may be more inclined to use it. You can talk to the dr. about what's right for your dad's specific needs. Then, you really should take your father to a good medical supply store, so he can try different styles, and so they can properly fit the one he buys to his height. And they should instruct him on using it properly. Truly, the medical supply store staff is one of the best sources of info, I find. I go to a really good one in my area where they're always willing to answer all your questions. Don't know about the insurance situation for your father--but for my mom, having the dr's prescription meant that her insurance picked up the cost of her walker. So that's another thing you might want to look into. Know what you're going through. My mom never wants to accept any changes at all--but once we finally cajole (or insist, as the case may be--LOL) her into them, she usually is happy with things that make her life easier. Good luck.
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agnespuffin
18 years ago
He would do better in a poncho with a hood. Or a regular raincoat and hat.

There's a danger of slipping on wet sidewalks. I don't think I would encourage him to go out when it's raining. I know he might want to, but let's hope he'll wait until it clears.
acey
18 years ago
Good fodder for inventive types...although with a windy day, I too forsee lawsuits. And it's too hot to wear a raincoat in Florida!
awa13
16 years ago
What's wrong with the Paraplis Umbrella Holder? :)

Here is a link that might be useful: Paraplis Walker/Wheelchair Umbrella
vala55
16 years ago
I would think an umbrella could be dangerous if the wind turned it inside out. Trying to get control of it could cause a serious fall.
ilovepoco
16 years ago
holy shades of the seventies... try googling "umbrella hat"!
Tobius Holmes
9 years ago
I know it has been a long time since you asked this and you either have found a solution or no longer need one, but on ebay they do have holders for walkers for umbrellas, I just got one for a friend. I looked under umbrella holder for walkers, there is quite a few options, so it might take a bit to sort through.

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