Screen 1 of 9Introduction

Module 7 · Patient Safety

Using Assistive Devices

Walking frames, walking sticks, wheelchairs, and call buttons are all here to keep you safe. This module shows you how to use each one correctly.

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An aid used correctly prevents falls

Using your device the wrong way — or not using it at all — is when accidents happen. There is a right way for each one.

What you will learn

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Walking Frames

Correct height, technique, and common mistakes

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Walking Sticks

When and how to use one safely

♿

Wheelchairs

Brakes, getting in and out safely

🔔

Your Call Button

Where it is and when to use it

Screen 2 of 9Walking Frames

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Topic 1 of 4

Walking Frames

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Keep it close — do not reach for it

The most common mistake is pushing the frame too far ahead and leaning forward to reach it. The frame should come to you, not the other way around.

1

Check the height
Handles should be at wrist height when you stand upright with arms by your sides. If it feels wrong, tell your nurse.
2

Move the frame one small step forward
Not a big reach — just enough for your next step. Think of it as an extension of your arms.
3

Walk into the frame
Step forward with your weaker leg first, then bring your stronger leg through. Stay inside the frame.
4

Never lift it with one hand
Pick up the whole frame and place it down squarely — do not drag or tip it. All four legs should land at once.

⚠️

Use it every time — no exceptions

Short trips feel low-risk, but most falls happen close to the bed or on the way to the bathroom. Your frame goes with you every time you walk.

Screen 3 of 9Walking Sticks

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Topic 2 of 4

Walking Sticks

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Hold the stick on your stronger side

This surprises many people. The stick goes in the hand opposite your weaker or painful leg — it shifts weight away from it as you step.

1

Check the height
Handle at wrist height when standing straight. A stick that is too short forces you to hunch — which affects your balance.
2

Move stick and weaker leg together
Plant the stick forward at the same time as your weaker leg steps forward. Then bring your stronger leg through.
3

Look ahead, not down
Watch where you are going — not at the stick. Looking down shifts your weight forward and can cause a stumble.
4

Check the rubber tip
A worn or cracked rubber tip gives poor grip. If it looks worn, ask staff to replace it.

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Not sure if a stick is right for you?

Ask to see a physio. They can assess whether a stick is the right aid for your needs, and show you the correct technique for your situation.

Screen 4 of 9Wheelchairs

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Topic 3 of 4

Wheelchairs

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Lock the brakes before you move — every time

A wheelchair that rolls as you sit down or stand up is a serious fall risk. Check and lock both brakes before every transfer.

1

Lock both brakes first
Every single time. Check them even if someone else positioned the chair.
2

Swing footrests out of the way
Both feet flat on the floor before you stand. Never stand onto the footrests.
3

Use the armrests to push up
Not the wheels — they will spin. Push up from the armrests and stand slowly.
4

Pause before walking
Hold something firm once standing. Make sure you feel steady before your first step.

💬

Ask for help with transfers

Getting in and out of a wheelchair safely often needs assistance. Ask your nurse — it is quicker and much safer than managing alone.

Screen 5 of 9Your Call Button

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Topic 4 of 4

Your Call Button

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Your call button is your most important safety tool

It connects you to a nurse in seconds. Use it before you get into difficulty — not after.

📍

Know where it is

Check the location of your call button when you arrive in your room. It is usually clipped to the bed rail or on a cord nearby.

🌙

Keep it within reach at night

Before you go to sleep, make sure the call button is on your bedside table or clipped where you can reach it without getting up.

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Before you get up

Press it before you try to get out of bed — especially at night, after surgery, or after taking medications that may affect your balance.

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It is never a bother

Nurses would rather help you get up safely than help you after a fall. Press it without hesitation.

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If your call button is out of reach

Do not try to stretch or get up alone to reach it. Call out to a nurse or wait — a short wait is always safer than a fall.

Screen 6 of 9True or False?

True or False?

Common beliefs — and what the evidence says.

✗ False

"I only need my walking frame for long trips."

✓ True

Most falls happen on short trips — a few steps to the chair or the bathroom. Your walking aid goes with you every time you walk, no matter the distance.

✗ False

"The stick goes in the hand on the same side as my bad leg."

✓ True

The stick goes on your stronger side, opposite your weaker leg. This is how it offloads weight correctly and gives you the most support.

✗ False

"I do not need to lock the wheelchair brakes if I am being careful."

✓ True

A wheelchair can move even when you think it is still. Locking the brakes takes two seconds and prevents one of the most common wheelchair-related falls.

✗ False

"Using my call button for every little thing will annoy the nurses."

✓ True

Nurses would rather come to you ten times than assist after one fall. Pressing the call button before you get up is exactly what it is for.

Screen 7 of 9Your Actions

Your Safety Habits

Tick each one as you commit to it

✓

Use my walking aid every time I walk

Even just a few steps.

✓

Check my walking frame or stick height is correct

Handles at wrist height when standing straight.

✓

Lock wheelchair brakes before every transfer

Both brakes, every single time.

✓

Keep my call button within reach at all times

On the bedside table at night — not in a drawer.

✓

Press my call button before I get up at night

Especially after surgery or medications.

Screen 8 of 9Quick Quiz

🧠

Quick Quiz

5 questions — tap the best answer

Question 1 of 5Score: 0

Screen 9 of 9Complete

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Module 7 Complete!

You now know how to use a walking frame, walking stick, and wheelchair correctly — and when and how to use your call button.

4

Topics

0

Habits ticked

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Quiz score

This module supports your clinical care. Always speak with your nurse or doctor if you have concerns.