Freedom Solutions One-Handed Walker Conversion Kit

There are currently no wheeled walker products for one-handed operation available on the Australian market that are suitable for all-purpose use (only some lightweight indoor-only models). As such, walkers for general use are currently customised one-by-one, specifically for users upon request. Due to the cost involved, these customisations are typically made by volunteers through non-profit organisations (like Freedom Solutions), and solutions are limited by the available equipment. So any new, improved product needs to be at an acceptable price for users and customers e.g. elderly, people in rehabilitation from an accident, those with disabilities (and their disability insurance-scheme managers).

Freedom Solutions creates products and solutions for people with disabilities – primarily custom solutions for those whose needs are not met by commercially-available products. Thus it was essential that the one-handed walker solution was able to be customised for a wide range of users, their needs and equipment. So instead of developing and building a (large) range of entire walkers, Freedom Solutions decided to design a kit, able to be easily and quickly custom-made to suit a variety of users and walkers. It builds off many years optimising usability and construction details while customising walkers and other assistive equipment.

Walkers are an essential piece of equipment for those with limited mobility. However the customisations required for single handed operation are labour intensive and expensive. 1 in 6 people have a stroke in their lifetime, and many strokes result in the loss of motor skills on one side of the body. As most are older or elderly, this points to a lot of people requiring a custom walker, however often with limited funding available (e.g. ineligible for NDIS over age 65). The Freedom Solutions kit provides an affordable, reliable and easy-to-use solution for these people and their ranging situations.

- A stainless steel crossbar is the main structural element for the new hand position. - ASA/Nylon fittings are used to interface with the walker frame – retaining the crossbar in place, eliminating rattle, and easy operation of moving parts. Fittings are 3D printed, so that walkers of different dimensions and details can be accounted for, CAD details quickly adjusted, and parts produced. - A grip and brake lever can be positioned on the crossbar for either left or right hand, and per the user’s preferences. - Clever integration of standard bicycle and walker components allow a single brake lever to reliably activate and lock brakes on both sides equally, with minimal effort. - The tip-up seat is an important walker feature - so to maintain ability for the user to take a break, the crossbar can be unlocked and rotated away with the single action of lifting the latch (contrasting-coloured for better visibility). - When the crossbar is rotated back into position, the latch automatically locks it in place, to prevent accidents caused by a failing memory and a dislodged crossbar. - All parts of the kit are able to be fitted to a walker by volunteers using simple tools, (or a carer with basic handy skills).