How to Measure the Height of a Walking Frame

Just like crutches and walking canes, the height of a walking frame is important to get right to ensure optimal use and correct posture.

The easiest way to do this is to set the handles to the height of the crease on the inside of the wrist. Do this in an upright position and when you are done the elbows should be slightly bent when the hands are gripping the frame.

Many people have their frames set too low and the walk stooped over which can cause back pain over time. It only takes a minute to check the height of a mobility aid and it can make a big difference to both safety and confidence.

Keep your equipment fit too.

Most elderly mobility aids aim to keep you mobile,safe and fit.

Just remember that all of your walking slowly takes it toll on your equipment and some components will eventually need replacing.

Don't risk your safety for a $1 piece of rubber. If the stoppers on your walking cane or walking frame have become worn, replace them. When the metal breaks through they go from being reliable support to a serious hazard. 

When so much is riding on the effective functioning of an Elderly Mobility Aid, it is important to keep them in good shape.

Fall Risk and Polypharmacy

Polypharmacy is usually defined as regularly taking 5 or more medications. It has been associated with an increased risk of falls, particularly in the elderly.

The risk of falls is thought to be due to both the medication and the conditions they are treating. 

http://www.australianprescriber.com/magazine/31/1/2/3

More drugs = higher risk, so any concerns about mobility should be addressed with an appropriate mobility aid. Lower the risk for those variables you have direct control of.

What's in a name?

Elderly Mobility Aids are so named because they are commonly used by people later in life. This does not mean that they are the only ones using them.

Walking aids can also be used by anyone following injury or surgery. Crutches are a common example and they are often followed by a walking cane as the condition improves.

Medical conditions that cause weakness or loss of balance can also require the use of an aid.

"Elderly Mobility Aids" can therefore be a misleading term but still one commonly used.

Convenient Walking Cane

You can get fold up walking canes that can fit in an average sized hand bag.

This means that even if you only need one in certain circumstances, you can have a bit of extra support when you need it.

They are definitely one of the most useful types of elderly mobility aids for the more mobile

Using a Walking Cane on stairs

When using a walking cane you should put it in the hand opposite your worst leg.

When it comes to stairs, the first rule is to always use a rail if there is one. Place the cane in the hand not using the rail and use it to assist.

If you have rails on both sides at home it is usually best to use both of them and have 1 cane upstairs and 1 downstairs.

There is no point having an Elderly Mobility Aid if it is not used correctly

Stability vs Speed

It is normally assumed that a walking frame with 4 rubber stoppers is more stable than one with wheels.

When people walk quickly with stoppered frames (particularly the confused) it actually offers less support than a wheeled frame would as they pick it up and it spends very little time in contact with the floor.This goes to show that it is important to match the Elderly Walking Aid to the person using it.