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
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.
The idea is good. You find it hard to stand from a chair so you get a chair that helps you out.
The problem....
You stop using the muscles that help you stand and pretty soon you can't stand without this type of assistance.
This can be a very big problem and aids such as this should only be used when absolutely required.
Other Elderly Mobility Aids that provide balance support while keeping you active can have the opposite effect. If you walk twice as far daily because you use a cane or frame you get stronger.Stronger is good, weakness is bad.
A quad stick is a walking stick with a wide base. It gets it's name from the 4 rubber stoppers on the base that provide the extra stability.
Quad sticks are heavier than regular walking canes but the increased base of support provides a higher level of balance assistance.
Quad sticks are commonly use be people who have had a stroke and are an example of a specialized form of Elderly Mobility Aid.
When it comes to mobility, different environments have different requirements. You may be fine walking around the house but when you venture outside uneven surfaces, slopes, and steps suddenly make everything different.
It is normal for people to use a mobility aid only when required. This may mean a walking cane when outdoors but mobilizing independently indoors.
Alternatively, those who use a cane indoors may feel safer with a walking frame when outdoors or in unfamiliar environments. The most important thing is that if you need an aid, choose the appropriate elderly mobility aid for your current level of function and the location you will be walking in.
