Living well, among many actions, also means moving your body as best as you can with every passing year. At some point you may begin to have concerns about being mobile. The good news is that there are many aids or “assisted devices” for indoors and outdoors, for different needs. The key to using any or all of them is to be sure the device fits you properly. Even if you think you’re used to using a device around the house, you’ll need to be sure it’s the best device for outdoors. There are even more considerations that are important.
First to consider is your particular need—are you recovering from illness or injury? Are you feeling a little wobbly or unsteady when walking short distances? Talk with your physician for the best recommendations for you. You’ll probably be advised to consider physical therapy—even if you don’t think you need it! A physical therapist will analyze your needs even further and know how to be sure you are using the right device, in the right way for you. You’ll actually receive instruction on how to best use a cane—it’s more than just a stick!
- The standard walking stick or cane comes in a range of types and styles and are used to help balance. Caution: they will not prevent falls—if not carefully selected according to your needs, the cane or stick can actually become more of a danger! Wooden canes are most popular; aluminum canes are stronger/more reliable. The height must be correct and the handle should fit so you have a good grip on the handle or base. Some are left or right handed. Canes and sticks can be used indoors and on most outdoor terrains. You need your physical therapist to assist your needs!
- Quadruped or tripod walking sticks offer more stability. Usually made of aluminum, it may have three or four “feet” and the added benefit of standing up by itself—no need to try to pick up a cane that falls and may cause the user to fall in the process! These may come with a seat; they can be used indoors or outdoors but the added support at the base requires more space to be used safely. They can put added pressure on wrists—once again, you’ll need a physical therapist to be sure the height is right as well.
- Walkers or “walking frames” are as wide as the body with two handles that are secured to the light-weight aluminum frame that has four legs to the ground. You can lean on it for balance and use it to support body weight while you take a step and move the frame in front of you. There are versions with two front wheels, making it even easier than picking up. These models should only be used indoors. They are adjustable and a physical therapist should help determine the correct height. They truly aid independence and mobility. Walkers can be folded to fit into cars or trunks. They are best used on flat ground without trip hazards.
- Tri-Walkers are a good option for the more agile who want to be out in public areas. These have three connected wheeled sticks combined with handlebars; brakes are built into the grip handles. These are better for navigating uneven surfaces outdoors offering better control, but the user needs to be trained in safe use—a physical therapist will know best! Tri-walkers fold easily for packing in vehicles.
- Rollators are similar to tri-walkers but the four wheels afford even more stability. There are many different models to suit individual needs, but basically they are rolling walkers. The large wheels are controlled by brakes with cables connected to the handle grips. They have great support and make walking easier because you can walk and push this walker at the same time, no lifting at all. The larger wheels make them more suitable outdoors yet they fold to fit in vehicles. Your physical therapist can help identify which model will be best and of course, help adjust the frame and offer training. Many have seats and basket space. But caution! Users will need to lock the brakes for sitting or the rollator may become dangerous! Not all have back supports; if you forget and lean back while seated, you may lose your balance and fall.
- Rollators with buckets are better used indoors because they are smaller, have smaller wheels that are better suited to carpets and indoor floors. The baskets or buckets are great for transporting items indoors, lending to an enhanced feeling of independence for users. Their design makes them difficult to fold; these are not optimal for outdoor use.
These mobility aids provide necessary balance and body weight distribution to prevent falls, but there are even more important points for consideration.
- How’s the weather out there? Before you leave know whether to expect rain or snow or ice –obvious slippery hazards. You may have to wait for a better time to leave the safety of your home. Check the feet of your assisted device often—are the rubber ferrules getting worn?
- Watch where you’re walking! Look ahead, not down, as you might be inclined when using your assistive device. You will be better able to focus on obstacles ahead and prepare for them. Therapists recommend you practice this around the house before walking outside—you’ll be surprised how the natural reflex is to look at your feet rather than the path in front of you!
- Stay alert to your surroundings! You’ll be surprised at how often you’re caught up in your own thoughts and not actually concentrating on the path ahead, especially if you’re newly adjusting to using an assisted device. Others may not have to think about who else is walking or jogging on the sidewalk. But you do, to stay safe while walking. Ideally, stay away from high-traffic areas and watch always for hazards, be they gravel on a path or a pup on a leash.
- Easy does it, slow and steady! There’s no reason to “keep up” with anyone else on your walk. You want to safely enjoy being outdoors and savoring the experience—a lesson we all need to learn! Don’t be distracted!
Practice makes perfect—or at least safer! Your physical therapist will lead your way, then you should practice your new skills indoors before venturing outdoors. You will need to learn what’s called the appropriate gait pattern that goes with your device. You may use more than one type of device, depending if you are indoors or out. For example, walkers use a more shuffled approach but a cane may be best for a leg or foot that is weaker than the other. Don’t go it alone, be sure you have someone to monitor your new skill while you’re learning.
Then get out there, enjoy the great outdoors—before the snow flies!!!
