Reduced mobility problems are common in older people for different reasons: feeling of weakness, balance problems, osteoarthritis, having suffered a fracture after a fall and there are many other reasons.
There are many technical mobility aids for the elderly and people with reduced mobility designed to improve the quality of life and increase the degree of autonomy.
Technical aids such as canes or walkers are the most used to help these people to walk in a more correct and safe way. And that is the why we are going to discuss about these walking aids.
The walker:
The knee walker is used by elderly people with mobility problems who need a higher support base than that offered by the cane.
Walkers can be of two types: single or wheeled (two or four wheels) and accessories such as baskets or tables can be added to sit in case of fatigue.
Recommendations when using a walker:
– It is essential that the walker adapts to the older person, adjusting it to their height (like the cane).
– To use it, it is necessary that the person has the strength of the arms minimally preserved. You will need to push the walker while you are walking, and often lift it to overcome a small obstacle.
– You have to teach the person to use it.
– You have to hold the walker with both hands.
– While walking, the elbow should be kept minimally flexed, between 20 degrees and 30 degrees, to help improve body alignment.
The cane:
The cane is one of the most used technical tools to help walk. It supports part of the body’s weight, which gives security and makes it easier for the elderly person to walk more autonomously.
The cane is also used when you want to unload or lighten the work done by a damaged or painful joint. In this case, and unless otherwise indicated, the cane must be carried on the opposite side of the affected leg.
A good cane must have:
– A grip wide enough to help distribute the pressure your hand receives.
– A grip thick enough that it can be comfortably held without straining your hand.
– A rubber block to guarantee good stability and security when resting the cane on the ground.
– Check the condition of the heel often because it wears easily and can lose its non-slip function.
