Assistive Aids: Identifying Appropriate Use of Walkers and Canes
Struggling with mobility? Canes and walkers can lend a helping hand, especially for those dealing with age-related issues or certain health conditions.
Let's face it, as we age, things like falls and mobility problems can become more frequent. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls happen frequently among older adults, and can lead to serious injuries, such as broken bones or muscle damage. But, with the right assistive devices, you can help maintain your independence and reduce the risk of falling.
So, when it comes to choosing between a cane or a walker, here's what you need to know.
| Mobile Assistant | Pros | Cons | Conditions | Cost ||---|---|---|---|---|| Cane (1-legged) | Helps with balance, adjustable, portable | For minimal weight bearing only, may be difficult to grasp for people with joint or muscle issues | Mild balance issues, mild arthritis in lower limbs | $10-$40 || Cane (3-4 legged) | Offers more stability, can bear more weight, adjustable | Heavier, more cumbersome, harder to use on stairs | Hemiparesis (one-sided muscle weakness), significant balance issues | $15-$40 || Standard Walker | Stable, foldable | No wheels, needs lifting with each step | Conditions affecting muscles, nerves, or fractures | $20-$60 || Wheeled Walker | Easier to move, may have a seat and basket | Less stable, not foldable | Issues affecting the spinal cord, conditions that slow down mobility like heart or lung diseases | $35-$100 |
Medical Conditions: A Match Game
Canes and walkers are likeBackup Dancers for those struggling with balance and mobility. Canes are ideal for people dealing with minor balance problems or weakness in their legs. These devices can help those experiencing pain due to conditions like arthritis or those who've had minor injuries. A cane is perfect if you need a little extra support but can still rely on your own strength.
-helps with balance-adjustable
On the other hand, if you need greater support or are dealing with more significant balance and mobility issues, a walker might be your new BFF. This three or four-legged device with handles, requires the use of both hands for support. If you've had total knee or hip replacement surgery, for example, a walker could be just what the doctor ordered.
-for minimal weight bearing only-some have a curved handle that some may find difficult to grasp and cause pain, especially for people with joint or muscle conditions
For added comfort, you can add wrist or arm support or various accessories such as wheels or brakes, depending on your needs.
-mild balance issues-mild to moderate arthritis of the lower limbs
Two peas in a pod: The Walkers and Canes Family
$10-$40
Standard canes are usually made of wood or aluminum and have a rubber tip and a hook-shaped or flat handle. They work best for those who need minimal assistance. However, canes with multiple legs offer more stability for those who experience pain on one side.
When it comes to walkers, there are three types to choose from:
-offers greater help with balance than a standard cane-can bear more weight-adjustable
- Standard walkers with four rubber-tipped legs, providing greater stability but requiring a user to lift it with each step.
- Two-wheeled walkers with front wheels and backsliders, making it easier to move but less stable for those who need more cognitive effort to handle.
- Four-wheeled walkers (or rollators) with brakes, a seat, and a basket, providing a more natural gait for users who have better balance and coordination.
-heavier-more cumbersome-may be harder to use on stairs
Each type of walker has its benefits and drawbacks depending on your specific needs.
-one-sided muscle weakness (hemiparesis) or more significant issues with balance
Canes vs. Walkers: The Battle of the Titans
$15-$40
Effective use of a cane demands enough strength to walk consistently and securely while maintaining balance. Although a cane can offer assistance with minor balance problems, it requires users to steady themselves if they start to slip and to coordinate their cane with their arm movement while walking.
Walkers, however, are more suitable for those who have more significant balance impairments. Walkers help users shift some or all of their body weight away from their lower body when moving, allowing them to use their arms to support their body weight.
-stable-foldable
Deciding whether to use a walker or cane comes down to your specific situation, including your balance, strength, and endurance.
-no wheels-needs lifting with each step
When DO YOU Make the Switch: Canes to Walkers or Vice Versa?
-for conditions that affect the function of muscles or nerves or for fractures
The question of whether to switch from a cane to a walker or vice versa is individual and depends on several factors. You should consider whether your balance or strength has improved or worsened, what your doctor recommends, and if your daily routine is better suited to a cane or a walker.
$20-$60
The Get: Where to Grab Your Mobility Aid
You can typically purchase your preferred mobility aid directly from a supplier, or from a clinic, hospital, insurance company, or non-profit organization for the elderly or people with disabilities.
-easier to move-may have a seat and basket for comfort
The Cost: Cane vs. Walker
-less stable than standard-not foldable
Canes usually cost between $10 and $40, while walkers might be a little pricier, ranging from $20 to $100[4].
-issues affecting the spinal cord, conditions that slow down mobility like heart or lung diseases
DME and Medicare
$35-$100
Medicare considers walkers and canes as Durable Medical Equipment (DME). You can rent or buy a cane or walker through Medicare Part B if it's medically necessary and needed for home use if a doctor accepting Medicare writes the prescription, and you purchase the device from a Medicare-approved supplier[4].
Learn more: Medicare and walkers, Medicare and canes
Safety First
No matter which mobile assistant you decide to use, safety should always come first. Ensure the handle is at wrist level, keep arms slightly bent while using it, and maintain an upright posture without leaning forward.
Cane Safety
When using a cane, hold it with the hand opposite the injured or painful side, place it ahead when walking, step forward with the painful or injured leg, and follow with the other leg.
When going upstairs or down, take precautions: hold on to the handrail when ascending, and place the cane down first when descending to ensure stability.
Walker Safety
Place the walker one step ahead, move the injured or painful leg to the middle, bring your stronger leg to meet it, taking small, slow steps. To sit down or stand up, use chairs with armrests, gently slide onto the chair while keeping your feet flat on the floor, and push up with your arms to stand. Do not use the walker to help stand up, as it may give way.
Stay Independent and Mobile
Mobility challenges are a part of life for many people. But with assistive devices like canes and walkers, you can take steps towards maintaining your independence and staying active. When choosing between a cane and a walker, consider your specific medical condition, the level of support you need, and your lifestyle to make the best decision.
- Canes and walkers serve as valuable assistants for individuals dealing with balance and mobility issues, catering to various degrees of need.
- A cane works effectively for individuals with minor balance problems or those experiencing discomfort from conditions like arthritis or minor injuries, offering additional support without entirely relying on the device.
- For those with more significant balance and mobility issues, a walker is a more beneficial option. This three or four-legged device distributes the user's weight more evenly, providing greater stability and support, especially after surgeries such as total knee or hip replacement.
- The selection between canes and walkers depends on individual factors like balance, strength, and endurance, making it essential to consult a healthcare professional before making a decision.
- Both canes and walkers can be acquired from various providers, such as suppliers, clinics, hospitals, or organizations focused on elderly care or people with disabilities. Medicare offers coverage for both assistive devices if deemed necessary by a doctor and purchased from a Medicare-approved supplier.
