Mobility Aids Comparison: Timing the Use of Walkers versus Canes
Supporting the mobility of older adults or those with disabilities, canes and walkers offer much-needed assistance in daily life. This article takes a closer look at the differences between canes and walkers, and helps users choose the best support for their specific needs.
As the years pass, certain chronic health conditions can develop, causing challenges in maintaining balance and mobility. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), each year, older adults experience falls, which can lead to serious injuries in older age.
Walkers and canes are crucial in helping people remain independent and maintain their quality of life, while minimizing risks of falling. Different mobility devices are available, each with distinct advantages and disadvantages, tailored to cater to specific needs and abilities.
The Breakdown: Canes and Walkers Compared
Here's a broad comparison of walkers vs. canes:
| Device | Pros | Cons | Conditions | Cost || --- | --- | --- | --- | --- || 1-legged cane | - adjusted for balance - accommodates minimal weight bearing | - for minimal assistance - some may find the curved handle difficult to grip with joint or muscle conditions | - mild balance issues - mild to moderate arthritis of the lower limbs | $10-$40 || 3-4 legged cane | - offers greater help with balance than a standard cane - can bear more weight - adjustable | - heavier - more cumbersome - may be harder to use on stairs | - one-sided muscle weakness (hemiparesis) or more significant issues with balance | $15-$40 || Standard walker | - stable - foldable | - no wheels - requires lifting with each step | - for conditions that affect the function of muscles or nerves or for fractures | $20-$60 || 2-4 wheeled walker (Rollator) | - easier to move - may have a seat and basket for comfort | - less stable than standard - not foldable | - issues affecting the spinal cord, conditions that slow down mobility like heart or lung diseases, requiring extensive support | $35-$100 |
-helps with balance-adjustable
Walkers or Canes: Matching Device to Need
-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
Canes and walkers both provide stability during mobility, but serve different purposes. A cane can help those with minor balance or stability issues, weakness in their legs or trunk, or those living with an injury or pain related to conditions such as arthritis.
-mild balance issues-mild to moderate arthritis of the lower limbs
Typically, a person holds a cane with one hand, depending on the type, it can have one to four legs, with the more legs offering increased stability. Additionally, ice grippers can be added to canes for walking in slippery conditions.
$10-$40
On the other hand, people who have total knee or hip replacement surgery or have more significant balance and mobility issues may benefit from using a walker. With three-four legs, a walker requires the use of both hands, as users can add support for their wrists or arms and various accessories to meet their needs.
Types of Canes and Walkers
-offers greater help with balance than a standard cane-can bear more weight-adjustable
Regular canes are typically made of wood or aluminum with a rubber tip and hook-shaped handle. These canes are best suited for those needing minimal assistance but are not ideal for those requiring more supportive options.
-heavier-more cumbersome-may be harder to use on stairs
Canes with three or four legs, known as a "quad cane," can stand independently, offering greater stability for users who experience pain on one side. Some multi-legged canes, also known as "sit-to-stand" canes, have a secondary grip to help with getting up or sitting down.
-one-sided muscle weakness (hemiparesis) or more significant issues with balance
There are three types of walkers, each catering to specific needs:
$15-$40
- The standard walker, featuring four rubber-tipped legs, offers more stability but necessitates lifting it with each step.
- The two-wheeled walker, with front wheels and backsliders, provides easier maneuverability but is less stable, requiring more cognitive effort to handle.
- The four-wheeled (Rollator) walker allows for a more natural gait while featuring additional features like brakes, seat, and basket, but requires more coordination and may be heavier to maneuver.
Making the Right Choice
-stable-foldable
The effectiveness of using a cane or a walker hinges on an individual's ability to consistently use the device while maintaining their balance and coordinating movements.
-no wheels-needs lifting with each step
While a cane can assist with minor balance problems, it requires individuals to have sufficient strength and endurance to walk with it and steadily handle it. A walker is more appropriate for those with more significant balance and mobility issues.
-for conditions that affect the function of muscles or nerves or for fractures
Ultimately, determining whether to use a walker or cane depends on various factors, including a person's balance, endurance, strength, the type and severity of their condition, and their specific needs and lifestyle.
$20-$60
Getting Your Mobility Aid
Individuals may purchase their preferred mobility aid directly from a supplier. Additional options include purchasing it from a clinic or hospital, through their insurance company, or from a non-profit organization for older adults or those with disabilities.
-easier to move-may have a seat and basket for comfort
Cost Considerations
-less stable than standard-not foldable
According to American Family Physician, canes typically cost between $10 and $40, while walkers can range from $20 to $100.
-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). A person can rent or buy a cane or walker through Medicare Part B if it is medically necessary and needed for home use. That said, a doctor accepting Medicare must write the prescription, and the person must purchase the device from a Medicare-approved supplier.
Using Your Mobility Aid Safely
Regardless of the chosen mobility device, it is essential to ensure it is used safely. Proper hand position should place the handle at wrist level with relaxed arms, and users should maintain an upright posture without leaning forward.
Special caution is required for cane and walker usage, ensuring secure grip, appropriate step placement, and safe transitions on stairs.
In summary, mobility aids can significantly enhance the lives of older adults and those with disabilities, providing essential support and maintaining independence. By understanding the differences between canes and walkers, individuals can make informed decisions rooted in their medical condition, lifestyle, and support requirements.
- As people age, they may develop chronic health conditions that affect their balance and mobility, making devices like canes and walkers crucial for maintaining independence.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that falling is a common issue among older adults, often leading to severe injuries.
- Canes and walkers each have distinct advantages and disadvantages tailored to specific needs, like balance issues, arthritis, or total knee or hip replacement surgery.
- Regular canes, though lightweight, may not provide enough support for those requiring more assistance, while multi-legged canes offer increased stability.
- There are three types of walkers: standard walkers, two-wheeled walkers, and four-wheeled walkers, each catering to specific needs such as stability, maneuverability, or additional features like seats and baskets.
- The choice between a cane or a walker depends on factors like balance, endurance, strength, the type and severity of a person's condition, and their specific needs and lifestyle. Individuals may purchase mobility aids through clinics, hospitals, insurance companies, or non-profit organizations for older adults or those with disabilities.
