A folding cane is a great way to reduce the risk of falls for elderly with minor balance, strength and endurance issues.
Maybe you've noticed your loved one is holding onto furniture while they walk around the house or had a recent fall?
If they are not significantly unsteady on their feet, a walking cane might be all they need to be safe and as independent as possible.
Of all the mobility products for the elderly, a folding cane provides the least amount of support but may be all your elderly parent needs.
It is also the most portable and affordable option that can make a big difference in improving the safety of your loved one.
It's important that you select an appropriate cane, that it fits well and the senior practices using it in a safe environment (at home or in the hallway of their senior community).
Folding canes are single point walking canes. There are also quad canes that provide more support and are beneficial for seniors who cannot hold onto a walker with both hands.
A folding cane provides a third base of support (two legs plus the cane). This provides a balance point and can reduce the risk of falls.
They are lightweight and can be made from wood or metal. They come in a wide variety of sizes, handle shapes and features.
A folding cane is excellent for elderly who need a little extra support due to minor issues with balance, strength and endurance. They can also help take weight off a painful hip, knee or foot.
Maybe you have noticed they are "furniture cruising" in the home (holding onto chairs, counters, etc) but have not had any falls and do not feel unsteady on their feet.
A cane may provide the added support to make your elderly parent safer and improve their confidence walking.
A folding cane should not be used by seniors who need more support than a cane can provide.
If your loved one has had a fall and is unsteady on their feet then a cane may cause more problems as it takes a certain level of balance and strength to use safely.
I recommend they use walkers for elderly, which are designed for people with balance, strength and endurance issues.
A good folding cane should include the following:
Once a senior is comfortable using a cane, they can choose from a wide assortment of styles, colors and features.
There are a few accessories for elderly walking canes:
Much like other mobility products for the elderly, the handle should be at the same height as the senior's wrist.
How to measure:
It would seem that a simple single point folding cane would be easy to use.
However, many seniors cannot get used to the timing of walking with a cane and prefer to use a rollator walker even though they are bigger and provide more support than they may need.
Here are the basics and like everything, it takes practice:
Some seniors prefer to use the cane so that the cane and closest leg move together. This does not provide the same amount of support and can alter the senior's stride/gait.
They can range from $10 to $200+, depending on the style.
It's not uncommon to have a difficult time convincing a senior to start using a mobility aid such as a cane. Buying a cane that expresses a bit of their style, interests or hobbies can make a big difference in their perception of using one.
There are a wide variety of canes available including:
Return to Mobility Products for the Elderly
Return to Equipment for Seniors
Return to Caring for Aging Parents
New! Comments
Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below.