Choosing the right mobility products for the elderly can allow your loved one to be as safe and independent as possible.

Maybe you're noticing their balance isn't quite as good as it used to be or their physical therapist recommended they get a walker.

Learning about the different options that are available can prepare and empower both you and your loved one.

One product might be all they need for now but in a few months or years, you will find it helpful to know about other options.

There are mobility products for the elderly that provide seniors with a light assistance (such as a cane) to moderate/max assistance (such as a wheelchair).

The right product at the right time can improve the safety and quality of life of your loved one.

Folding Cane

Level of Support: Light

Folding canes are great mobility products for the elderly who just need a little support with their balance.

Of all the mobility products for the elderly, the common single point folding cane provides the least amount of support but may be all your loved one needs.

There are different types of canes that provide more support, such as a quad cane. These can be useful for seniors who need additional support and cannot hold onto a walker with both hands (such as a senior who had a stroke).

Quad Cane

Level of Support: Light-Moderate (depending on the size of the base)

Quad canes have a base that has four points which provides more support. The bases come in a variety of sizes depending on the support needed.

It is commonly used by elderly who need more support than a single point cane but cannot hold onto a walker with both hands. For example, seniors who have hemiplegia due to a stroke.

Walkers for Elderly

Level of Support: Moderate

Walkers are very common mobility products for the elderly. They come in a variety of styles including: folding walker, front wheel walker and rollator walker.

Each style has a specific purpose so it's important to know why your aging parents would benefit from using one.

For example: if elderly need to keep weight off their leg after surgery, they will benefit from a folding walker. These walkers do not have wheels so they are more stable and the user can safely place their body weight through the handles.

Hemi Walker

Level of Support: Moderate

Hemi walkers are a mix between a quad cane and a folding walker.

They are used by elderly who would benefit from the support a folding walker provides but cannot use one because they cannot hold onto both handles.

This could be due to a stroke or broken arm, wrist or hand.

Folding Walker

Level of Support: Moderate

Folding walkers are lightweight walkers which have no wheels and can fold in half. The senior has to pick up the walker every two steps which can be difficult for some seniors.

Elderly that would benefit from a folding walker are individuals that have to keep weight off one of their legs/feet. This walker is very stable and the user can use it to "hop" on one foot.

They work well indoors but are not designed for extensive outdoor use. They can also be converted into a front wheel walker by adding wheels to the front legs.

Rollator Walker

Level of Support: Moderate

Rollator walkers are very common and for good reason. They provide balance support but also have a seat, four wheels, a basket/bag to carry items, hand brakes and come in a wide variety of styles/colors.

They are relatively lightweight, can fold up to fit in the trunk of a car and can be used both indoors and outdoors.

They are well suited to elderly who have some balance and strength issues but do not need the support that a folding walker provides.

3 Wheel Walkers

Level of Support: Moderate

3 wheel walkers are similar to rollator walkers, although they only have 3 wheels and do not have a seat. They have a bag/basket and bicycle style hand brakes.

Some seniors find them more manoeuvrable than rollator walkers, although they are not as stable (due to one less wheel).

Knee Walker

Level of Support: Moderate

A knee walker is a newer product that serves a specific situation - a senior who cannot put weight on their leg/foot due to surgery or a fracture.

It can be thought of as an alternative to crutches.

It has wheels, hand brakes and a support to rest the affected leg. Obviously, the senior would need to have a certain level of balance, strength and coordination to safely use this device.

Walker Accessories

There are a wide variety of walker accessories that make using a walker more convenient, safer and easier to use.

There are bags, oxygen holders, trays, bottle holders, cane holders and more.

They not only add functionality but also personalize the walker so that elderly can express a bit about themselves - as well as identify their walker out of the crowd at senior housing dining rooms!

Transport Wheelchair

Level of Support: Moderate - Max

Transport wheelchairs are lightweight and designed for a caregiver to push the elderly in the chair. They have four smaller wheels and fold in half to fit in the trunk of a car.

They are well suited for elderly that cannot walk longer distances and have a friend/family member that can push them.

These mobility products for the elderly are not designed for all day every day use as they do not have the added support that a regular light weight wheelchair does.

Light Weight Wheelchair

Level of Support: Moderate - Max

Light weight wheelchairs have two larger wheels in the rear and two smaller wheels in the front. This allows elderly to propel themselves using their arms and/or their feet (if their seat is low enough for their feet to be on the ground).

Most light weight wheelchairs can be customized to include specialized back rests, cushions, lap trays, seat belts and many other options. There are a wide variety of accessories that make using a light weight wheelchair easier and more convenient.

Reclining Wheelchair

Level of Support: Moderate

A reclining wheelchair is a great product for the elderly who are using a wheelchair as their primary means of mobility (ie. not walking), are at risk of skin issues and need the adjustability of changing positions while remaining in the wheelchair.

The reclining feature (when combined with a tilt option) spreads the senior's weight more evenly in the chair which decreases their risk of skin issues. It can also be more comfortable than a standard light weight wheelchair.

Shower Wheelchair

Level of Support: Moderate

A shower wheelchair is designed to be taken into the shower and get wet. Many models can also be used as a wheeled commode.

They are great for elderly who use a wheelchair as their primary means of mobility (ie. not walking) and have a roll in accessible shower/bathroom.

Motorized Wheelchair

Level of Support: Moderate-Max

Motorized wheelchairs are designed for elderly who cannot safely walk around their home or senior housing community. They also have difficulty self propelling a light weight wheelchair.

Similar to light weight wheelchairs, they can be customized to include back rests, cushions, seat belts, different control configurations (even head controls) and many other options.

They are very maneuverable (some can even turn on the spot) and most can be used both indoors and outdoors.

Power Wheelchair Accessories

Using a motorized wheelchair can take some time to get used to but there are some accessories that make it easier, more comfortable and more convenient.

A good cushion and back support are always a great idea. A bag is also helpful to carry small items.

Depending on their needs, there are a wide variety of power wheelchair accessories that can help: oxygen tank holders, cushions, back rests, lap trays and many others.

Scooters for Elderly

Level of Support: Moderate-Max

Scooters are excellent products for the elderly who cannot safely and easily walk in their community.

They cannot replace cars but do a great job trying! Many seniors use them to visit friends, family, go shopping and attend community events.

Some seniors have multiple mobility products for the elderly, including a scooter. Others just have a scooter for longer distances and have no issues walking in their home without a mobility aid.

My Grandparents had two scooters - one for each of them - one with a trailer to haul groceries and both with canopies to keep the rain and sun off them.

Recliner Lift Chair

Level of Support: Moderate

Some elderly have difficulty getting up/down from their living room chair or couch. A recliner lift chair has an electric lift feature that raises the chair up so it is easier to get on/off.

They also extend into a recliner position - with the assistance of an electric motor - so the elderly does not have to physically push the leg rests out.

Higher end models have dual motors which give elderly more control over the exact positioning of the chair as the footrest and back can move separately.

Shoes for Elderly Women

Level of Support: Light

Shoes are an important part of elderly fall prevention so it's a good idea to purchase the right shoes.

For seniors at high risk of falling, I recommend wearing shoes at all times - both indoors and outdoors. Most slippers do not offer the support and non-slip features of a good shoe.

In this article I describe the features to look for when buying shoes for elderly women including: low/no heel, non-slip sole and more.

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