You may feel disappointed if you choose a walking aid product that ends up causing more problems than they solve. A sturdy walking stick looks solid enough to support you but can be difficult to manoeuvre in smaller spaces such as your home. Conversely a lightweight walking stick looks suitable for lighter support but lacks stability when using uneven footpaths. Choosing the correct walking aid is crucial so that you are able to live independently and enjoy activities with family and friends.
Assessing your mobility requirements
When choosing your walking aid it is important to think about how and where you will be using it. There are products on the market that are designed for use indoors and those that are designed for use outdoors. However even with the products that are designed for use indoors, the same product can be used in different ways due to the layout of your home. For example you will need to consider the width of your door ways and the type of flooring you have. Are you using the product on a hard floor or on carpets?
Do you need a product for occasional use for short distances around the home e.g. to the kitchen to make a cup of tea or for longer periods of walking to and from local shops e.g. daily grocery shopping. Is it for occasional activity or all day usage. Many products can be used for both but for some occasions one may be more suitable than the other. We must also consider your overall health whether it be good or poor. Do you suffer from balance problems that would require a wider base to a walking aid to aid stability. Are you currently suffering from weakness in arms or hands that makes it difficult to grip or hold on to items e.g. handle of a walking aid. Finally do you have the energy to propel a walker for short distances i.e. a 5 minute period whilst in store so you can get a feel for how it looks and feels and whether it is suitable for your needs.
Stability features that matter
The base width of the walking aid provides stability for the product. Generally speaking the wider the base the more stable the product will be; however more difficult to manœuvre in certain positions.
Four-legged walking frames offer greater stability than single-point canes but are often less easy to carry around. Make sure any four-legged walking frame provided has anti-slip tips on all points of ground contact. The rubber tips should have deep treads for outdoor traction and be replaceable if required. Some walking aids incorporate ice grips into the tips or have studs that can be fitted for use in the colder months.
A common trap is to get the loading factor wrong. You need to allow for shopping, for backpacks, or simply for leaning on the pole when tired. Look at the recommended weight limit for the model you are looking at and not exceed it. All walking aids have high quality components, but if you exceed the weight limit intended for that model the consequences can be very serious.
Comfort elements for extended use
The handle on a product can have a particular effect on your hands and wrists when using the product for extended periods. An ergonomically designed grip can help reduce the potential for damage to your hands and wrists. Other features to look for in the handle are a padded grip to prevent any pressure points, and an ergonomic design to reduce strain. An adjustable height mechanism is useful, but make sure the points where you are supposed to make the adjustment are securely locked. Also check that the operating range is sufficient.
Some products feature handles that include shock-absorbing materials to reduce hand, wrist, and joints stress. This is particularly useful for people with arthritis or other joint pain. Choose a grip style or configuration that best suits your hand size and strength.
There are various options for the armrests, dependent on the type and intended use of the walking aid. A simple forearm support is supplied for short term use, or as a helper for placing the walking aid on your lap for a few minutes. For longer term use the walking aid has fully padded armrests.
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Portability and storage considerations
You may require the walking stick to be carifiable ie you may require it for walking when out and about, and then you may require to store it safely in your car. You may also require to store it safely at your home when you return in the evening. The folding mechanism should therefore allow for the stick to fold up neatly and to be stored against a wall or in a car boot. You need to try folding the stick yourself and see if you require any assistance to do so.
Another consideration is the weight of the screen when you may need to lift it up when putting it in a car or bringing it upstairs to a display area. Our standard range of display screens from Aluminium provide a great combination of strength and light weight, screens made from steel are the strongest of all but do weigh a little more.
For many people with mobility issues, a rollator walker can be the best of all worlds, offering greater mobility indoors and outdoors, while providing excellent stability, practical features such as hand brakes, and secure storage pockets. Rollator walkers are simple to propel around and offer four-point stability when standing still. Most rollators are also easily foldable for transportation.
Other features worth considering
Whether you need extra storage for items like sweets, shopping, pens, phone etc, our storage options have got you covered. From hidden pockets and discreet baskets, to detachable trays and secret zipped compartments, you can store your extra items in a variety of ways. We can also add extra removable storage to your ottoman.
The Brake System is a feature of wheeled models that prevents them from rolling away or levers tilting from an incline. The hand brake should be easy to operate and hold solidly in place when required. Many models incorporate a Parking Brake that holds the hand brake in position when unattended for long periods.
These Seat Attachments allow you to use your stroller as a comfortable seat for your pet. Suitable for the tired owner who just wants to put their pet down for a rest, or for the longer walk where the owner may need a break every now and then.
Making the final decision
We strongly recommend testing all fold creasers on different substrates, sample folds and use before purchasing the product. Many suppliers allow a trial period, and some will exchange the creaser for a different size if required.
In planning the layout of a Racehorse’s Stud page, it is worth bearing in mind the oncoming seasons and what features will be needed to support the horse as it recovers from injury, grows older, and finally retires from Racing to start life as a breeding stallion.
There are many products on the market designed to aid walkers. However, an assessment by an occupational therapist or physiotherapist can highlight features that you or other retailers may not have thought of. They can advise on how the product should be used and choose the correct configuration for your individual needs.
