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The reasons people need walking
aids cover a wide range of condi-
tions, from neurological and balance
impairments to chronic conditions
such as arthritis. Rehabilitation
following orthopedic surgery may
be one of the fi rst times a person
uses a cane or walker. Another
reason why a person may need a
walking aid is the growing problem
of obesity. The additional stress
that a high BMI puts on joints in
the lower extremities may lead to
greater mobility complications than
in a person of normal weight.
So, there are many reasons that
a person may need a cane or
walker. In fact, a study from Purdue
University states that one in three
adults over 65 uses an assistive
walking device
1
. But how can
you help a person get over that
initial layer of resistance and start
enjoying the benefi ts of a walking
aid sooner? Here are some ideas.
1. Focus on the things they’ll do
better. Remind your customers of
what they will be able to do with
their new walker or rollator. It may
be making it to the bathroom at
night without assistance, or it may
be making laps around the park
on a walking trail. It’s important
that they understand how to use
the device safely and discuss their
personal boundaries with their
doctor or health professional.
But regardless of their level of
mobility, focus on what they will
accomplish on their own with
the help of the walking aid and
the resulting pride and dignity
they’ll gain.
2. Use the device as a personal
statement. The simple silver
walker takes on a personality of
its own, or more accurately the
personality of the user, when it’s
decorated with streamers, stickers
or even a bike horn. Perhaps it’s
the colors of their favorite team,
a meaningful benevolent cause
or even their favorite political can-
didate. More and more, walking
aids are coming from the factory
in a variety of colors from distin-
guished black to hot rod red. The
better the choices, the more likely
the user will love his or her device.
3. Let them know they’re not
alone. As mentioned earlier,
upwards of one in three seniors
use a walking aid at one time or
another
1
. When a person starts
thinking about using one him-
or herself, he or she will start
seeing them everywhere they look.
Let people know that you’ll be
there to help them understand
their new walking aid, help adjust
it for a proper fi t, and answer any
questions they have.
The fi rst time a person needs
a walking aid can be a scary or
diffi cult transition. With the right
mix of professional knowledge,
caring and compassion, you can
help make the process much
better for the patient, caregiver
and yourself.
1
Obese Seniors More Likely to Need Walkers, Canes,
Other Assistive Devices. Nov 2010.
http://www.caringnews.com/pub.59/issue.1439/article.6000/
Sensitivity to Patient
Issues is Key to
Walking Aid Transition
For many older adults, the idea of using a walking aid is
like surrendering to old age. With that line of thinking, it’s
easy to understand why some people who could benefi t
from a walking aid may be hesitant to use one.