How many people use assistive devices? According to The Centers for Disease Control (CDC), one in five Americans, about 53 million people, has a disability of some kind. 2.2 million people in the United States depend on a wheelchair for mobility, and 6.5 million people use a cane, a walker, crutches, or prosthetic limbs to assist with mobility.

Using assistive devices safely is the responsibility of everyone in the client’s team. Safety with mobility devices is the most important thing that elderly or disabled people can do to ensure that when they walk, they are at a low risk of injury. However, most often people that use aides may choose to purchase and take them home without learning how to use them properly.

People with physical disabilities can benefit from mobility aids. There are many situations that compromise safety including, barriers in community buildings, classrooms and even in the home. For example, ADLs in the kitchen, in the bathroom, and going outdoors. There are many barriers in the home setting including throw rugs, electrical cords, and food spills.

There are a lot of considerations that go into choosing a mobility aid, and they include:

1.     Picking the Right Device

The right device is a necessity. Your client may need a cane, or a walker, or something completely different. It is essential to pick the right mobility aid so that you can be secure when walking and also not using a device that limits your natural movement. One of the worst things a person can do is lessen their mobility by choosing a mobility aid that is overkill.

Some options when choosing the correct device:

Canes: Canes are used to help the client with balance and mobility, but the client must be cognitively aware. There are different types of canes, including a standard one-foot cane, a tripod cane with three feet, and the quad cane which has four feet. Some canes like a wooden cane are not adjustable to the client's height, and others can be adjusted to meet the height needs of the client.

Walker: A walker may be needed if the cane does not afford safety for the client and may have wheels or no wheels. There are five types of walkers including: Standard walker, Two-wheel walker, Three-wheel walker, Four-wheel walker, and Knee walker. The walker provides the client a wide base of support and is the most stable assistive device. Two disadvantages of the walker include difficulty fitting through doorways due to its width and it cannot be used on stairs.

Wheelchair: Clients use wheelchairs for many reasons. Wheelchairs may afford the client independence by allowing the client the ability to wheel him/herself without assistance.

The right device is essential for the client’s safety. A physician or physical therapist will be able to offer their guidance as to which mobility device can be used safely.

2.     Proper Fit Reduces Safety Issues

A proper size is required to ensure that the mobility aid is able to produce the right amount of support for the user. The right fit depends on:
• Weight
• Height

How to know if the device is the proper fit?

Cane: When the cane is hanging straight down the side, the top of the cane should reach the crease of the waist. Your elbow should be at around a 15-degree angle. If the arm is fully extended, the cane is fit too low.

Walker: Place the walker in front of you and allow your hands to hang normally at your side. The top of the walker will need to reach the crease of the waist. When your hands are on the handles, your elbows should be bent approximately 15 degrees. Depending on the walker chosen, the weight limit may be a factor.

Wheelchair: Anyone who is on the heavier side will want to make sure that the device is able to support their weight. For example, a person that is 500 pounds would need a wider seated wheelchair and a model that can hold people that are 500 pounds. For the most part, people under 300 pounds will not  have to worry about this too much. The height of the mobility aid will matter a lot. Wheelchairs are more universal, but custom options do exist for anyone who will be using their wheelchair for the long-term.

If you do not have a properly fitting mobility aid, you are at a higher risk of injury.

3.     Comfort Means a Lot

Comfort and stability mean everything when it comes to a mobility aid. Some people find that their cane causes the skin on their hands to burn, or if the mobility aid is not fitted right, it can lead to a lot of discomfort.
There are also times when a mobility aid may actually limit your movement.

A standard walker will need to be lifted and moved with each step. This means you will walk slower, and the walker may be too heavy and uncomfortable. You may need a rollator instead. A rollator is a walker on wheels and will offer a faster walking experience, lighter weight, and more overall function.

Pain or discomfort should not be the result of using a mobility aid.

You can try to adjust the handle or height of the mobility aid. There may also be accessories or added padding that will allow for the mobility aid to be more comfortable.

If nothing seems to work to reduce the aches, pains, or discomfort, you may want to try and choose a new mobility aid or ask your therapist what can be done to lessen or eliminate the pain altogether.

4.     Proper Use of the Mobility Aid

Using mobility aids safely will require you to use the mobility aid properly. This sounds trivial, but a lot of people do not use their devices properly. A few tips to using a mobility aid properly, are:

Cane: Hold the cane on the side which is strongest. Take a step forward with your bad leg and move the cane forward at the same time. This allows you to bear weight on your bad leg and the cane at the same time. Be aware of the surrounding area to avoid trips or falls.

Walker: Walkers are meant for the utmost in support and weight bearing. Bring the walker forward followed by walking forward towards the walker. Step forward with your weaker leg first followed by your stronger leg. Do not take a step until all 4 legs of the walker are level on the ground. Do not place the walker too far ahead of you. Keep the walker’s back legs even with your toes.

Wheelchair: be careful when trying to reach, bend and transfer in and out of the wheelchair. These movements cause a change in balance and weight distribution. Tipping and falling are the most common accidents. Always engage the brake before rising or sitting down in the chair. Try to avoid slippery surfaces. If using a wheelchair for long periods, be sure to have the chair serviced at least once every year.

With these safety tips in mind, you will be on the right path to using your mobility aid properly and safely.