Helping Seniors Master the Cane

As we age, mobility can become more difficult, but using a cane is a simple and effective approach to maintaining balance, decreasing strain, and staying active. However, for seniors just starting to use a cane or considering one, taking the first step can be overwhelming. This is where home care comes in, offering encouragement and valuable tips to boost seniors’ confidence while also keeping them safe.

Choosing the Right Cane

Success starts with choosing the right cane, which can also be overwhelming since canes are available in a variety of styles. Home care can help seniors explore their options, keeping the following things in mind:

• Standard canes are ideal for modest balance issues.
• Quad canes, which have a four-point base, are ideal for increased stability.
• Folding or adjustable canes are great for seniors who travel a lot.

When seniors choose their cane, they need to ensure the height is appropriate for their body. They can do this by standing tall with their arms hanging freely by their sides. In this position, the cane’s handle should be aligned with their wrist’s crease. If seniors end up with the wrong size of cane, it can cause discomfort and even increase the risk of falling.

Tips for Safe Cane Use

Many seniors might think using a cane is simple, but there’s more to it than meets the eye, especially to ensure they’re using it safely. Home care and loved ones can review the following tips with them as they begin using their cane.

• Seniors should hold the cane on their strong side.
• If one leg is weaker or recuperating from an injury, they should grip the cane with the hand opposite that leg.
• Seniors should be encouraged to practice a natural gait.
• To get started, seniors need to step forward with the opposing foot while moving the cane in time with their weaker leg to generate a natural rhythm and guarantee that the cane follows their movements.

Seniors should check the cane’s rubber tip on a regular basis to make sure it is intact and not worn out, as this provides a stronger grip on a variety of surfaces.

Navigating Stairs With a Cane

Home care can assist seniors when it comes to using their canes on stairs, ensuring they feel comfortable. As a general rule, when going up the steps, they should use their stronger leg first, followed by the cane and weaker leg. When descending, the cane and weaker leg come first, then the stronger leg.

Navigating Outdoors With a Cane

Just as stairs cause safety concerns when using a cane, navigating outside areas can be just as tricky. It’s important for seniors to keep the following safety tips in mind when walking around outside.

• Look for Even Surfaces: Seniors should be aware of uneven walkways and loose gravel. They should also keep an eye on the path to avoid any potential tripping hazards.
• Stay Visible: When walking in low light or in the dark, seniors should consider using a cane with reflective features or a light attachment.
• Pay Attention to the Weather: It can be particularly tricky to use a cane when it’s raining or in icy conditions. If seniors must do so, they should use a cane with a sharp tip and traction-friendly shoes.

Using a cane shouldn’t limit seniors. In fact, it should give them more independence. With the help home care and loved ones, seniors can learn to embrace walking with a cane and make sure they’re taking appropriate precautions to stay safe.

Sources:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/healthy-aging/in-depth/canes
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/procedures/how-to-use-a-cane
https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-walk-with-a-cane

If you or an aging loved one are considering home care in Hutchinson, KS, please contact the caring staff at Touching Hearts at Home Central Kansas today. Call 620-603-0685.

Touching Hearts at Home Central Kansas is a Trusted Home Care Agency Barton, Dickinson, Edwards, Ellis, Ellsworth, Great Bend, Hutchinson, Larned, Lyons, Marion, McPherson, Newton, Pawnee, Rice, Reno, Salina, Sedgwick, Stafford, and the surrounding areas.