Mom has agreed she needs more than just her walking cane, especially for when she's outside in many situations.
Suggestions? Walker with wheels? No wheels? Rollator? UpWalker?
Any advice welcomed as far as what to look for.
She's 86 and still in pretty good health. I know how quick that can change with a fall, so I suggested we add more equipment beyond her cane.
Good luck finding the right fit for your mom.
She has a walker with wheels that she can also use as a seat, Works for her.
As you mentioned outside, that can be tricky on uneven terrain and sometimes a transport wheelchair is recommended. At times like doctor appointments, going to the cemetery, outdoor parties.
Aunts therapist would take her for walks, getting in and out of the car, getting up and down from seating, the bathtub etc.
As Alva mentioned, therapy can help her with balance. DH aunt had a therapist who helped her with all of that and more. The first time I asked the therapist about a walker he thought she should stay with her cane, that she was safer with it. He suggested different shoes and diff kitchen chairs. She did use the aluminum frame walker and later a rollator but neither for long.
She is completely bed bound now but that is due to the dementia. She had the home occupational and physical therapy for years and it kept her going. Her neurologist wanted her to have it.
My mom fell with the rollator and went back to her frame walker. Her therapist advised her not to go out w/o help as her lawn was too uneven.
I wanted to also tell you that when mom is hanging onto the furniture, you or anything that looks stable to her (and somerimes isn’t) to help her walk with her cane, it is past time to address this issue.
Just had a visual of DH aunt doing that before she transitioned to the walker. I also had to remove the cane so you wouldn’t reach for what was familiar to her instead Of the walker.
They can see what moms strengths and weakness's are. They can fit her for one that is the correct height for her and better yet teach her how to properly use a walker.
Personal opinion and this is just from observation I think every person that I have seen use a walker uses it incorrectly.
The tendency is to lean over the walker, the handle being lower than it should be. And the walker is pushed way out in front of the person using it so they are in a sense "chasing" it.
I have seen ads for the Upright Walkers and they seem to make so much more sense to me. But again that is my opinion and it would be great to get input from someone that has used one or a Physical Therapist .
An Up Walker Lite and good fitted shoes by SAS. I recommend the Mary Jane style.
Rollators have a seat built in, so if your mom goes out often and needs a place to sit, it's a benefit. They also have hand brakes.
I also think she might benefit from a consultation with an Occupational Therapist, to make sure she is using the proper "form" while using the equipment. And to make sure that whatever piece of equipment you decide on is set at the proper height for her, so she doesn't end up with pain in her back.
This way she will be properly fitted and taught to use the correct type of walker for her . I see so many elderly use walkers incorrectly .
Drive Medical RTL10266 Nitro Euro-Style 4-Wheel Rollator Walker With Seat, Red https://a.co/d/3PJdDtf
Medicare only paid $40.00 towards moms walker
You are extremely lucky that your mom actually agrees with you on the change from a cane to a walker.
Best wishes
The therapist is best to access her mobility, select mobility aides and also choose some light exercises to keep her strength up.
when i was 79 almost 80 after knee surgery i insisted on keeping my walker almost armpit high instead of leaning over it.
FOR ME it was more comfortable and more normal-feeling and looking.
it will depend on how your mom feels about mobility and control.