10 Best Walking Aids for Elderly Loved Ones

There is a huge range of choice when it comes to considering walking aids for elderly loved ones. How do you know which type is best? Different walking aids for elderly people are best suited for different needs and different settings. It’s normal to need a few different types and this may change over time. Here we take you through the ten best walking aids for your elderly loved ones to help them retain independence for as long as possible.

1. Standard walking stick or cane

Walking sticks are the first walking aid that most people consider. They come in a range of types and styles. A walking stick can offer basic support with typical walking. They are particularly useful for assisting with balance, but they will not prevent someone from falling. It’s important when choosing a walking stick or cane as a walking aid that it meets the needs of the individual or it can actually make things more dangerous.

Wooden canes are often preferred for looks, but aluminium makes a strong and reliable stick. It’s important that the height is correct and the handle fits the individual and has good grip on the handle and base. Some sticks are left or right handed. Walking sticks can be used on all terrain, indoors and out.

2. Quadruped or tripod walking stick

Standard walking sticks have a single end. For additional stability, a quadruped or tripod stick may be beneficial. These sticks are usually made of aluminium and they have three or four feet at the end of a single stick. This makes a far more stable stick.

Additionally, a notable benefit of a quadruped or tripod walking stick is that it stands up by itself. If the individual is prone to dropping their stick and is at risk of falling/experiences pain when they try to retrieve a stick off the floor, then this is of enormous value.

Furthermore, while standard walking sticks sometimes come with an inbuilt perch stool, their use is quite limited. A quadruped or tripod stick with an inbuilt seat is usually more stable.

Quadruped and tripod sticks can be used in various settings but require more open space to be used safely. Like with standard walking sticks, they must fit the individual user.

Both types of walking stick are flexible and easy to take out and about. However, they can put a lot of pressure on an individual’s wrists.

3. Crutches

Crutches are a standard walking aid for those with leg injuries, but they are also useful as walking aids for elderly in some situations. Typically, they should only be used as short-term walking aids.

Elbow crutches are suitable for when an elderly loved one is recovering from an injury, or when they feel more secure with crutches compared to a stick. It’s important that the individual has relatively good balance while using crutches. Underarm crutches are rarely the best option as walking aids for the elderly.

4. Walking frame

A walking frame is a body-width aluminium frame with two secure handles and four feet. Zimmer are a brand name of walking frame, although the name is now associated with all walking frames.

Standard walking frames require your elderly loved one to lift and move the light frame a small distance before moving their feet towards it. It provides stability for each step with something to lean on for balance and to support their body weight whilst moving.

Walking frames are adjustable height so that they can be configured to suit the individual. They are usually excellent for helping individuals stay independent. Whilst bulkier than sticks, they are easy to place in the boot of a car. They are narrow enough to fit through doorways. They are best used on flat ground with no trip hazards. There may be small wheels on two of the four legs to make it easier to move, only suitable for indoors.

5. Tri-walker

A tri-walker has three connected wheeled sticks combined with handlebars. They are often foldable. The three wheel configuration makes them very compact. They sometimes have a small basket suitable for shopping or a small seat. They are usually made of lightweight aluminium. Brakes are built into the grip handles, ensuring the walker offers support when walking on hills.

A tri-walker is more agile than a rollator (see below) but has slightly less stability. They are highly portable. Tri-walkers are excellent walking aids for elderly loved ones who wish to retain their independence out and about in public areas. For example, a tri-walker is an excellent walking aid for visiting a garden centre or for shopping. The three wheels also make them easier to navigate if the ground isn’t completely smooth.

6. Standard rollator

A rollator is similar to a tri-walker but it has four wheels, making for a much more stable base. There are multiple different rollator designs. It can be thought of as a rolling walking frame. Wheels are typically large and sturdy. Again, the wheels are controlled via the handle grips which have cable brakes. They offer excellent support for walking. The individual can walk and push the rollator simultaneously, making a smoother walking experience than with a standard frame.

Most standard rollators have an inbuilt basket for shopping or bits and pieces. They can fold and easily fit in a standard car boot. They are often suitable for outdoor use because of their robust wheels.

7. Rollator with seat

Some rollators come with an in-built seat. This can be beneficial if your loved one needs to rest frequently. They are much more secure for seated resting than a walking stick with a seat.

The trade-off for the seat is that these rollators are usually a little bulkier and may have more limited basket space. Rollators with seats must have the wheels locked before the individual sits down or it can be dangerous. However, not all rollators with seats have back support, so when choosing these walking aids for elderly loved ones, be sure they will not mistakenly lean back and lose their balance.

8. Rollator with trays or buckets

The above types of rollator are good for excursions and trips out. However, rollators can also be useful inside walking aids for loved ones with mobility concerns. These rollators will operate in the same way but they have smaller wheels to make them better suited to carpets and internal flooring.

Additionally, rather than a basket or seat, inside-use rollators often have trays or buckets built into the design. This can allow greater independence in the home. For example, your loved one can move their meal from the kitchen to their seat, or carry their clothes to the bathroom. As such, these rollators usually don’t fold as easily and are designed to stay unfolded most of the time.

9. Mobility scooter

A mobility scooter is one of the more expensive walking aids for elderly loved ones. It is suitable for replacing longer walks, where a car would be unsuitable, for example, to the local shops. At the destination, your loved one will still need to do some minimal walking. The only other aid that can be combined with a mobility scooter is a walking stick. Mobility scooters help an elderly loved one retain independence in a safe community and on reliable routes. They don’t offer walking support. Your loved one must be able to safely get onto and off the scooter which can be tricky with balance issues.

Mobility scooters are typically very bulky, even if they fold. This makes them difficult to transport to other locations. However, you can often rent mobility scooters at places like shopping centres and day out locations, such as National Trust premises.

10. Manual wheelchair

A manual wheelchair can be an effective walking aid for your loved one. It allows a combination of being pushed and also allows pushing the chair for support. This may be suitable for some elderly people to allow them trips and excursions with family, while retaining some independence, combining a small amount of walking with resting.

Choosing the best walking aids for your elderly loved ones ensures they can retain as much independence as possible both within the home and outside. Using many walking aids indoors in the safest way requires reasonable space and smooth floors. For this reason, elderly care homes are designed to allow internal walking aid use and are better suited living spaces for those who need them.