Caregivers: Does your loved one need a gait aid?

Before we dive in, we're going to start with a quick question regarding the use of canes. If you or your loved one is using a cane, on which side do you hold the cane? (answer at the bottom).

It can be challenging to see a loved one start to slow down, lose confidents navigating their household, and challenging to determine when they may benefit from a gait aid or which gait aid would be most appropriate for them. Often, it may take a fall to really see that they are struggling. But hopefully it won't have to come to that. There are some common patterns one may present, which can give insight into how a gait aid would be beneficial. Changes in balance and walking may be present in early stages of many progressive diseases such as dementia, or following periods of inactivity leading to muscle wasting. Here are some things to consider and keep an eye out for, if you are questioning whether your loved one may need a gait aid.

In my profession there is a term coined "furniture walker". What does this mean and where does it stem from? The term refers to an individual who is navigating their environment, by reaching for an object or piece of furniture to get from point A to point B. They are trying to rely on something within their surroundings to give them more support. This can be a clear sign that they are not confident independently and early stages that their balance may be compromised. Another sign is that they begin to walk much slower or take much smaller steps. Their gait may appear as if they're shuffling and their eyes may focus on the ground or their feet. This would be a great time to consider the use of a gait aid to improve their balance and can often have a positive impact on their aches and pains as they have probably started to use certain compensations which can place more pressure on their joints and exacerbate muscle imbalances. It can also improve the duration or length of time they are able to stand or walk as the gait aid will allow their body to move more efficiently.

There are many different types of gait aids depending on the individual's needs and how much support is required. Ranging from minimal support such as single point canes or walking poles, to more support such as a 4-wheeled walker, known as a rollator, or a standard walker which does not have wheels. So how would you know which gait aid would be most beneficial? Maybe you have considered the use of a gait aid for your loved one but found that it was more challenging for them to get used to it.

Healthcare professionals such as physical therapists and occupational therapists specialize in the assessment, prescription and training the use of gait aids. The therapist, such as myself, would meet with the individual and their caregiver to get a thorough history as to what has lead to the problems their having, perform a physical assessment particularly for their balance and their walking abilities to determine which is the most appropriate aid for the level of activity and their particular home environment. If your loved one has been previously assessed for a gait aid but is finding it more challenging to get around now, or they've experienced more frequent falls, it may be time to consider a re-evaluation as these changes may require the use of a different gait aid. We can also assist in the ongoing maintenance of the aid and how to continue using it effectively.

Ok so back to the question as to which side does the cane go on?? The answer is.... the unaffected side! The thought is that you move the cane with the affected side but have it placed on the unaffected side to create a larger base of support and provide more stability and control. So if your left leg is injured/affected, you place the cane in your right hand. Did you get the answer right? Not to worry if you didn't, many movies and shows have also gotten this wrong. Anytime I watch a movie or a show it's something that stands out for me.

Let me know if you got the answer right in the comments below!