Selecting a walking aid should be done with the person, taking their needs, preferences and environment into account.
Once you have selected the type of walking aid, you will also need to select the correct size. You also need to check that the person’s weight is within the recommended weight rating for the walking aid.
You are now going to practise selecting walking aids for four people.
Look at the table on the back of the assessment form. You can use it to help your selection.
On the left are some examples of a person’s abilities. Along the top is the list of common walking aids.
Activities
Activity
Remember Adira? Assist her to select a walking aid.
Adira is a young woman who has broken her leg and it has been put in a cast. The doctor has referred her to you for a walking aid because she cannot put weight on her leg until the bone heals. She has good balance.
Which walking aid do you think would suit Adira?
Correct
Elbow crutches are a good choice for Adira because:
- Adira has good body strength and balance
- Elbow crutches can be safely used when weight bearing on one leg
- Crutches are good for short term use as they are less costly than walking frames and rollators.
Possibly
Axilla crutches would be suitable for Adira as they can be used when weight bearing on one leg.
However, as Adira has good strength and balance she would be able to use elbow crutches.
Elbow crutches are lighter, and more convenient.
Crutches are good for short term use as they are less costly than walking frames and rollators.
Incorrect
Adira does not need the additional support of a walking frame.
Elbow crutches are a better choice for Adira. Click on elbow crutches to see why.
Incorrect
A rollator cannot be used to weight bear on one leg only.
Elbow crutches are a better choice for Adira. Click on elbow crutches to see why.
Incorrect
A walking stick cannot be used to weight bear on one leg only.
Elbow crutches are a better choice for Adira. Click on elbow crutches to see why.
Activity
Remember Ravi? Assist him with selecting a walking aid.
Ravi is an older man who has diabetes. He has had an above knee amputation caused by an infected foot wound. He is not very strong, and his balance is poor.
Ravi does not have a prosthesis and has used a wheelchair since his amputation. He wants to use a walking aid to access the toilet because it is too small to access with his wheelchair.
Which walking aid do you think would suit Ravi?
Incorrect
Elbow crutches will not provide enough balance support for Ravi.
He does not have enough trunk strength to use forearm crutches.
Axilla crutches would be a better option for Ravi. Click on axilla crutches to see why.
Correct
Axilla crutches could be a good option for Ravi, if he feels secure using them. He could also try a walking frame. He does not have good enough balance for elbow crutches.
It is important that Ravi understands that putting weight on his remaining foot can cause another foot wound. To reduce the risks, Ravi should:
- Always wear protective footwear
- Check his foot every day for signs of skin damage
- Only hop for essential toilet needs.
Correct
A walking frame could be a good option for Ravi. He could also try axilla crutches if he feels secure using them.
He does not have good enough balance for elbow crutches.
It is important that Ravi understands that putting weight on his remaining foot can cause another foot wound. To reduce the risks, Ravi should:
- Always wear therapeutic footwear
- Check his foot every day for signs of skin damage
- Only hop for essential toilet needs.
Incorrect
A rollator cannot be used for weight bearing on one leg. Axilla crutches or a walking frame would be a better option for Ravi. Click on either to see why.
Incorrect
A walking stick cannot be used for weight bearing on one leg. Axilla crutches or a walking frame would be a better option for Ravi. Click on either to see why.
Activity
Remember Sofia? Assist her with selecting a walking aid.
Sofia is 68 years old and has recently had a few falls in her home. She has poor balance and can only walk short distances without assistance.
She wants to be able to continue moving around her home and local community. However, she and her family are worried that she may fall again. Sofia lives in an area where there are good footpaths.
Which walking aid do you think would suit Sofia?
Incorrect
Forearm crutches would not provide Sofia with the balance support that she needs.
A rollator would be better option for Sofia. Click on rollator to see why.
Incorrect
Axilla crutches would not provide Sofia with the balance support that she needs. Axilla crutches are also usually used short term. Sofia needs a walking aid for longer term use.
A rollator would be better option for Sofia. Click on rollator to see why.
Correct
A walking frame is an option for Sofia because it would provide her with support and reduce her risk of falling.
However, she may prefer a rollator. Click on rollator to see why.
Correct
A rollator could be a good option for Sofia because:
- It would provide her with good support and allow her to walk more naturally than a walking frame
- It would be suitable to use on the footpaths in her community
- A rollator with a seat would also be good if she needs to rest
- She can carry shopping and other items in the rollator.
Before providing a rollator, check that Sofia can easily manage the brakes, maintain control, and that it is suitable for her home.
Incorrect
Sofia is likely to need more support than a walking stick can provide, because her balance is poor.
A rollator would be better option for Sofia. Click on rollator to see why.
Activity
Remember Nguyen? Assist her with selecting a walking aid.
Nguyen is an older woman who is very active in her community. She had a mild stroke about 6 months ago. She is still very fit and has good upper body strength.
Sometimes she feels a little unbalanced when she is out in the community. She is wondering if a walking aid may help her confidence when she goes shopping.
Incorrect
Nguyen does not need crutches to move around.
A walking stick is a better option for Nguyen. Click on walking stick to see why.
Incorrect
Nguyen does not need crutches to move around.
Also, axilla crutches are better for short term use and Nguyen needs a walking aid for longer term use.
A walking stick is a better option for Nguyen. Click on walking stick to see why.
Incorrect
Nguyen does not need the extra support of a walking frame.
A walking stick is a better option for Nguyen. Click on walking stick to see why.
Incorrect
Nguyen does not need the extra support of a rollator, and it is not suitable for all environments.
A walking stick is a better option for Nguyen. Click on walking stick to see why.
Correct
This is the best option to try for Nguyen because:
- She has good upper body strength
- She only needs a small amount of support
- A walking stick will allow her to walk in most environments around her community
- A walking stick allows her to have a free hand.