Walkers and Other Walking Aids

Walking aids meet a critical need and offer a caring personal touch
By Stephanie Feaman Through innovation and a desire to meet more than just a critical need for safe and reliable support, manufacturers offer a variety of medical walking aids to dealers and individuals alike, such as folding canes, handicapped walking aids, disabled walking aids and even a folding walker to accommodate the specific needs of each individual and offer clients the opportunity to maintain a certain amount of independence.

Mobility walking aides go beyond providing stability for people who must rely on them to maintain balance and prevent falls, these devices are constantly being improved to accommodate the diverse lifestyles of patients and enable them to become more self sufficient in their own settings.

1. Provide your patients with medical walking aids that accomodate special needs.

2. Explore novelty walking aids that reduce injuries caused by more traditional devices.

3. Invest in innovative products that convey care and acknowledge a patient’s desire to remain as independent as possible.

Consider walking canes that offer adequate support and meet a client's special conditions

Walking canes come in a variety of styles yet they still meet the basic needs of people who rely on them for support.
Try:  Dynamic Living, Inc. offers lightweight folding canes that can support up to 250 pounds. This company provides specialty products that help clients preserve independence. Use the online form to place an order. Support Plus sells a retractable ice cane that provides safety on ice. Order this product through the company’s website.

Give that special touch when offering a folding walker to clients with mobility disabilities

Adjustable and lightweight folding walkers offer ease of use to patients with walking disabilities and arthritis.
Try:  The Carex Adult Paddle Extra-Wide Walker provides support to people who require additional weight capacity and includes an Ergonomic Paddle as a part of this folding adjustable walker. The company, Carex Health Brands, strives to give patients dignity and offers products that are innovative and easy to use. Contact a customer service representative through an online form. GF Health Products, Inc. provides a Dual Release Folding Walker that maintains lightweight but provides maximum strength that assists patients with mobility disabilities. The dual release makes it possible for the user to fold the walker sides independently. Visit the company’s website for an online credit application.

Take advantage of walking aids that improve the patient's overall experience

Help your patients reduce the chances of incurring injuries to arms, shoulders and wrists by providing them with an alternative to crutches, canes or walkers.
Try:  The Turning Leg Caddy by Nova Ortho-Med, Inc. is a human-powered knee scooter for patients unable to bear weight on a foot or ankle. Request a quote through the company's online form. Invacare Corporation is a leader in medical equipment for home use. This company offers the Invacare Knee Walker with ergonomic hand brakes. Use the website to find a dealer in your area.

Contact companies that specialize in creating mobility walking aids

Mobile vendors specialize in understanding and creating mobility walking aids that perfectly match the lifestyles of the people who use their resources.
Try:  The Spirit of Pegasus specializes in creating walkers that are safe, high in quality and adjustable. The Spirit of Pegasus Walker includes a seat and has a patented leg design that adapts to the need of the user. Use the online information request form to inquire about these models. Essential Medical Supply, Inc. designs home medical products that meet needs of patients with various physical conditions. The Endurance HD Heavy Duty Four Wheel Walker includes orthopedic hand grips, an extra wide seat and a user weight limit of 500 pounds. An online contact form is available on the company's website.

• Walker accessories increase the user's independence because they allow patients to carry things and make walkers easier to use. Consider adding accessories to walking aids to help clients maintain a greater sense of freedom.