Mobility Aids for the Elderly: Choosing and Using Safely

The right mobility aid can be life-changing, helping older adults stay active, independent, and safe. This comprehensive guide covers choosing, using, and maintaining mobility aids to support independence in later life.

Benefits of using mobility aids

• Improved safety and reduced fall risk
• Increased confidence
• Greater independence
• Ability to walk further
• Reduced pain when walking
• Maintained social activities
• Better quality of life

When to consider a mobility aid

Signs you might benefit

• Unsteady when walking
• Fear of falling
• Pain when walking
• Breathlessness with short distances
• Avoiding going out
• Holding onto furniture at home
• Recent falls
• Fatigue limiting activity

Types of mobility aids

Walking sticks

Best for: Mild balance problems or pain on one side

Pros:

• Lightweight and portable
• Easy to use
• Can use on stairs
• Folds for storage

Cons:

• Limited support
• Requires good arm strength
• Not suitable for severe balance problems

Walking frames (Zimmer frames)

Best for: Significant balance problems or weakness

Pros:

• Very stable
• Good support
• Suitable for severe balance problems

Cons:

• Slow walking speed
• Must be lifted with each step
• Difficult outdoors
• Cannot use on stairs

Rollators (wheeled walkers)

Best for: Moderate balance problems, fatigue, or longer distances

Pros:

• Faster walking speed
• Includes seat for resting
• Storage basket
• Good for outdoors
• Folds for transport

Cons:

• Less stable than pick-up frame
• Can roll away if not controlled
• Requires hand brakes
• Bulkier than stick

Wheelchairs

Best for: Unable to walk or very limited walking ability

Types:

• Manual: Pushed by user or carer
• Electric: Battery powered
• Transit: Pushed by carer only

Choosing the right aid

Consider your needs

• Balance and stability
• Strength and endurance
• Where you will use it (indoors/outdoors)
• Distance you need to walk
• Need to carry items
• Storage and transport
• Stairs in your home

Professional assessment

Elderly Rehabilitation & Exercise ensures:

• Right type for your needs
• Correct height and fit
• Proper technique training
• Safety considerations
• Review as needs change

Correct height adjustment

For walking sticks

1. Stand upright in usual shoes
2. Arms hanging naturally
3. Top of stick at wrist crease
4. Elbow slightly bent when holding

For frames and rollators

1. Stand upright inside frame
2. Handles at wrist height
3. Elbows slightly bent
4. No stooping or reaching up

Using mobility aids safely

Walking stick technique

• Hold in opposite hand to weak leg
• Move stick forward with weak leg
• Take equal-sized steps
• Look ahead, not down
• Keep stick close to body

Walking frame technique

• Stand upright inside frame
• Lift and place frame forward
• Step with weaker leg first
• Bring stronger leg to meet it
• Do not step too far into frame

Rollator technique

• Stand upright, not leaning forward
• Keep rollator close to body
• Walk inside frame, not behind
• Use brakes when stopping
• Sit on seat when resting

Managing stairs

With a walking stick

Going up: Good leg, then stick and weak leg

Going down: Stick and weak leg, then good leg

Remember: "Up with the good, down with the bad"

With a frame

Frames cannot be used on stairs. Options:

• Use walking stick for stairs
• Have second frame upstairs
• Use handrail only
• Consider stairlift

Common mistakes to avoid

• Wrong height: Causes poor posture and pain
• Wrong hand for stick: Should be opposite to weak leg
• Walking behind rollator: Increases fall risk
• Not using brakes: Rollator can roll away
• Worn ferrules: Rubber tips must be replaced
• Using when not needed: Can weaken muscles
• Poor technique: Reduces effectiveness and safety

Maintenance and safety

Regular checks

• Ferrules: Replace when worn or split
• Height: Check has not slipped
• Brakes: Test regularly on rollators
• Wheels: Check for wear
• Frame: Look for cracks or damage
• Handles: Ensure secure

Cleaning

• Wipe down regularly
• Clean wheels and ferrules
• Check for debris
• Keep in good condition

Using aids in different environments

At home

• Remove trip hazards
• Ensure good lighting
• Clear pathways
• Secure rugs
• Consider grab rails

Outdoors

• Check weather conditions
• Avoid wet or icy surfaces
• Use appropriate aid (rollator better outdoors)
• Plan route with rest stops
• Wear appropriate footwear

In public places

• Use lifts instead of escalators
• Ask for assistance if needed
• Take your time
• Use disabled facilities
• Plan ahead

Overcoming stigma

Common concerns

• "I will look old"
• "People will think I am weak"
• "It means I am giving up"
• "I do not want to be dependent"

Reframing thoughts

• Aids enable independence, not dependence
• They keep you safe and active
• Allow you to do more, not less
• Smart choice for maintaining quality of life
• Many active people use aids

Progression and review

When to progress to more support

• Feeling unsteady despite current aid
• Falls or near-falls
• Avoiding activities due to safety concerns
• Pain or fatigue with current aid

When you might need less support

• Feeling very stable
• Not really leaning on aid
• Improved strength and balance
• Increased confidence

Funding and obtaining aids

NHS provision

• Available through physiotherapy/OT
• Usually basic models
• May be second-hand
• Free of charge
• Can take time to arrange

Private purchase

• Pharmacies and mobility shops
• Online retailers
• More choice
• Immediate availability
• Cost varies (£15-£200+)

Hire or loan

• British Red Cross loan service
• Short-term hire
• Try before buying
• Good for temporary needs

Additional equipment

Accessories

• Walking stick holders
• Bags for rollators
• Lights for outdoor use
• Weather covers
• Cushions for rollator seats

Home adaptations

• Grab rails
• Ramps
• Stairlifts
• Through-floor lifts
• Widened doorways

The bottom line

Using mobility aids successfully involves:

• Choosing the right type for your needs
• Correct height adjustment
• Learning proper technique
• Regular maintenance
• Using consistently
• Reviewing as needs change
• Seeing aids as tools for independence

The right mobility aid, properly used, can significantly improve your safety, confidence, and quality of life. Do not let pride or stigma prevent you from using aids that could help you stay active and independent.

About the author

Lizzie Thornton is a specialist community physiotherapist with over 15 years of experience in elderly mobility and rehabilitation. She is HCPC registered and a member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. Lizzie provides home physiotherapy visits across Staffordshire Moorlands and Cheshire East, helping older adults choose and use mobility aids safely.

View Lizzie's profile