Patient/caregiver was educated on features to look for on a cane to enhance safety and comfort as follows:
- While using a cane, choosing/adjusting the cane to proper height is important to ensure better stability, improved safety, and fall prevention. An individual too short for the cane has to work hard to pick the cane up and move during ambulation. An individual too tall for the cane has to lean on to one side to hold the cane, which can compromise the balance and lead to fall.
- Stand upright against a wall wearing your regular walking shoes, with hands falling on the sides freely. You can choose a cane or adjust the height of cane such that the top of the cane should be level with the wrist of hand you plan to hold the cane in. You can also take the measurement from the floor to the wrist of the hand you plan to hold the cane with. This number plus or minus an inch is the about height of the cane you will be comfortable with. So, using a cane with adjustable height is advantageous, as it can allow some room to play around.
- Make sure the cane chosen can handle your weight. Check for the weight limitations allowed on the cane. Having a most recent weight reading available can help choose the cane that best suits your needs.
- Firm grip on the cane handle is important to prevent the device slipping out of control and contributing to a fall. Individuals with muscle weakness and weak grips can choose canes with ribbed handles to enhance the grip.
- Make sure the leg of the cane is touching the ground evenly. Uneven cane leg can impair the balance of the cane and make it wobbly, which can enhance your fall risk. The leg of the cane must be sturdy enough to support your weight.
