How to Choose Mobility Aids / Walking Aids

• weakness or stiffness in the legs.
• mild stroke
• recent hip fracture

In sitting:
can reach down to pick up objects from the floor without falling.

In standing:
able to stand independently without holding onto any furniture or walking aids.

Walking:
able to walk independently with or without walking aids.

Daily activities:
can eat, dress, groom, dress, shower and toilet him/ herself. He/she may be using assistive devices (e.g. long handle brush) for certain tasks.

• old hip fracture.
• moderately severe stroke.
• moderately severe Parkinson's Disease.
• above the knee amputation of one leg

In sitting:
has satisfactory sitting balance, i.e. with one hand holding on for support, is able to pick up objects from the floor.

In standing:
able to stand only if there is something to hold onto.

Walking:
needs a helper or walking aids to walk.

Daily activities:
able to stand and transfer to a bed-side commode chair, needs standby supervision or help for feeding, grooming, dressing, showering and toileting.

• a walker or rollator for recent hip fracture for first few weeks then progress onto a quad or single stick (cane).
• probably a quad or single stick (cane) to aid stability.

• a walker or rollator if both hands are functional.
• a quad stick (cane) for person with stroke.
• may need assistance as well as the walking aids.

• old hip fracture and other medical problems.
• old stroke and is getting frail with age.
• severe (or recent) stroke.
• severe Parkinson's disease.
• severe arthritis.
• generally frail, has not walked for some times.

In sitting:
able to reach forward/sideways partially, unable to reach the floor to pick up objects.

In standing:
needs moderate help to stand up from sitting.
needs moderate help to balance in standing.

Walking:
needs moderate help to walk.

Activities of daily living:
needs help in transfer, feeding, grooming, dressing, showering and toileting.

• old stroke with advanced age.
• multiple medical problems (e.g. heart disease, stroke, diabetes and amputation of leg).
• late stage Dememtia.

In sitting:
only passive sitting, i.e. can only sit on chair with back support and armrest.

In standing:
needs 2 or more person to help to stand up.

Walking:
unable to walk even with help.

Activities of daily living:
dependent in all areas of ADL

• a walker, standard or reciprocal, with or without front casters and assistance during walking.
• may need to use 2 quad or single sticks (canes or crutches) if both hands are functional and assistance during walking.
• wheelchair or companion chair (or called transport chair) for long distance walk or moving outdoor.

• wheelchair or transport chair or companion chair.
• for severe conditions, all in 1 transport chair or wheelchair with shower chair, commode and transport chair or wheelchair in 1 may be needed.