Mobility Aids

A cane, a walker, a rollator, and a wheelchair each suit a different level of need. Using an aid that offers too little support invites falls; one that offers too much accelerates deconditioning. Matching the device to your parent's current balance and endurance — and updating it as things change — is the whole point.

A cane helps with mild balance issues and is held on the stronger side. A standard walker gives more stability but must be lifted with each step, which suits slower, more deliberate walking. Getting the height right matters: the handle should sit at wrist level when the arm hangs straight. A poorly fitted aid is worse than none.

A rollator — a wheeled walker with brakes and a seat — suits people who can walk but tire easily; the built-in seat lets them rest anywhere. Wheelchairs range from occasional-use transport chairs to full-time mobility. Choosing between them depends on distance, endurance, and whether the goal is conserving energy or maintaining walking.

Several programs help with the cost of mobility equipment in BC, and an occupational or physiotherapist can assess which aid fits and how to set it up safely. We cover where to get a proper fitting, what funding exists, and how to avoid the common mistake of buying the wrong device online.