Recommended guide for crutches for the elderly | How to choose crutches for the elderly? Introduction to 4 qualified and safe crutches styles
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What are some recommended crutches for seniors? This article will share six key points for choosing a cane, analyze safety testing requirements, and list four highly acclaimed canes with international safety certifications. Finally, we'll tell you where to buy the best ones!
How to choose a cane for the elderly ? The Consumer Council teaches you how to choose a cane for the elderly
An elderly walking stick is an assistive device designed specifically for elderly people with limited mobility. Its main purpose is to provide support and assistance to the elderly to prevent them from falling or toppling when standing or walking.
Key points for choosing walking sticks for the elderly 1: Types of walking sticks for the elderly
There are many types of walking sticks for the elderly , each with its own advantages and disadvantages. You can choose one according to the physical condition and needs of the elderly.
✨ T-shaped cane (single cane)
The T-shaped cane (single cane) is the most common type of cane for the elderly. With its advantages such as lightness, portability and affordable price , it has become an ideal choice for the elderly who still have a certain walking ability.
When purchasing a T-shaped cane, it is recommended to also purchase a wrist strap. The wrist strap can secure the cane to the elderly's wrist. Even if the cane slips, the elderly can easily pick it up without bending over, effectively preventing falls.
✨Three or four-legged crutches
A three- or four-legged cane, also known as a "multi-point cane," has multiple points of support, increasing its contact area with the floor and providing more stable support . These canes are particularly suitable for stroke patients who have poor balance when standing or who have hemiplegia.
✨Forearm crutches
The forearm crutch is a walking aid designed for people with mild lower limb paresis but normal upper limb function. Its unique design shifts the support point from the wrist to the forearm , effectively reducing wrist pressure while leveraging the strength of the arm to support body weight , helping users walk more easily and comfortably.
✨Folding cane
A folding cane is a lightweight and portable walking stick designed for emergency situations while on the go. Its unique folding design allows it to be easily stored in a bag or suitcase, minimizing space while providing excellent safety and stability when needed.
✨Crutch chair
The cane chair is a multifunctional assistive device. Elderly people can use it as a crutch to help them stand, walk, and maintain balance. When they need to rest, the chair can be easily unfolded and converted into a seat.
✨Underarm crutches
In addition to the above types, there are also underarm crutches, which are suitable for people with lower limb injuries, such as lower body paralysis and fractures. They transfer the support point from the wrist to the armpit and upper body, allowing users to use the strength of the upper body to support the body weight, making walking easier and more comfortable.
Key points for choosing elderly walking sticks 2: Size of elderly walking sticks
To ensure the safety and comfort of the elderly when using a cane, it is important to choose the right cane length. Here are 1 simple steps to choose:
Step 1: Measure your height
The walking stick for the elderly needs to be selected according to the height of the elderly, so you must first determine how tall the elderly are. You can use a tape measure or a machine to help measure their height in centimeters.
Step 2: Calculate the length of the cane
Suitable crutch length = (height/2) + 2 to 3 (cm).
Use the above formula to calculate the appropriate cane length. For example, if an elderly person is 170 cm tall, the appropriate cane length is (170/2) + 2 to 3 cm, or 85 to 86 cm.
Step 3: Actual Trial
Have the elderly person hold the cane about 20 cm in front of their body and bend their elbows about 30 to 40 degrees, with the bottom of the cane just touching the ground. If the cane is too long or too short, adjust the length.
Key points for choosing a walking stick for the elderly 3: Weight of the walking stick
Many people believe that lighter canes are better, but this isn't true. For those with poor balance or those who have suffered a stroke, weak muscles and decreased coordination can easily cause them to lose their balance while walking. Therefore, it's recommended to choose a cane weighing between 250 and 350 grams . This weight range provides adequate support and stability for seniors, helping them walk more safely.
Key points for choosing elderly walking sticks 4: handle design
The handle design of an elderly walking stick is an important factor to consider when choosing one. Below is a brief introduction to two common handle shapes:
- Arc-shaped: The arc-shaped grip conforms to the curve of the human hand and fits snugly in the palm of your hand, providing a more comfortable grip . It's ideal for seniors with weaker hands, reducing hand stress and fatigue.
- Flat shape: The flat handle provides a larger grip area, suitable for seniors with larger hands. This handle shape can provide a stable grip, increase the sense of security of the elderly, and make them feel more at ease when walking .
Key points for choosing elderly walking sticks 5: Material of elderly walking sticks
The material of a cane will affect its weight, durability, stability, and aesthetics. Common cane materials include:
- Wooden cane: natural and beautiful in appearance, but relatively heavy and difficult to adjust in height.
- Stainless steel walking stick: strong and durable, not easy to rust, but heavier.
- Aluminum alloy walking stick: It is lighter, more durable and less prone to rust, and is a common choice.
- Carbon fiber canes: Extremely light and strong, but more expensive.
When choosing a cane for seniors, regardless of the material, the primary consideration should be the cane's sturdiness and stability . A cane must have sufficient support and be stable to ensure the user's safety.
Key points for choosing a walking stick for the elderly 6: Friction at the bottom of the walking stick
In addition to being sturdy and stable, the design of the rubber pad at the bottom of the crutch also requires attention, because the rubber pad is the part where the crutch contacts the ground, and its friction and anti-slip properties are crucial to the safety of the elderly.
According to the Hong Kong Consumer Council, the rubber pad at the bottom of the crutch must meet the following requirements:
- Groove depth: The groove depth should be at least 0.2 cm. This ensures sufficient friction between the rubber pad and the ground, preventing the cane from having insufficient grip.
- Outer diameter width: The outer diameter of the rubber pad that contacts the ground should be at least 1 cm wider than the inner diameter to ensure that the rubber pad is thick enough and not easily worn or damaged.
Where can I buy crutches for seniors? Click the link below to find the style you need at Tiantiandaibu!
2. Is the cane you use safe? A list of testing standards for elderly canes
1. Four major crutch testing items
Crutches are one of the commonly used assistive devices for the elderly, ensuring their safe walking. However, according to the testing standards in the 496th issue of the Hong Kong Consumer Council's journal, there are many crutches on the market that do not meet international standards and lack testing instructions.
Furthermore, according to a Hong Kong News Bulletin, in 2016, a model of crutch chair was found to have safety issues such as bending and tipping over, which could cause harm to the elderly. As a result, the Hong Kong Customs banned the product from being sold in Hong Kong.
Therefore, for the elderly, in order to maintain their own safety, it is particularly important to choose crutches that have international certification and have passed safety testing. The following are the items and methods for crutch safety testing:
Crutches bottom friction test
Assess the friction at the base of the crutch to ensure it does not slip during use.
- Place the crutch end vertically on the platform.
- Apply a force of 1 kg on the crutch.
- The friction force at the base of the crutch is measured using a force sensor.
- Slowly move the platform and record the friction force.
According to the Japan Product Safety Association standard CPSA 0073, the friction force at the bottom of a crutch should be no less than 4 Newtons. If the friction force is less than 4 Newtons, it means that the crutch may slip during use, posing a safety hazard.
Crutch joint strength test
Assess the joint strength of the crutch to ensure that the crutch will not loosen or become damaged during use.
- Hang a 13 kg weight 30 cm away from the handle.
- Lasts for 1 minute.
- After removing the weight, inspect the grip and pole shaft for loose or damaged parts.
Crutches weight-bearing test
Assess the weight-bearing capacity of the crutch to ensure it does not deform during use.
- A force of 1 kg is applied to the center of the grip and the deformation of the stick is measured.
- Slowly increase the force to 4 kg and maintain for 1 minute.
- Measure the maximum deformation of the crutch.
- Reduce the force to 1 kg and maintain for 1 minute.
- Measure the permanent deformation of the crutch.
Also according to the Japanese Product Safety Association standard CPSA 0073, the maximum deformation of a crutch should not exceed 1.7 cm; and the permanent deformation should not exceed 0.1 cm.
Cane grip requirements
In addition, in order for the elderly to be able to hold the crutches comfortably, the Japanese Product Safety Association standard CPSA 0073 also provides standards for crutch handles:
- Arc shape: The handle diameter should be between 10 and 15 cm.
- Flat shape: The handle length is about 10 to 15 cm.
(2) How to confirm that the crutches you purchase meet safety standards?
So how can you tell whether a crutch has passed the test and has international certification?
Check out the official website
Manufacturers typically publish their product testing and certification information on their official websites. Before purchasing, it's recommended to check the crutch's official website to see if it has passed CPSA 0073 testing.
Check product labels
When purchasing a cane, in addition to referring to the standard tests on the official website, you can also check whether the product has the Japanese SG certification mark .
The Japan Product Safety Association (CPSA) provides the SG certification mark for products that have passed safety testing. Therefore, if a crutch product is affixed with the SG mark, it generally indicates that the product has passed the CPSA 0073 standard testing and meets the relevant safety requirements.
The SG certification mark looks like this:
Where can I buy crutches for seniors? Click the link below to find the style you need at Tiantiandaibu!
3. How much do elderly walking sticks cost ? What factors influence the price?
The price of an elderly walking stick depends on many factors, including origin, material, function, etc.
- Origin
Generally speaking, Japanese-made canes are more expensive than Taiwanese-made canes. This is because Japanese craftsmanship and production costs are higher, resulting in a higher price.
- Material
Wooden crutches are cheaper, costing around HK$350 to HK$400, while carbon fiber crutches are around HK$450 to HK$520.
- Function
The more features a cane has, the higher its price. For example, models with foldable or reflective features will cost more than basic canes.
- Certification
If the cane has passed safety tests and has international certification, its price will be higher. This is because the certification process requires a certain amount of cost, which can ensure the quality of the cane and make it safer to use, so that consumers can rest assured.
4. Which crutches are recommended for seniors? A look at popular crutches
Recommended walking stick for the elderly 1: Japanese brand Shima -leather telescopic walking stick
Shima is a Japanese brand of crutch. All of their crutches meet the CPSA 0073 standard and bear the Japanese SG certification mark, ensuring peace of mind. Below are some of Shima's most popular crutch styles.
Crutches Features:
- 13 length adjustment levels (each level is approximately 2.5 cm).
- The narrow neck design of the handle makes the cane easier to hold.
Crutch material:
- Body: Aluminum alloy, recycled leather
- Grip: PP, TPR
- Foot pads: synthetic rubber
Crutches Price: HKD 810
(Photo source/ Tiantian Daibu official website)
Recommended walking stick for the elderly 2: Japanese brand Shima - carbon fiber telescopic walking stick
Crutches Features:
- Made of lightweight, high-quality carbon fiber, it weighs only 230 grams.
- 11 length adjustment levels (each level is approximately 2.5 cm).
Crutch material:
- Body: Carbon fiber
- Grip: Carbon fiber
- Foot pads: synthetic rubber
Crutches Price: HKD 930
(Photo source/ Tiantian Daibu official website)
Recommended walking stick for seniors: Taiwanese brand Merry Sticks – Night reflective walking stick
Taiwanese brand Merry Sticks is also a popular walking stick brand among seniors. Merry Sticks products have been tested and registered by regulatory agencies such as the Japan SG Association, the US FDA, the EU CE, and South Korea's KC. They also hold a Class I medical device license issued by the Taiwan Ministry of Health and Welfare, ensuring they meet safety and quality standards, ensuring peace of mind for users. Below are two more Merry Sticks products.
Crutches Features:
- Special reflective material, the stick will automatically reflect light under the light.
- The two-section cane can be folded down to about 62 cm at its shortest, making it easy to carry and walk with.
- Load-bearing capacity up to 100 kg.
Crutch material:
- Body: Aluminum alloy, maple
- Grip: Maple
- Foot pads: synthetic rubber
Crutches Price: HKD 380
(Photo source/ Tiantian Daibu official website)
Recommended walking stick for seniors #4: Taiwanese brand Merry Sticks – Folding cane with imitation wood grain
Crutches Features:
- The length is about 80 to 90 cm, suitable for people with a height of about 154 to 174 cm.
- It comes with a wrist strap to prevent the cane from falling, and a plastic case for easy storage.
Crutch material:
- Body: Aluminum alloy
- Grip: Poplar
- Foot pads: synthetic rubber
Crutches Price: HKD 390
(Photo source/ Tiantian Daibu official website)
5. How to use a cane safely for the elderly ? Summary of precautions for using a cane
After reviewing the recommended items above, let's explain the correct way to use crutches and the precautions:
The crutch and foot form a triangle
When using a cane, place it in front of the foot so that the cane and foot form a triangle rather than a straight line. This provides more stable support and helps the elderly maintain balance.
Check whether the crutches are damaged
Before use, it is recommended to check the rubber pads of the crutch for wear or damage and replace them promptly. In addition, the grip of the crutch should also be checked. If it is loose, it may make it difficult for the elderly to hold the crutch firmly, increasing the risk of falls.
Avoid walking on wet and slippery surfaces
If the ground is wet or slippery, try to avoid walking on it to prevent slipping. If you must walk on a slippery ground, slow down and pay special attention to safety.
In addition, some carpets or mats are not properly secured and can easily slide, making it very likely that the elderly will fall if they walk on them. Therefore, when walking with a cane, you should try to avoid carpets and mats, or ensure that they are properly secured.
Where can I buy a walking stick for the elderly ? Recommended for daily transportation !
The above is the information introduction of crutches for the elderly. If you want to choose the above 4 high-quality and easy-to-use crutches, we recommend you to go to Tiantian Daibu to buy them!
◆ Professional assessment, personalized solutions
Unlike other rehabilitation product stores, Tiantiandaimo adheres to the core concept of "focus on professionalism" and will first gain a deep understanding of your actual situation before providing you and your family with the highest quality mobility aids and services.
◆ Rich products to meet diverse needs
In addition to crutches for the elderly, Tiantian Daibu also provides manual wheelchairs , electric wheelchairs, electric nursing beds and other mobility aids to meet the needs of different consumers.
Where can I buy crutches for seniors? Click the link below to find the style you need at Tiantiandaibu!
Further reading:
Electric wheelchair boarding classroom: understand the boarding process and precautions at one go!