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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Which walking stick do you recommend for the elderly? How to choose a durable and safe walking stick for the elderly? This article will share 4 recommended brands of elderly walking sticks, and teach you 6 key points and testing items for elderly walking sticks, to help you choose a good-looking elderly walking stick! Finally, I will tell you where to buy high-quality crutches for the elderly!
1. How to choose a walking stick for the elderly ? The Consumer Council teaches you how to choose a walking stick for the elderly
The walking stick is an assistive device designed specifically for the elderly 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. It is an ideal choice for the elderly who still have a certain walking ability because of its advantages such as lightness, portability and affordable price .
When purchasing a T-cane, it is recommended to purchase a wrist strap at the same time. The wrist strap can fix the cane on the wrist of the elderly. Even if the cane slips, the elderly can easily pick it up without bending over, effectively preventing falls.
✨Three , four-legged crutches
A tripod or quadruple cane, also called a "multi-point cane," is designed with multiple points of support, giving it a larger contact area with the floor and thus providing more stable support . This type of crutch is particularly suitable for stroke patients who have poor balance when standing or 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 transfers the support point from the wrist to the forearm , which can effectively reduce wrist pressure. At the same time, it uses the strength of the arm to help support the body weight , helping users walk more easily and comfortably.
✨Folding walking stick
A folding cane is a lightweight and easy-to-carry walking stick designed for dealing with emergencies when going out. The unique folding design allows it to be easily stored in a bag or suitcase. It does not take up too much space when going out and can also provide good movement safety and stability when needed. .
✨Crutch chair
The crutch chair is a multifunctional assistive tool. When the elderly are walking, they can use the cane chair as a cane to help them stand, walk and maintain balance; when they need to rest, they can also easily unfold the cane chair and convert it 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, fractures, etc. It transfers the support point from the wrist to the armpit and upper body, allowing the user to use the strength of the upper body to support the body weight and complete walking movements more easily and comfortably.
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 measure their height in centimeters.
Step 2: Calculate the length of the cane
Suitable crutch length = (height/2) + 2 to 3 (cm).
According to the above formula, calculate the appropriate length of the cane. For example, if the elder is 170 cm tall, the appropriate length of the cane is (170/2) + 2 to 3 cm, which is 85 to 86 cm.
Step 3: Actual Trial
Ask the elder to place the cane about 20 cm in front of the body and bend the elbow about 30 to 40 degrees. The bottom of the cane should just touch the ground. If the cane is too long or too short, the length needs to be adjusted.
Key points for choosing a walking stick for the elderly 3: Weight of the walking stick for the elderly
Many people believe that the lighter the cane, the better, but this is not true. For people with poor sense of balance or stroke, it is easy to lose balance when walking due to weak muscle strength and decreased coordination. Therefore, it is recommended to choose a cane that weighs between 250 and 350 grams . Canes in this weight range can provide adequate support and stability for seniors, helping them walk more safely.
Key points for choosing elderly walking sticks 4: Handle design of elderly walking sticks
The handle design of an elderly walking stick is an important factor to consider when choosing one. Here are two common handle shapes:
- Arc shape: The arc-shaped handle conforms to the curve of the human hand, fits the palm and provides a more comfortable grip . Suitable for the elderly with weaker hand strength, it can reduce hand pressure and relieve fatigue.
- Flat shape: The flat handle provides a larger grip area and is suitable for seniors with larger hands. This handle shape can provide a stable hold, increase the elderly's sense of security, and make them feel more at ease when walking .
Key points for choosing elderly walking sticks 5: Material of elderly walking sticks
The material a cane is made of affects its weight, durability, stability, and aesthetics. Common walking stick materials include:
- Wooden walking stick: 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 heavy.
- 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 walking stick for the elderly, no matter what material it is made of, the primary consideration should be the sturdiness and stability of the walking stick . The cane must have sufficient support and remain stable without shaking to ensure the safety of the user.
Key points for choosing walking sticks 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 information from 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 that there is sufficient friction between the rubber pad and the ground, preventing the cane from having insufficient grip.
- Outer diameter width: The outer diameter of the pad that contacts the ground should be at least 1 cm wider than the inner diameter to ensure that the pad is thick enough and not easily worn or damaged.
Where can I buy crutches for the elderly? Click the link below to go to Tiantian Daibu to choose the style you need!
2. Is the crutch you use safe? Overview of the testing standards for elderly canes
1. 4 major crutch testing items
Crutches are one of the commonly used assistive devices for the elderly, which ensures that they can walk safely. 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.
Not only that, according to a report by the 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, so the Hong Kong Customs ordered a ban on the sale of the product in Hong Kong.
Therefore, for the elderly, in order to maintain their own safety, it is particularly important to choose a cane that has international certification and has passed safety testing. The following are the items and methods for the safety testing of the cane:
Crutches bottom friction test
Assess the friction at the base of the crutch to ensure that the crutch does not slip during use.
- Place the crutch end vertically on the platform.
- Apply 1 kg of force on the crutch.
- The friction force at the base of the crutch is measured using a force sensor.
- Move the platform slowly and record the friction value.
According to the Japanese Product Safety Association standard CPSA 0073, the friction force at the bottom of the crutch should not be 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, check the grip and pole shaft for looseness or damage.
Crutches weight bearing test
Assess the weight-bearing capacity of the crutch to ensure that it does not lose its shape during use.
- A force of 1 kg is applied to the center of the grip and the deformation of the pole 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.
Crutch handle requirements
In addition, in order for the elderly to be able to hold the cane comfortably, the Japanese Product Safety Association standard CPSA 0073 also provides standards for the handle of the cane:
- 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 usually publish the testing and certification information of their products on their official websites. It is recommended that before purchasing, you can check the official website of the crutch to check whether the product has passed the CPSA 0073 standard test.
Check product labels
When buying 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 tests. Therefore, if a crutch product is affixed with the SG mark, it usually means that the product has passed the CPSA 0073 standard test and meets the relevant safety requirements.
The SG certification mark looks like this:
Where can I buy crutches for the elderly? Click the link below to go to Tiantian Daibu to choose the style you need!
3. How much does a walking stick for the elderly 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, the price of Japanese-made canes is higher than that of Taiwanese-made canes. This is because Japan's craftsmanship and production costs are high, so the product prices are relatively high.
- Material
The price of wooden crutches is cheaper, about HK$350 to HK$400, while the price of carbon fiber crutches is about HK$450 to HK$520.
- Function
The more functions an elderly walking stick has, the higher its price. For example, models with foldable, reflective and other functions will cost more than basic walking sticks.
- 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, make it safer to use, and reassure consumers.
4. Which type of walking stick is recommended for the elderly ? Popular crutches revealed
Recommended walking stick for the elderly 1: Japanese brand Shima -leather telescopic walking stick
Shima is a crutch brand from Japan. All the crutches it produces meet the CPSA 0073 standard and are also affixed with the Japanese SG certification mark, making them safer to use. Below are some of the most popular crutch styles launched by Shima.
Crutch features:
- 13 length adjustment levels (each level is approximately 2.5 cm apart).
- The thin neck design of the handle makes the cane easier to hold.
Cane Material:
- Body: Aluminum alloy, recycled leather
- Grip: PP, TPR
- Foot pads: synthetic rubber
Cane Price: HKD 810
(Photo source: Tiantian Daibu official website)
Recommended walking stick for the elderly 2: Japanese brand Shima -carbon fiber telescopic walking stick
Crutch features:
- Made of lightweight premium carbon fiber, weighing only 230 grams.
- 11 length adjustment levels (each level is approximately 2.5 cm apart).
Cane Material:
- Body: Carbon fiber
- Grip: Carbon fiber
- Foot pads: synthetic rubber
Cane Price: HKD 930
(Photo source: Tiantian Daibu official website)
Recommended walking stick for the elderly 3: Taiwanese brand Merry Sticks - night reflective walking stick
Taiwanese brand Merry Sticks is also a popular crutch brand among the elderly. Merry Sticks products have passed the testing or registration of inspection/regulatory agencies such as the Japan SG Association, the US FDA, the EU CE, and the South Korean KC. They also have a Class I medical device license issued by the Taiwan Ministry of Health and Welfare to ensure that the products meet safety and quality standards, allowing users to use them with confidence. Below we also introduce you to 2 Merry Sticks products.
Crutch features:
- Special reflective material, the stick will automatically reflect light under the light.
- The two-section walking stick can be folded down to about 62 cm at its shortest, making it easy to carry and walk.
- Load capacity up to 100 kg.
Cane Material:
- Body: Aluminum alloy, maple wood
- Grip: Maple
- Foot pads: synthetic rubber
Cane Price: HKD 380
(Photo source: Tiantian Daibu official website)
Recommended walking stick for the elderly 4: Taiwanese brand Merry Sticks - imitation wood grain folding walking stick
Crutch features:
- The length is about 80 to 90 cm, suitable for people with a height of about 154 to 174 cm.
- Comes with a wrist strap to prevent the cane from falling, and a plastic cover for easy storage.
Cane Material:
- Body: Aluminum Alloy
- Grip: Poplar
- Foot pads: synthetic rubber
Cane Price: HKD 390
(Photo source: Tiantian Daibu official website)
5. How to use a walking stick for the elderly safely ? Summary of precautions for using crutches
After reading the above recommended items, let's explain the correct use of crutches and precautions:
The cane and the foot form a triangle
When using a cane, place it in front of your foot so that it forms a triangle with your foot, rather than a straight line. This can provide more stable support and help the elderly maintain balance.
Check if the crutches are damaged
Before use, it is recommended to check whether the rubber pad of the crutch is worn or damaged. If so, it needs to be replaced in time. In addition, the handle of the crutch should also be checked. If it is loose, it may make it difficult for the elderly to hold the crutch tightly, increasing the risk of falling.
Avoid walking on slippery surfaces
If there are water stains or slippery marks on the ground, try to avoid walking on it to prevent slipping. If you must walk on slippery surfaces, slow down and pay special attention to safety.
In addition, some carpets or mats are not fixed properly and are easy to slide. If the elderly walk on them, they are likely to fall. Therefore, when walking with a cane, try to avoid carpets and mats, or make sure they are secured.
6. Where can I buy crutches for the elderly ? Recommended as the first choice 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!
◆ Professional assessment, personalized solutions
Tiantiandaibu is different from other rehabilitation product stores. We adhere to the core concept of "focus leads to professionalism" and will first gain a deep understanding of your actual situation before providing you and your family with the best 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 the elderly? Click the link below to go to Tiantian Daibu to choose the style you need!
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