Hello. My mom is 89. When we take our daily walks, and I've noticed this in general, she walks every step very tentatively. To me it looks like she's scared of falling. I think her eyesight is fine (need to get that checked once COVID is over/safe to do so.) It seems like older folks resist using walker/cane, as it's another benchmark for "being/getting old". But I don't want to wait till she falls. I also thought recently about "walking poles", which look like they'd add an element of balance, but won't become a "crutch" as using a cane I see people lean on them. Thoughts or suggestions?
Hi MaggieMae! I am a PT and
Hi MaggieMae! I am a PT and I specialize in working with folks like your mom. She likely is having reduced sensation in her feet so she is exhibiting the tentative steps because she just isn't sure what she is feeling. Lots of things go into eyesight not just acuity and at 89, vision is likely a factor. I highly recommend a cane or walking stick/hiking stick for a number of reasons: 1. it provides increased sensory input through the hand to the brain (her brain is looking for more information which is why the elderly "furniture walk" at home) 2. it increases her base of support 3. it provides stability if she gets off balance. I DO NOT recommend a 4 point cane – the kind with feet. One to look at is the Campbell posture cane that keeps her upright rather than leaning over a cane. This is why I like hiking sticks too – upright posture, looking ahead rather than down. Especially if you are going for daily walks which is AWESOME! keep that up! hope this helps