When is it time for a walker?

When you see a parent or loved one often, it can be hard to notice when they are physically declining. I sometimes struggle with this with my patients that I’ve known for years and am close with. But there are signs, and actually, hard data, that can help identify when someone needs an assistive device, like a walker. 

Probably the most obvious sign that a walker is needed is that they had a recent fall! Ideally we identify it before this, but sometimes that’s not how it goes. Even after a traumatic fall, families and patients are often in denial about what just happened. There are often excuses and reasons to explain the fall away. Sometimes this is justified and sometimes it’s not. The important question to ask is, “would I have fallen in that same situation?” For example, if someone falls on the ice while outside shoveling snow, that’s very understandable, and I would probably fall in that same situation. However, if someone loses their balance or trips on an area rug, falls to the ground and hits their face–well, I likely wouldn’t do that. Don’t get me wrong, just like anyone, I can be clumsy and injure myself. But more often, I would stumble, react quickly, and catch myself before I fall. 

Another sign that your parent  is unsteady and would benefit from an assistive device is if they hold onto the walls or furniture when they walk. It’s called “furniture walking.” I actually hear a lot of people tell me that they don’t need a walker at home because they just hold onto furniture and walk just fine. But it’s a clear sign that someone needs support and is not steady on their own. Speaking of furniture, having trouble getting off of furniture, like off of a low couch or chair can be another clue. 

But not all signs are clear. A less obvious sign is walking more slowly. This one is hard to notice as it generally happens gradually. 

If you aren’t sure, or if you want hard, data driven help understanding if a loved one needs an assistive device, there is a test for that. It’s called the Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test. This test measures how long it takes someone to stand up from a chair, walk 10 feet, turn around, walk back, and sit down. This helps us determine the degree of mobility impairment and fall risk. It’s often easier to make decisions using numbers and evidence instead of going by feelings. 

Lastly, if you buy an assistive device for a parent, I recommend informing their PCP about the mobility concerns that you have. This is because mobility impairment often prompts other important health topics like bone health, vision, or other conditions that may be contributing to mobility impairment.