Independent Living Aides: The Cane

I have lived with Spinocerrebellor Degeneration for approximately twelve years. My father has this, my brother as well as my sister. We, except for my sister, live in the same dwelling. Therefore we I consider myself an “expert” in the areas of Independent Living Aids and an explanation of the use of the cane needs to be addressed

 I am forty four years old and considered the caretaker. I exercise daily and take lots of vitamins so I may be of assistance to my father and brother who have been wheelchair bound for twenty years. Because of my attention to my health, I walk with a cane and plan to do so for a very long time.

Canes can be a great asset to and can also be considered a fashion accessory if the person using the device sees’s fit. I began using a cane with a dragons head at the top however I stopped because it seemed I was more concerned with how it appeared versus an aid. I needed something used more as an aid and purchased a sturdy aluminum single walking cane with adjustable height measures from a local drugstore. I considered $19.99 a small investment for my health. It has been 3 years now and I don’t see changing the cane soon.

It’s important the person using the cane allows for his/her height accordingly. For example;

My present cane may be adjusted to heights pertaining to the users need. My preference being at its highest level, 36″ from floor to handle. This is my optimum height being 6″2″ therefore some may adjust accordingly.

I feel a cane needs to have a hand rest at the tip to for grasping. Remember a single cane is simply a rod from the waist area to the ground therefore a handle at the top of the cane provides more support than a knob

They can also provide a form of exercise to the legs versus a pair of crutches which focus on strength of the biceps/triceps.

The last two issues to keep in mind are:

• 1.) A cane sometimes referred to a platform at the base for better stability if needed
• 2.) Winter use if applicable in your section of the world. You can purchase “snow tires” if needed, which will fit comfortably on the end for better traction.

I have lived with Spinocerrebellor Degeneration for approximately twelve years. My father has this, my brother as well as my sister. We, except for my sister, live in the same dwelling. Therefore  I consider myself an “expert” in the areas of Independent Living Aids and an explanation of the use of the cane needs to be addressed

 I am forty four years old and considered the caretaker. I exercise daily and take lots of vitamins so I may be of assistance to my father and brother who have been wheelchair bound for twenty years. Because of my attention to my health, I walk with a cane and plan to do so for a very long time.

Canes can be a great asset to and can also be considered a fashion accessory if the person using the device sees’s fit. I began using a cane with a dragons head at the top however I stopped because it seemed I was more concerned with how it appeared versus an aid. I needed something used more as an aid and purchased a sturdy aluminum single walking cane with adjustable height measures from a local drugstore. I considered $19.99 a small investment for my health. It has been 3 years now and I don’t see changing the cane soon.

It’s important the person using the cane allows for his/her height accordingly. For example;

My present cane may be adjusted to heights pertaining to the users need. My preference being at its highest level, 36″ from floor to handle. This is my optimum height being 6″2″ therefore some may adjust accordingly.

I feel a cane needs to have a hand rest at the tip to for grasping. Remember a single cane is simply a rod from the waist area to the ground therefore a handle at the top of the cane provides more support than a knob

They can also provide a form of exercise to the legs versus a pair of crutches which focus on strength of the biceps/triceps.