Does using a walker to prevent falls inhibit an elderly person’s mobility?

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Does using a walker to prevent falls inhibit an elderly person’s mobility?

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My 96 year old mother in law broke her hip about 2 years ago. She made a pretty good recovery but has since been prone to falls. She has fortunately not suffered anymore fractures but the last time she fell she was using her cane. Since that time we have insisted that she use her walker. It seems like she is much less mobile and we’re wondering if using the walker is inhibiting her mobility. She is also showing signs of dementia and we are struggling with her nutrition since her appetite is very poor. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. We live in a rural area and many of the support systems aren’t available here.

Care Decisions Difficulty Walking Medical Equipment and Supplies Mobility

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I think it can be construed as weakness to an independent strong elderly and a cane could be more independent and self-secure.

I would take all the below information seriously. Knee braces can support weak knees and some have springs. A thoracic brace may help but don’t make too tight or leave on all day. Tumeric or other for pain.

I hope some of this may help. George

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My own Mother had some issues when she transitioned to a walker. However we have an aide that use to work in a nursing home, and is very knowledgeable in the correct way of using it safely. She has been training my Mom to how to drive it. This has really made a difference.

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Once I fell in my kitchen and hurt my hip and temporarily used a walker. Oh my gosh, I was treated like a different person. I was surprised by certain things.

Went to Mass and the usher found me the best seat on the end of the isle. He had the communion servers bring communion to me instead of me walking up the isle as usual.

Told my husband that I didn’t mind relying on a walker for a short term stint! LOL

Those scooters are very expensive for people who need them.

My mom loves the rollater because of the seat and storage but she still falls.

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You might want to get a handyman to take the bathroom door off the hinges or to replace the hinges with one that swings in both directions . They tend to open into the bathroom which make it difficult for someone with a walker to get out of the bathroom as the door has to open back into her, which may cause a fall. We did have such a fall. And she was trapped behind the door and broke her pelvis.

Walkers' legs do tend to get stuck in tile. You need to use golfballs on the end.

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My mom was adverse to using a walker in public, and used her cane. However, that meant that we were right next to her to hold on to her body. The cane doesn't afford one the safety, as does the walker. However, the walker does not assure stability, as Mom did experience a fall with the walker in the home, when she lost her balance and swayed sideways, pulling the walker with her and fell to the floor. Your mom may be skittish, as my mom became, after falling twice, once breaking her hip and the next time fracturing it. It does make them less apt to want to walk around and want to venture outside of the home, based on fear of falling again.

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You'd give me that to eat, and I would die with a smile on my face, too. Fried chicken and Oreos are great comfort food

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It is not uncommon for people who have experienced falls to become more careful or even suspicious. I would agree with what other commenters have said about having an assessment by an Occupational or Physical therapist. Walkers are designed to be safer, but it's how they are used. Your mom could just need some instruction. Not to mention making sure that it is sized to her.

Dementia and nutrition are closely linked as well. Could be a number of factors contributing to the decline. Perhaps smaller, more frequent meals, starting with something sweet can trigger appetite. Also, more physical activity will likely mean better appetite. Also, one thing we tend to forget when our lives are so hectic - eating is a social activity. Sit down together and share a meal, see if she can help to participate in the preparation somehow, talk and visit. We all do better this way too.

Good luck,

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Imho, while a walker for an elderly person is essential to prevent falls, it does not do he body good as far as posture.

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That is very true. Posture is not thought into the design of a traditional type walker.

My mom Wanted an “upright walker”for a year. Finally justified the cost (it it $5-6 hundred dollars) and I figured that I’d “let” her buy it It (She can afford it but I’m always skeptical of the things “designed “ to help the elderly. & to “quit hearing about “this walker”

since she’d had it it is better for her posturE but... it it larger to put in an suv & a bit more difficult to maneuver in a home. However, she will use her cane more often to get around. Which is another issue because that make ME nervous watching her navigate. Sometimes I wish I couldn’t see how confident she is, if you know what I mean.

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I don't think the walker is causing your mother in law less mobility. She may need an evaluation by ergotherapist (occupationnal therapist)...or the walker isn't adjusted right? The therapist'll be able to figure that. There's many # kind of walker. My dad has been using his for 2-3 years &is skilled at walking with it inside his apt& out.his walker has a "seat" if he needs to take a break& folds a bit...
Another possible reason is that she's scared to fall again? She's stressed?try to arrange a few walk with her using her walker regularly,to help her regain confidence..ask the physiotherapist about that too :if he/she can evaluate her walk using the walker.

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I think using a walker or relying on a walker before a person is ready for it or can adjust to the very idea of having to use one is somewhat inhibiting and takes away independence. My younger brother decided to buy Mom (then 77 years old) a walker before she was ready. She had a fall carrying a stack of newspapers to the recycle bin. Gashed her head. No stitches. She has became totally reliant on that thing. Gave up driving as well and going out entirely. That was only six years ago and because she gave up every type of socializing she began living in her own world and now has dementia. She will not allow anyone to replace the walker he gave her because HE gave it t her. The wheels are ground down, brakes don't work and the seat is hard to close. Before going to any necessary appointments - all "equipment " must be loaded - tissue box, grabber tool, plastic grocery bags tied to handles for garbage, and purse in underseat compartment. It takes so long. Please consider if she is ready for that responsibility before insisting she use it. Since Mom has been using the walker she has fallen 3 times - breaking her wrist and a bone in her foot. It does NOT prevent falls.

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I will be 87 and can't walk due to severe spinal issues. I force myself to do the impossible so as not to be so frustrated and ashamed to be a misfit but the pain is overwhelming. One thing I must do if using a walker is use one suitable for a child because to keep my balance and mobility and ease the pain in my back, my arms must be poker straight from my shoulders and as close to the floor as I can stretch them. If I am able to keep my arms poker straight down, I can walk safely but if, like 99% of walkers and people with disabilities, if I have to bend my arms at the elbows because the handle is too far up, I am in agony and don't have good control over walking. Each case is different - try handle bars very low for stability and then experiment with them up a bit.

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I admire your courage and determination. A lot of people would have a pity party and resign to a wheelchair. I am certainly not putting down people who use wheelchairs as a last resort because they simply aren’t able to be mobile any longer.

Take care.

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My mother is 82 and she got hit by a truck and injured her hip and recovered. She has used a walker for 2 years now which helped her confidence in walking but she has developed a huge hunch back from hunching over all the time. And yet, if she does not use the walker she could fall again.

I guess for your mom, her back is second to falling so it may be a good idea at her age to be safer and use the walker.

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Maybe your mother is a good candidate for an upright walker.

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Falling can lead a bit to fear of falling, which leads to less desire to walk, which leads to more weakness. I do think this is how my mother has ended up in a wheelchair. When she first moved to MC, she was able to get around without anything, no cane, no walker. She did fine for almost 2 years, then insisted she needed "one of those", indicating another resident's rollator. I had brought dad's regular walker and rollator home when we were clearing out mom's condo to sell it. I brought the rollator to her, but it was many months before she actually started using it.

When able to walk unaided and with the rollator, she did NOT walk much. Her preference was to sit and read (newspapers, magazines, sales flyers.) Several other residents would walk the loop several times after meals, but not mom. Staff even held simple exercise "classes" to keep the residents active. Not mom. Nope, I did that for years, I don't need to do it now!

I do believe a combination of not walking and having a few tumbles lead to weakness and fear of falling, so she is now in a wheelchair (refused to stand and walk without help.) Her falls were just that - little tumbles. Nothing injured, nothing broken, just went down like a Weeble.

Do the best you can to encourage her to walk - take her outside with the walker and each time go a little farther. If there is something she esp likes to eat, a treat of some kind, reward her with that each time. It is sad that mom did this to herself - she used to harp on dad that if you don't use it, you'll lose it, but hasn't heeded her own advice! The fresh air and exercise is good for your MIL (start slow and easy!) and could also perk up her appetite. If she isn't active, her body will have less demand for food. Make the walk fun! Look for things, pretty flowers, birds, other critters, etc. Praise any progress she makes!

Look at Sir Thomas Moore (former captain in WWII) in England - after his surgery, he was walking with his walker to build up strength. He decided to make a challenge to raise money for the NHS, expecting maybe 1K pounds, and he kept going because the donations kept coming in! He turned 100 during his "walk" to raise money and has raised over 32 million!! He was also knighted by the Queen, Now his goal is to be able to drive again!!! :-D Can't keep a good man down!

While it wouldn't hurt to use Boost or Ensure to augment her "meals", perhaps asking her what she would prefer to eat, no matter what it is, might entice her to eat more. Often as they get older, sweets play a big part. At 96, I wouldn't worry about her having too many sweets, so long as she's eating (and you can combine the sweet with something healthy!)

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In her late 80's after a fall, my mother's doctor recommended a walking stick. She loved it. It made her stand up straighter and not bent over a walker. Mobility is what keeps the calcium in our bones. After she passed, I gave it to a friend who had knee surgery and she swore by it.

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Your mother may benefit from a evaluation from a Physical Therapist to determine what is the safest and most appropriate assistive device to use at this time. How to utilize it appropriately. A walker will give an individual more support for due decline with trunk balance and legs strength because it 4 points of contact with the floor versus the cane only one contact.

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Walkers are a bandaid for care-givers---- my mother slid down the wall she was backed up to along with her walker--- finally she was "trusted" in the hall instead of being led to her breakfast table-- and she fell and broke her shoulder which led to an aneurysm and her demise. I never like walkers-- wheelchairs-- yes-- Brodachairs-- only weaken the abdominals and then they cannot stand up anymore to help propel themselves-- with a caregiver on each side into the bathroom-- just another means hospice uses to weaken a person.

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"Just another means hospice uses to weaken" Really?? I've been a nurse for 39 yrs and obviously you have no idea what you're talking about and have reported this comment

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You do not mention whether your mom has osteoporosis or not. If she does have osteoporosis, then she most likely has diminished mobility from that disease process. During this year of pandemic, many people are sitting more and that takes a toll on muscle strength. The best way to increase her strength and mobility is to get her moving more. Every mobility aid is to help with balance and mobility... and only works as long as the person uses it and moves. If she doesn't eat enough calories or nutrients, she will not have the strength for walking or for strong bones and muscles.

Please consider talking to her primary care provider about her diet and strength/mobility issues. She/she can give consults for physical therapy and dietary evaluation. Specialists in those fields can give you good information and instructions to help manage those problems.

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I believe both my parents walked longer b/c of the walkers. Getting the proper one does make a difference though. Posture is important and there are plenty of brands. My dad used one that only rolled when you squeezed the bars b/c his neuropathy left him with terrible balance. He eventually fell, but not b/c of the walker; his Alzheimer’s led him to believe he didn’t use or need one. He broke his hip and has been wheelchair bound since, but he walked a lot longer using a walker. You can gussy one up if a percent wants a sportier looking one! Good luck!

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My MIL uses a walker with wheels. This is what she is used to. She also has a wheelchair for longer distances or she is confused about where she is going. She is 80 and has Parkinson's. She just was diagnosed with dementia. Her neurologist said that she should always use a walker. For the dining room/kitchen, which is 2 steps up, another walker should be available to use. She tends to ignore her walkers because she said she doesn't feel unsteady. She will argue with me. I tell her the doctor said she has to use one. She shuffles and her legs wobble when she walks. Her walkers help her.

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We have more than one walker for my mother, too. The small steps are too much to navigate, so we got a 2nd walker and she transfers to that when on the higher level

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It is so very true that being as active as possible is essential to survival. Also, healthy home made soups with lots of veggies are very helpful.My Grandma was able tocook her own until her very last week of life. She also drank a lot of coffee every morning and a lot of chocolate milk the rest of the day. Awhole egg every day is very good for old people.My grandma liked hers soft boiled on whole grain toast with salt, black pepper, and olive oil.

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Dear Tommyann,
I am writing from the patients perspective. I was diagnosed with a form of Muscular Dystrophy at the age of 40 where in between age circa 8-40 I was told there was nothing the matter with me. Finally on my 40th birthday, I was told I had M.D. My Ortho doctor recommended I get a walker to use on days when walking was difficult, inclement weather, or very long distance. He told me not to be using it everyday, but if I needed it use it. That was 21 years ago and rarely have I used the walker, but I've not been shy about using it especially when traveling and walking in unfamiliar locations.
Four years ago I was diagnosed with early onset ALZ and I use the walker more often. I have suffered a handful of falls in the last year, no major injuries, but I am now less stable. I'd think a very senior citizen, should use the walker for their own safety. I hope if I begin to rebel against using it as I further decline, that my family will insist upon me using it for my own safety. I hope this is helpful.

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i am 86 and very strong and healthy by the grace of God. I remember my 96 year old Grandma just 6 months before she died. She was as gracious, charming, and witty as she had always been.She used a cane because walkers, etc. had not yet been invented.As far as I know, she never fell. She was very careful and sensible and had a live in helper.When asked how she lived to be so healthy so old, she would always say it was good eating, hard work, and the grace of God.Some time during her 96th year, she developed heart problems and died of heart failure in her sleep.She was intellectually and physically active until the end. She never ever took any meds except for 2 aspirin every night during her last year.She never took any supplements except B12.Really good rolling walkers do seem like a wise precaution for many old people nowadays. However, avoiding any statins, narcotics,sleep aids, or diuretics are the best way to avoid balance problems and falls.

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Having a walker prevents her from having bad falls. It has helped mom out tremendously.

As for the meals, why not give her appetite increasing teas like dill, fennel, and ginger. Try mixing them up like giving her fennel tea one day and ginger the next and so on. It works on my mom.

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I never knew there were teas to increase appetite. I’ve never been a big eater and should gain some weight.

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Using a Walker will deffiently help prevent falls.

My 96 yr old Dad went from a cane to a walker a couple years ago.

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I would definitely stay with the walker due to her falls and the hip fracture. Falls can be the end for many your mom's age. My mom uses a rolator walker due to bad knees and very bad balance. PT did come to her house and did cycles of therapy. He also adjusted her walker to the proper height. PT will review items around where she lives making sure bedside commode and toilet/shower has all safety needs met. A great help.

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Make sure the walker has wheels it helps it glide but will not roll away. I was worried about that. I also talked with the physical therapist, the wheels made it easier otherwise she would have to stop, pick up and move forward again. My mom had knee replacement and she did well with the wheeled walker. Loss of balance with a cane which is what she used before surgery. She can really book it in the house with that walker rolling. Also as someone said make sure it is the correct height.

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She could try a four-footed cane. Start in a therapy-like setting.
If mom seems comfortable and steady, use it on short outings, but always with supervision.
When mom is alone, she should rely on the walker.
Make certain it is set at the proper height.

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The walker helps with balance. A cane does also but not to the same extent.

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My 87 year-old mother used a cane for a few years. Once she started having more health issues, I switched her to a walker. As long as she's getting up, and moving around like she used to, her mobility should stay the same. At least this is what her doctor told us. I "make sure" she gets up and walks every couple hours. The less they move around, the worse they will get.

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Yup, use it or lose it - I can't remember how many times my mother told my father that. When it came to herself? PAH! The MC place even had some light exercise classes for the residents, just to keep the moving. Mom? Nope, I did that for years (she would periodically join some weight reduction/exercise class, but then just gain it all back!) Her "thing" was to sit and read, newspapers, magazines, but especially sales flyers! Some of the other women residents would walk the loop after meals, several times around, just to stay active, but not mom!

A combination of sitting too much and yummy ice cream bars, she gained 20# her first year there! I do believe the lack of moving (she was self mobile for about 2 years too!) contributed to weakness and now she refuses to stand or walk, so she's in a wheelchair. Combined weight gain, high BP (on meds for YEARS), lack of movement, etc has led to a recent mini-stroke, so she'll not be walking any time soon.

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I think my mobility would be inhibited and limited and clumsy if I walked with a 4 foot by 3 foot buffer around me.

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I totally agree with you - I used the cane with four feet for many years, but like I mentioned in my post above - the time has come when I lost my balance with it. I was able to grab on to furniture or something and prevented my falling, but I had enough sense to know that I would have to switch to something that would give me more support. A walker sure does help, much more than the cane. So here is a point - if I did not use it - I would not ever be able to get out of my chair and walk - so no more movement. With the walker - I DO get up and do my chores and take care of my two little dogs and all that. So there is more walking and movement with the walker - as far as abdominal muscles, yes - they get a little sore sometimes, but I have to remember how limited I now have become, so it is not really a choice. I have the wheelchair - but that is another method to totally stop all movement unless you can still get out of it. I do not think that should be used until totally necessary. The other consideration is, since I live alone if I did NOT use the walker, I would be in the nursing home, separated from my little dogs, no longer in my home and truly unhappy, since I have been a very independent person my whole life. The three or four legged cane is not the answer when you are dealing with certain problems - and there are many of those.

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Does using a walker to prevent falls inhibit an elderly person’s mobility?

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