There is a range of equipment available to help maintain your independence when moving around the house. From mobility aids and fall detectors to grab rails and adaptations there are a lot of options available to you.
Equipment can be privately purchased from a wide range of retailers both online and on the high street. If you feel that you need further information or advice please call Adult Social Care on 0113 2224401 to make a referral. Someone will call you back to discuss the difficulties you are having and if necessary, arrange for an assessment when equipment may be provided to you, from Leeds Equipment Service, free of charge.
Walking stick
There are many different types of walking stick or crutch available. They vary in the grip, how they make contact with the floor and if they are to be used on a single side or both sides. They can assist in providing extra support for people who require mild to moderate assistance when walking due to mild balance problems and can generally be used both inside and outside.
Walking sticks
Walking sticks are adjustable light metal walking aids suitable for people who require minimal assistance to walk. They come in a variety of handle shapes, which may provide more comfort than a wooden equivalent, and provide a support where a weak grip or hand impairment may affect use.
Tripod walking stick
Like walking sticks, tripod and quadropod walking sticks are a light weight, adjustable walking aid. Unlike traditional walking sticks, they provide more points of stability meaning they may be more suitable for someone unable to manage with a traditional walking stick.
Tri Walker
Tri Walkers are a three wheeled folding triangular walking frame which can be used inside and outside to aid mobility to aid stability when walking. They come with cycle or push down breaks.
Rollator
A rollator is a walking frame with four wheels and breaks which are useful for people who need more support than offered by a tri walker. Some rollators come with a basket which can double as a seat, providing somewhere to rest. If considering a rollator it is important to make sure that you are able to manipulate the breaks and can navigate kerbs and small level changes.
Benefits
Assist in providing extra support for people who require mild to moderate assistance when walking due to mild balance problems.
Can be used singly or in pairs to encourage reciprocal gait to improve or maintain mobility.
Can be used both inside and outside.
Things to consider
It is important to have any walking aid set to the correct height for the user, otherwise it can cause more instability or injury.
Some sticks and crutches come oriented to left and right hands. Check to make sure you purchase the correct stick if buying singles
Thick pile carpets, rugs and thresholds may cause hazards
Different walking sticks have different maximum weight limits.