A walking stick may help you to stay active, but it is best to try before you buy. See our Before you Buy Guide to Walking Sticks. We can measure you for a stick and you can try different styles at the centre to see what suits you best. A shaped handle may be more comfortable for your or you might prefer a padded or gel-cushioned handle. We also have a range of walking stick ferrules which provide grip on different surfaces including sprung ferrules to take the pressure off painful joints and a flexible ferrule that may be safer on wet ground. Ferrules can become worn over time and we can advise on whether ferrules on an existing stick might need replacing. Alongside our range of sticks, we also have a small selection of walking poles at the centre and we can offer advice on which models may best suit your needs.
4-wheeled walkers are designed to support you when walking indoors and outdoors, they have height-adjustable handles and a seat for when you need a short rest and brakes to give you some control when walking and to keep the walker stable when you sit down. We are always researching new designs to accommodate different needs. Come and see us to find out what works best for you. We have walkers that are light for easy transportation or heavier with larger wheels for stability on uneven ground. We have walkers with holders for carrying your shopping, a drink or an oxygen cylinder. We can show you walkers with comfy grip handles and some with forearm supports so that you can use them if you are unable to grip. We also have walkers with drag brakes that give you more control when you are walking. Although we do have a 3-wheeled walker in the centre, we do not recommend this style as they can be unstable and are heavier and wider than most 4-wheeled walkers. For more information on 4-wheeled walkers, please see our Before you Buy Guide 4-Wheeled Walkers.
Walking frames can be used to support you when walking indoors. Both wheeled and non-wheeled versions are available to try at the Independent Living Centre. You can also try out the caddy that fits to the 2-wheeled walker, to carry food, drinks, or other small items from room to room at home. See our Before you Buy Guide on Walking Frames.
Technology solutions. There is technology to help prevent someone from getting lost when walking, or to alert a carer or family member if a person has fallen when out and about. See our TECS section for more information.