Special Events

Canes are Safety Equipment


Joe Shannon and Phillip Ambury, Occupational Therapist at the Walker & Cane Clinic recently held at the Community Care office in Picton.
“Think of your cane as safety equipment” said, Carol Goodall, Public Health Nurse, speaking at the free Cane and Walker Clinic held by Prince Edward Community Care. The Clinic was a joint effort by Prince Edward Community Care, the Arthritis Society, and the Hastings & Prince Edward Health Unit. It was held to provide an opportunity for those who use canes and walkers to make sure that they are using well fitted and suitable equipment.

“Canes and walkers are tools for safer living” according to Goodall. It is important that people don’t consider themselves to be “excused” from using safety equipment when they turn 65. “You may be able to walk faster and safer and with less pain if your cane or walker is properly fitted and has been chosen to best meet your needs and where you live” said Phil Ambury, Occupational Therapist with the Arthritis Society.

People need to consider safety equipment on a continuing basis from birth to death. It’s not legal for people to drive a car, for example, with a child who isn’t in a proper car seat. Children must ride bikes with helmets and adults are considered foolish if they roller blade without wrist guards. People with mobility limitations can reduce their risk by using a cane or walker. Part of the problem is that people’s attitudes need to change. “Somehow we’re nervous to suggest a cane or a bath grab bar that would help an older adult,” Goodall said. “Everyone needs to think of such things as safety devices, not as assistive devices.” Canes and walkers are devices to reduce risk and can be likened to child car seats, bike helmets and wrist guards for those who rollerblade or skateboard.

Resources on purchasing, sizing and using a cane were available at the clinic. An improperly fitted cane can cause secondary aches and pains, will be a trip hazard, and the user just won’t get the benefit they should. Ambury said the cane should be used on the opposite side from the sore hip or knee and should take the weight off the user’s sore leg. He continued, explaining, “if your left hip hurts put the cane in your right hand and when your left foot is forward the cane should be forward and on the ground.”

When people need a cane or walker they may find financial support through private insurance or the provincial Assistive Devices Program. Goodall says, “People should go to a medical supply store that can advise about safety items and how to install and use them correctly.” The Assistive Devices Program can be reached at 1-800-268-6021.

One person at the clinic was asked to demonstrate using his cane. After watching carefully and asking a few questions, Ambury suggested he change hands. The immediate response was, “that is much better.”

For each walker that was viewed, the Occupational Therapist conducted a safety inspection. Ambury checked the handgrip for wear and cracks; brakes for cracked handles and functioning; backrest for cracks and secure attachment to the frame; and the tires were checked for wear and grip. A walker was found to have brakes that didn’t work properly, and the client was encouraged to take it in for repair.

“There could have been many more participants at this clinic” commented Debbie MacDonald Moynes, executive director of Community Care. “We arranged to have a qualified Occupational Therapist here to assess the canes and walkers and that provided a great opportunity to have a professional review your equipment and explain how to use it.”

The three agencies teamed up to co-host the walker & cane clinic as an event to recognize Seniors’ Month in Ontario. The Hastings & Prince Edward Health Unit sponsors the Falls Coalition of which Community Care is a member. Prince Edward Community Care for Seniors services include Meals on Wheels, transportation to medical appointments, noon-time dinners for seniors, foot care, help with forms, rural route reassurance and telephone reassurance programs. This spring the agency is adding a Home Help/Homemaking program to it’s list of services.

The Arthritis Society comes to the Community Care office in Picton for arthritis clinics the first Wednesday of each month, from 12:00pm to 4:00pm with occupational therapist Philip Ambury. The clinics are held in The Armoury, 206 Main St. in Picton. For an appointment call the Arthritis Society at 1-800-410-4033 and ask for Philip Ambury of the Kingston office or call the Kingston Arthritis Society directly at 1-613-546-2546 ext 24.

For more information contact:
Debbie Moynes, Executive Director 476-7493