Walking cane recommendation for my Dad

[TheHobbyist]

My dad is a very good man and for the last several years has been too proud to admit that he really needs help walking. His medications have resulted in him having issues with walking and I want to help, but also which to respect his dignity. It is very real the challenges he has and my mother who is 70 tries to just help hold him but he really just needs something to help him get his balance at times.


I'm considering for Christmas this year getting him a nice gentlemen's cane, something possibly made with fine wood and silver accents or something nice so he may be more receptive to it versus a regular cane.

I am open to any and all suggestions. Perhaps brands? Perhaps ideas on if this is even a good idea or should I just stay out of it. Being his only son, and that I love him dearly, I hate to see him struggle and think this would be a somewhat easy and necessary help for him. Thank you all.

 

[Erich]

I couldn't say, not knowing your dad or the dynamic.

However, an approach you might want to take it suggesting the defensive tool aspect of the cane. Maybe you take to carrying one around him ("It's a weapon I can carry anywhere, to defend my wife and family.") - if this is the tack you decide to take, look at Canemasters, which has a variety of defensive canes in different grades of fanciness and different sorts of wood. (I have had one of their canes for years - it's great.)

Cane Masters!, Walking Canes for mobility, self-defense, exercise and rehabilitation

 

[RudyN]

Somebody beat me to it, but I will also recommend Cane Masters. I have one of their canes that I use due to having an artificial leg. It looks like a regular cane and is made of a nice hard wood that is great for self defense. I have taken some escrima classes and the cane will work fine for some of the defenses and strikes and it is a defensive weapon that no one will complain about.

 

[hardcase60]

Not quite there yes, but rapidly reaching the point where one might an advantage. As a suggestion for a gift to someone who might not be receptive refer to it was as "walking stick". Although not needed back then, several many years ago a group had sticks made with brass horse hame's. You want a weapon, you got it. hardcase60

 

[Rustyt1953]

I got this last year from Amazon for $20.00.

Simplistically elegant, light and sturdy.

I'm sure anything you get him will be appreciated.

 

[H Richard]

The handle shape of the one pictured above is very comfortable to use, I know as I have a cane with that shape handle, just slightly different. There are a couple on line video's on how to use a cane as a self defense weapon. Most importantly, make sure it is cut o the correct length. It is best fit by a knowledgeable person, but a rule of thumb is the cane resting on the ground the person's elbow should be just slightly bent, not straight down. Too short or too long will cause an unbalance situation.

 

[Maddog 521]

I have a couple of oak canes that I use occasionally. I like them and they seem to like me. I inspect the rubber tip and replace it when needed. Simple works for me.

 

[wuluf]

I have one like this, a hawthorn root cane. I get a lot of comments on it, heavy and attractive..

 

[soFlaNative]

rule of thumb is the cane resting on the ground the person's elbow should be just slightly bent, not straight down. Too short or too long will cause an unbalance situation.

My wife needed a walker for a couple days and a cane for a couple weeks after knee surgery. If I recall, Doc said the correct length for a means of support would put the top of the device to the inside of the wrist with the arm hanging naturally.

Someone please chime in if I'm mistaken.

 

[Dave]

bubbastik.com. Got one for my dad, brass and ipe (ironwood). Very nice looking, comfortable and does not look like a "cane".

 

[Onomea]

I like a carbon fiber trekking pole. You can adjust the length to fit, or to match an incline, and it is very light. Usually leave the rubber tip on, but on ice or muddy hill, I pull the tip off and use the spike.

I don't use it always, but I like it for longish walks and hikes.

 

[arjay]

I like a carbon fiber trekking pole. You can adjust the length to fit, or to match an incline, and it is very light. Usually leave the rubber tip on, but on ice or muddy hill, I pull the tip off and use the spike.

I don't use it always, but I like it for longish walks and hikes.

I've got a collapsible ski pole with a cane handle that I use for wading.Right handy.

 

[Longhorn1986]

bubbastik.com. Got one for my dad, brass and ipe (ironwood). Very nice looking, comfortable and does not look like a "cane".

Until I had my hip replaced in May 2015, I used one. I really liked it, but the brass handle did tarnish up a bit with use.

 

[model70hunter]

My FIL was falling and bought one with 4 small legs at the bottom. This is more secure than a regular cane per him.

 

[vonn]

Google walking sticks and there is one for everyone!I have seen articles that claim that they are becoming very popular among walkers and hikers. A lot of my older customers use them as they are handier than walkers.

 

[Erich]

I had a bad wreck when I was sixteen and was all kinds of messed up. I'm fit and pretty good now, most of the time, but I've probably carried a cane with me more miles than most users do in a lifetime.

Based on that, another point: The handle shape that Rusty1953 shows is more comfortable to use. A regular crook handle is more convenient for those times (standing at the urinal, on line, etc.) when you're not actively leaning on the cane but don't have anywhere to put it.

 

[BAM-BAM]

Over the past 10 years or so I've made several "walking sticks" of various lengths...... by cutting maple saplings and putting them in the barn for 4-6 months to dry. I usually peal about 50% of the bark and drill for a leather loop.........

That said; Amazon is your friend................58,800 results for "walking stick"

This thread made me check on my Great Grandfather's "cane" he carved for himself in 1916 (Initialed and dated).

 

[Bastogne71]

My favorite is my Cold Steel City Stick. It's a walking stick, not a full service orthopedic cane but I use it for balance and as a light duty cane. It's certainly strong enough to bear my full weight or to use as a defensive tool. On my bad days I have to use an ortho full grip cane though.

A cane is a medical device that is covered my the Americans with Disablilities Act and can be carried anywhere.

 

[Erich]

A cane is a medical device that is covered my the Americans with Disablilities Act and can be carried anywhere.

I have taken mine into prisons (death row!), courthouses, airplanes, military reservations . . . I have a letter from my doc that backs it up, but no one has ever asked. And I was doing this back when I was young and fit - now that I'm old and decrepit, I have less of a concern about being hassled.

 

[old bear]

From a cane user.

Sir my ego took a real shot when I understood I needed to use a cane for much of my walking. Went to E-bay and did a LONG search of a proper Gentleman's cane. Found several that work well for me. Nice looking sticks that were workable. The strongest style in the crook style, followed by the T style. Stay away from the straight Knob on end, as they tend to put to much pressure on the palm of the hand.

Take you time and don't rush into the first one that Might Work. A guy's gotta have a little class with his walking stick.

I'm out of town but if I can offer any other advise I'll be back on the 21st.

Fred