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My dad needs a walking stick. Any suggestions of where to look and some fun ones?

GreatNani 8 Aug 4
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3

Do you have an REI or North Face store in your area. They often have handmade wooden ones for aesthetic pleasure in a walking stick, or a telescoping metal walking sticks.

Yes we have an REI. But that may be more for hiking than walking?

@GreatNani

true, but they attempt to accommodate many needs. You might try. Also look and see if there are any medical supply stores. They carry canes of various types for people with injuries and the elderly.

@t1nick I think he might feel better going to REi. Will start there and move on of they don't have what he needs. Thanks for the ideas!

@GreatNani

Adjustable hiking poles are designed for walkers.

Find the right length: You’re aiming for a 90-degree bend at your elbow when pole tips touch the ground.

Choose features: Adjustability, foldability, shock absorption, weight and locking mechanisms (for adjustable poles) are just some of the features and options that will guide your buying choice.

2

Nani... If this were a game... I'd say look for something fun. In reading a few responses and your reactions I see that this is more serious! I would assume that you wouldn't want your father relying on a "fun" walking stick that was not effective and allowed him to fall!

Replace "fun" with "effective" and look again for an answer.

My short answer is... I have no clue. How is your father's grip? That will decide what type of handle is best. Would he want one that stands up by itself or not? What type of surface does he walk on most where he needs the help? A slick wooden floor or a muddy trail? A lot of thought needs to go into this.

Sorry for being short... I just remember going through similar stuff with my mom before she passed.

Thank you! Those are all good questions to ask. He falls mostly when outside on uneven concrete.

@GreatNani #literatehiker is who I'd listen to... This has got to be one of her areas of expertise!

How old is your dad? How is his grip? Can he still open jars by himself or does he need help or a tool? Uneven concrete is a bear and one my mom struggled with. I would also look at his footwear!!! That is just as important. My mom used to complain about the cost but she eventually had some orthotic sneakers she would wear all the time. She had two pair made. No kidding... She would come out for her first cup of coffee in her robe... and sneakers. she looked like she was almost ready for the marathon! lol

The footwear helped my mom more than the cane did as it gave her more confidence on her footing!

Just another area to check!

@RiverRick yes footwear! I am taking hom to a specialty store to get the right pair.

2

Cane, or walking stick for trails in woods? A cane for handicap must have handle at the perfect height for an individual so adjustable ones best. If Dad is strong and healthy other than bad knees like moi, fanciful carved or naturally knotted stick of heavy hardwood or even ironwood is fine. But if long hikes are planned, a fairly thin and light stick with wrist strap is better. Sticks great for clearing spider webs from trails and shooing snakes off them, too.

1

Amazon!!!....

1

Hurry cane [hurrycane.com] Amazon has them too.

Thank you! I am sending him the pics.

1

You can go to disability or hiking shops and buy one- or go to the woods and find one

1

Ebay.

1

I think walking sticks can look very dignified. That's the type I would like.

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I suggest adjustable hiking poles. He can use either one or two, depending on his need.

How to Choose and Use Trekking Poles and Hiking Staffs

Trekking poles and hiking staffs are standard equipment for many walkers, hikers, trekkers, backpackers and snowshoers. The reasons why are simple: They enhance your stability and provide support on all types of terrain.

To get the most out of trekking poles or a hiking staff, follow these steps:

  1. Single or double? You’ll start by choosing between a pair of trekking poles or a single hiking staff.

  2. Find the right length: You’re aiming for a 90-degree bend at your elbow when pole tips touch the ground.

  3. Choose features: Adjustability, foldability, shock absorption, weight and locking mechanisms (for adjustable poles) are just some of the features and options that will guide your buying choice.

  4. Learn tips for using poles: Knowing a few handy tips, like how to use poles to get around obstacles in the trail, will get you on your way.

[rei.com]

Thank you! He will like that much better then what he perceives as an old man cane 😟

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Looking for a β€˜cane,’ with a β€˜weight receiving cross handle,’ or a β€˜straight up stick?’

Varn Level 8 Aug 4, 2019

That's a good question. All the doc said was walking stick. I am not sure what the difference is.

I think a cane with a weight receiving cross handle is what he meant.

@GreatNani Those are more common for actual help walking.. I make ..or find, peel, sand & brand β€˜walking sticks,’ but don’t do the β€˜cross handles.’ Mine are more for hikers, bear & spider web swatters … and the occasional β€˜third leg’ for crossing a stream πŸ™‚

Height is critical for the cross-handle type, so you may need him present for testing … or get an actual measurement..

@Varn thank you! Yes I googled and it seems it goes by height.

0

the best place to find fun ones is in a thrift store. the most utilitatian ones are ugly. if you happen to be traveling to hawaii, they sell some fabulous ones at the polynesian cultural center. i got my first one in glengariff, ireland.

g

I will keep that in mind. My sister lives in Scotland and my brother in Japan so they may be able to get some nice ones.

0

Because I always have healthcare on the brain, might I suggest his insurance might have Durable Medical Equipment benefits, and he might receive one at a low or no cost. Might want to look into DME benefits for him.

Yes that is a good idea. I will have to look at his insurance.

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Depends on where he lives. I had one of these in the CA Bay area, people LOVED it, I had a lady stop her car to tell me how much she liked my cane. In rural Iowa, didn't go over as well. [walmart.com]

My dad does not stand for the pledge if alliegence so the flag would be a no go πŸ™‚

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Can you make one ? I think your dad will love it and you .

Oh no! I can't make anything, no skills in that area πŸ™‚

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