Quad Cane

Product Guide and Recommendations

A quad cane provides more support than a single point cane as they have a large four point base.

A quad cane might be needed if your elderly parent has had a stroke and requires a mobility aid for support but cannot hold onto a walker with both hands.

It is a great solution and can be tailored to provide the support they need - by changing the size of the base.

There are a variety of bases of different sizes and styles - depending on how much support the senior needs.

Most are height adjustable and have interchangeable bases (smaller/larger) as the senior's balance changes.

Elderly who have had a recent stroke will likely see improvements of their balance over several months and even years - especially if they continue with rehabilitation therapy (physical and occupational therapy).

Overview

A quad cane has a similar handle and shaft as a single point cane but has a wider four point base.

The bases come in a variety of sizes depending on how much support a senior needs.

Elderly who cannot use a walker (because they cannot hold onto both handles) and need more support will benefit from using this type of cane to reduce their risk of falling.

Who Should Use?

Seniors who need more support than a single point cane provide but cannot hold onto a walker with both hands.

Perhaps they've had a stroke which has made it difficult to move one side of their body? Or maybe they have had to have an amputation or have a nerve issue affecting their ability to move one arm or hand?

They are excellent mobility aids that can improve seniors independence and ability to walk safely.

Who Should NOT Use?

Elderly who have use of both arms and require more support than a folding cane would be better served by choosing a walker such as a folding walker or a rollator walker.

Elderly who have significant balance, strength and endurance issues should be cautious of using this type of cane as it may not provide them with enough support to walk safely.

For information about other mobility products for the elderly.

Recommended Features

Good quad canes will have the following features:

• Height adjustable - To ensure that it is fitted properly. Especially if this is their first as they may want to adjust it as they start using it.
• Level points/legs - Make sure the base is level - that all points touch on level ground.
• Interchangeable bases - This allows the senior to adjust how much support they need - especially if they had a recent stroke and their balance/strength may improve.

Accessories

There are a number of accessories for quad canes including:

• Different bases - They not only come in different sizes but also styles and colors.
• Cane holders - They allow the senior to rest the it on nightstands, tables, etc.
• Different cane handles - Some are more comfortable than others.
• Wrist strap - Keeps it from getting away from them.
• Lights - So the user can be seen at night.
• Bags - Attach to the shaft and can carry small items.
• Cane holders - So they can be carried on an elderly scooter.

How to Fit

Similar to other mobility aids, the cane handle should be at the same level as the senior's wrist when they are standing and their arm is at their side.

To measure this height:

1. Have the senior wear their regular shoes
2. Have them stand by a wall or chair for support
3. Have them put the hand they will use the cane with by their side. Someone may need to support them depending on their balance.
4. Measure from the ground to the crease of their wrist. This should be the handle height of the cane.
5. This is a starting point as some elderly may want the handle higher or lower based on personal preference (usually within 1 inch).

How to Use

They should be used the same as a regular single point cane.

1. Have the senior hold onto the handle
2. They should move the cane at the same time as the leg that is furthest away (opposite leg).
3. Start with small steps and start slow as it can feel unnatural at first
4. Have someone stand by for balance support
5. Practice practice practice

How Much Do They Cost?

They can cost $50-150 depending on the style.

If the senior's balance, strength and endurance will likely improve in the near future (such as with a recent stroke) then it may be helpful to purchase one that has different size bases (interchangeable bases). That way they can change to a smaller base if their balance improves.

Other Types of Canes

There are a number of other canes, including:

• Folding cane - These are single point canes that do not provide as much support.
• Hemi Walker - Looks like a folding walker, functions like a cane but provides more support.
• Cane chair - A folding cane chair that provides a place to sit.
• Custom canes - These may fit single point as well as 4 point bases.

Someone may use this type of cane for months and work towards using a single point cane if their balance, strength and coordination improves. A single point cane does not provide the same level of support.

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