If you feel that you need extra support with walking, especially outdoors, you will probably find that using a walking stick will help.
If you tire easily, or find it hard to stand for long periods, you might like to think about other types of aid that also offer a seat. These range from folding 'stick seats' to shopping trolleys with seats.
Walking aids need to be adjusted to be a comfortable length for each individual. Some can be adjusted to suit and others come in short, medium and long sizes. To get the right height for a walking stick, measure from the crease of your wrist to the floor when you are standing with your arms relaxed by your side. You might need someone to help with this.
If you now want something that is more supportive and will enable you to carry things, or rest as you go, then you might consider using a wheeled walking frame or, a walker (rollator) for going further afield.
If you need more support when you are out and about there are four-wheeled walkers that have a seat and basket so that you can take your time when you go shopping. You will need one that is adjustable or that is the right size for you. An easy way of measuring for a good handle height is to measure from the crease of your wrist to the floor when you are standing with your arms relaxed by your side.
Elbow crutches are more often used as a temporary solution following an accident or surgery when you are partial or non-weight bearing on one leg. The forearm cuff provides more stability and, when you release your hand grip, it also helps prevent the crutch falling to the floor.
If you use a wheeled walking frame indoors you can buy accessories, like a tray or basket, for carrying light items.
There are 2 types of shopping trolley – those you pull and those you push. Alternatively, use a mobility aid, like a wheelchair or scooter there are bags designed specially for them.
A net bag is best for a walking frame that you are picking up and putting down because it is lightweight. Even so, you will still need to be careful not to overload it and small items can slip through the net.
When you use a wheeled frame you still need to lift it from time to time, to turn a corner, for instance. This will limit what you are able to carry comfortably with a caddy, bag or hold-all attached.
There are bags that attach to the back of a wheelchair for smallish items, but it might not be easy to reach inside it once you are sitting in the chair.
There are different types of wheelchair – some that you push yourself, some that are designed to be pushed and others that are battery powered. They can all help by giving you another option if walking is getting harder.
If you have reached a point where your needs have changed it is worth considering talking things through with a healthcare professional if possible. There may be an underlying health cause that can be dealt with, or other factors they can advise you about.
If you are looking for a solution for getting your wheelchair or scooter up and over a step a portable ramp might help.
You will need to ensuure that there is enough space so that a ramp can be fitted securely and is not too steep.
Ramps are useful for converting a step or threshold into a slope so that wheelchairs and/or scooters can have access in any situation where there is a change of level. This can vary from thresholds between rooms, external door and garden steps, pavements, or in and out of vehicles. The higher the rise the longer the ramp needs to be to create a gradient that is safe and easy to cope with.
There are two categories of ramps for outdoor or vehicle use. Channel ramps are lighter and more flexible and have edges to help guide wheels with attendant propelled wheelchairs. Broad ramps are easier to put into position but are generally heavier.
There are accessories to help you carry things and stay warm, dry and comfortable in your wheelchair or scooter. There are also items for protecting scooters and wheelchairs when not in use.
If you are not sitting comfortably there are cushions that may meet your needs. There are wheelchair trays and a range of bags that attach to the seat-back, or the arm of the wheelchair or scooter.
A turntable or revolving seat that is strapped onto the car seat may help if you have difficulty getting your legs in and out of the car.
If you have difficultly getting your legs in and out of a car you may find that a revolving seat may help.
Click for general advice about turntables and revolving seats.
A turntable may be useful if you can stand up and take your weight through your legs but find it hard to move your feet but they don't suit every situation.
You will need your helper or carer to make the manoeuvre safer and easier and to check how much space is required.
If you need help to move from one chair to another, or from a chair to a bed or toilet there are some products that could help take some of the strain for you or your carer.