If your loved one is having difficulty moving around or keeping their balance, it might be time to look into mobility aids such as canes and walkers. Unfortunately, there’s a heavy stigma around these devices, and that may cause your loved one to be resistant to using them.
We understand this dilemma all too well. In fact, our mission at NOVA is to overcome this stigma and inspire people to embrace a cane or walker as a symbol of courage and a device of mobility and empowerment. That’s why color is so important to us. We infuse our products with a wide variety of colors, prints and styles to make them more joyful to use and a reflection of the user’s personal style.
Related Blog: How To Tell if Your Loved One is at Risk of Falling
Stigmas Surrounding Canes and Walkers
Humans were made to move, so when your loved one starts to lose their ability to safely or comfortably walk, this can have a debilitating impact on their physical and emotional health. This unwelcomed transition does not only happen with aging, but can happen at any age with an illness, injury or recovery.
That’s why mobility aids, such as canes and walkers, can be so life-changing.
With the added stability, safety and maneuverability, your loved one has a lower risk of falling down, and they’re able to stay mobile with far less exertion and discomfort. This empowers them to stay active and live life.
Despite all the benefits that mobility aids provide, there’s still such a powerful stigma surrounding canes and walkers. Unfortunately, that stigma often deters older adults from using mobility aids.
One study found that “older adults who might benefit from using mobility aids do not or will not use them.”
The study determined that when mobility aids are associated with aging and physical decline, people are less likely to use them. On the flip side, people are more likely to use mobility aids when they’re associated with maintaining independence.
At NOVA, we strongly believe that mobility aids should bring joy, not dismay. That’s why we make our canes and walkers in a variety of different styles. It’s about more than just making our products look pretty; by also making them fashionable, we can help break down the stigmas that keep people from bringing these products into their life.
Related Blog: Empowering Individuality with NOVA’s Inclusive Mobility Aids
A NOVA Offset Cane in a few different colorful patterns.
Related Blog: Find Your Perfect Fit: Types of Canes for Every Need
Breaking the Stigma with Joyful Colors
If you’re caring for a loved one who can benefit from using mobility aids, then it might be difficult to convince them to use a mobility aid. Sometimes, even after you buy a mobility aid for your loved one, they end up tossing it in the corner after a few days or weeks and never use it again. Sadly, so many mobility aids are purchased and only used for a short time before they’re donated to a thrift store or thrown in the trash.
At NOVA, we believe that adding color to canes and walkers is the first step in successfully integrating them into the lives of older adults.
Why does style matter?
- No More Gray Walkers: Gray walkers are boring and remind people of hospital equipment. That’s why we add color to our canes and walkers. Color brings joy and makes a mobility aid feel less like medical gear and more like a fashion accessory.
- Self-Expression Brings Joy: Self-expression has so many emotional health benefits. For older adults, self-expression may be difficult when using a drab, gray walker. With NOVA, your loved one can find a mobility aid that perfectly suits their style and personality, so even when they’re using a cane or walker they’re still able to feel like themselves. And, we know they will get lots of positive comments and compliments on their stylish and attractive mobility aid which makes the user feel proud and empowered.
A NOVA folding walker and NOVA rollators.
Related Blog: Empowering Individuality: NOVA’s Inclusive Mobility Solutions
Where Can I Shop for NOVA’s Colorful Canes and Walkers?
If you’re worried that your loved one will not be receptive to using a cane or walker, the best thing to do is to visit a NOVA dealer near you and let your loved one test drive the mobility aid in person.
A test drive is the best way to find a cane or walker that feels comfortable for your loved one, and they will have the opportunity to see that NOVA’s colorful mobility aids are so much more joyous than the gray walker they’re picturing in their head.
You can use our NOVA dealer locator to find a partner medical equipment store or pharmacy in your area, and don’t forget to visit our product website to browse our selection of canes and walkers.
Do you own an independent pharmacy or home medical equipment store? Add stylish mobility aids to your retail space when you join the NOVA Network!
