Many seniors resist using a cane because they don’t want to appear old or frail. A common issue we see among seniors is using the furniture in their homes to stabilize themselves when walking. They move from chair to couch, countertop to the wall, and build a network of furnishings to move about their home. This can be a real problem when your parent ventures out of their home or moves into an assisted living community. Throughout our Aegis Living communities, we have installed decorative wainscoting that also functions as a handrail for residents to use as they walk down our hallways, for extra support. If your dad or mom is off balance or limping, consult with their physician about using a cane or a walker to help steady them on their feet.
A second issue we find is the improper use of their cane. If the cane is not being properly used or is ill-fitted, it can’t help an unsteady individual. It can sometimes serve as a false sense of security if not used correctly and sometimes, even contribute to a fall.
How to safely walk with a cane on a level surface:
1. Hold the cane in the hand on your “good” side (the healthy leg) to better support the opposite painful, weak, or injured leg
2. As you take a step with your weak leg, bring the cane forward at the same time.
3. Lean your weight through your grasp holding the cane for extra stability. Keep your head up and don’t look down at your feet.
4. Always have the weak leg assume your first weight-bearing step on a flat surface with the heel first. Try to keep a natural step length and pace when walking.
5. The cane should move the distance of an average step forward. With each move forward, you should not be stepping ahead of the cane.
6. If you are using the cane for general mobility (rather than an injury) hold the cane in your dominant hand to bear the most weight.
7. The length of a cane is important. The cane should fit so the handle falls comfortably into the palm of your “good” side or dominant hand when relaxed with the elbow slightly bent. If your cane is too high, this can hurt your shoulder and if it is too low, it can cause you to slouch over.
The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) suggests that any senior who uses a walker or cane should be properly assessed and fitted by a physical therapist to avoid falls. If your parent is working with a physical therapist, they may have a specific plan or directions for use of their cane that is different from these instructions. Always refer to their doctor or physical therapist if you have questions about their stability.
Respite Stays & Day Stays give family caregivers a real break—hours, days, or a few weeks—while your loved one enjoys a safe, enriching short‑term home at Aegis Living. Guests settle into a beautifully furnished private apartment and have 24/7 care staff and onsite nurses, medication management, and discreet safety technology (motion sensors, medical‑alert pendants, visitor check‑in) for peace of mind. Each day feels purposeful with chef‑prepared, all‑day dining and 200+ monthly activities—from book clubs and fitness classes to movie nights—plus full use of the community. We coordinate with your loved one’s physicians to mirror their routines and care, so the stay feels familiar. It’s also a smart trial run for senior living: meet neighbors, test services, and see what supported independence looks like—without a long‑term commitment. Choose a Respite Stay when you’re traveling or need time to recharge, when your loved one would benefit from structure, social connection, and great meals, or when you both want peace of mind while keeping options open.
Hospice & End‑of‑Life Care at Aegis Living is comfort‑first support for the final stage of life, delivered in your loved one’s private apartment by our 24/7 care team in coordination with a trusted local hospice provider you choose (or we can recommend). Together, we create a coordinated care plan that manages pain and other symptoms, oversees medications, and provides calm, dignified help with daily needs, while offering compassionate emotional support for both resident and family. Discreet safety measures and a reliable medical‑alert system bring help quickly; chef‑prepared, in‑apartment meals adapt to changing appetites. Families are guided through decisions and moments of closure so they can focus on being present in a peaceful, home‑like setting. If your loved one already lives at Aegis, they can remain in the comfort of their home, avoiding disruptive moves. Choose this level of care when curative treatment is no longer the goal and you want expert symptom control, hands‑on daily support, and a setting that protects dignity and prioritizes comfort, meaning, and time together.
Memory Care is specialized, secure support for people living with Alzheimer’s or other dementias who benefit from a calm, structured environment and round‑the‑clock expertise. At Aegis Living, that care happens in Life’s Neighborhood—an intimate, thoughtfully designed setting where 24/7 dementia‑trained caregivers and a nursing team on site seven days a week deliver personalized help with daily living, medication management, and mobility (including Hoyer lifts and two‑person transfers), while gently redirecting agitation and confusion. Days are purpose‑filled with science‑based cognitive programming, certified music therapy, and social activities; chef‑prepared meals are easy to enjoy and dining spaces and cues are designed for memory support. Discreet safety features like secured entrances, emergency pendants with fall detection, and optional motion sensors, prevent wandering and bring peace of mind, and visiting physicians and wellness professionals reduce trips off‑site. Families receive education and ongoing support. If your loved one is unsafe alone, missing medications, wandering, needs frequent cueing or hands‑on help with bathing or dressing, or thrives with a predictable routine, Memory Care offers the right level of care. For milder needs, our transitional Assisted Living can be a first step; for advancing symptoms, secured Memory Care provides the specialized, heartfelt support to help them feel calm, connected, and at home.