Tips & Advice: Accessories Tips

The Best Walker Accessories >>
The Top 5 Cane Accessories >>
Accessorizing Your Wheelchair >>
The Top Crutch Accessories >>
The Best Rollator Accessories >>
The Best Rollator Bag >>
Choosing a Walker Tray >>
Walker Bag Options >>
Finding the Right Cup Holder >>
Choosing a Walker Glide >>
Any Further Questions? >>

The Best Walker Accessories

Once you have decided on your walker, you will want to customize it to make sure it will accommodate your everyday activities. Here are the 5 best walker accessories to consider adding to your walker:

Walker Trays– Walker trays are always a popular option. Especially handy for carrying food and beverages, a walker tray can also be used as a TV table or desk when you are seated. Folding styles are the most popular because they can be stowed away when not in use and do not have to be removed and replaced throughout the day.
Walker Balls– Walker balls or glides are a great first purchase because your original walker glides will be the first thing to wear out on your walker. Walker balls come in many styles and colors. We carry pre-cut tennis balls in different designs as well as special walker leg extensions that extend the life of the balls tremendously. We also offer a plethora of glides from traditional caps to sneaker glides. If you're unsure about what will fit your walker, our universal ski glides fit any traditional walker.
Walker Baskets– A walker basket is a popular choice because it provides the most carrying space of any walker attachment. Baskets are great for carrying your purse or groceries and often come with a plastic tray insert to help carry drinks. Walker baskets come in all shapes and sizes and feature different attachment methods. Clip on styles are the most popular because they offer the best stability.
Walker Bags– Also called a walker pouch, these bags help carry and conceal personal belongings. Unlike baskets you can see right through, a walker bag hides personal belongings like money or medication. They are also great for helping to distinguish your walker from the sea of silver.
Walker Seats – A walker seat can be a wonderful addition if you are planning long trips with your walker. They flip up when not in use but ensure you have a safe and comfortable place to rest when you need it. If your walker has wheels, make sure you can lock them when seated to ensure safety. Walkers with seats are not to be pushed – for that, you need a transport chair or wheelchair.

The Top 5 Cane Accessories

Canes are the most common walking aids around, so it only makes sense that there is a vast array of accessories available for them. While some accessories are simply fun gadgets, others greatly enhance the safety and functionality of your cane. Compiled below is a list of the top five accessories that will make your life with your cane safer, easier, and more comfortable.

Ice grip– If you live in an area prone to cold temperatures and severe weather, you know how difficult it can be to get around on sheets of ice. Not only does this work on the ice, but it also helps in wet grass and sand, making this a year round necessity. The rubber tip of a cane is often a great help in these situations, but to be truly prepared, nothing beats a cane ice grip. Sharp metal prongs will dig into the ice—or any other difficult surface—to provide you with the final word in stability.
Cane holder– This handy little device will easily eliminate the stress and inconvenience that comes with trying to stash your cane when you sit. Simply clip it onto your cane before you go out, and you will be able to hang your cane off any table or other flat surface without fear of it falling. No more bending down to retrieve a cane that's gotten tangled in strangers' legs - with a cane holder, you can always have your mobility aid close to hand.
Cane wrist strap – Holding onto your cane can be a lot more difficult than it looks, and that's even without any medical condition that might lead to a weak grip. With a cane wrist strap, you have added security for your grip, and you will never again have to bend over to pick up a fallen cane. This accessory is an absolute must-have.
Cane clutch– Carrying a cane means that one hand is guaranteed to be occupied at all times when standing, and that can make it difficult to carry anything else at all. No longer! Cane clutch bags attach to any metal or wooden cane easily, hold securely, and then come off readily when you need them. You can even choose from a wide range of styles and colors to match any outfit.
Fleece grip– Carrying a cane can really make an impression- literally! If you find your cane causes soreness or stiffness in your joints, you may want to look into a fleece cane grip cover. These are available for any type of cane handle, and they really soften the grip, making it far easier to hold onto your cane for all the long hours necessary.

These are our top 5 recommendations for cane accessories, but there really is a plethora of choices out there. Be sure to browse around to get a good idea of just what is available.

Accessorizing Your Wheelchair

There are a lot of accessories out there for wheelchairs, and it can be difficult to decide which are worth your while. Some are useful, while others simply add bulk and weight to your wheelchair without providing much benefit. If you don't know where to start, take a look at this list of the most practical wheelchair accessories that offer the greatest benefits.

Wheelchair Back Pack– These handy storage bags slip on to the back handles of any wheelchair. They offer sturdy, secure ways of carrying belongings with you anywhere you go, and add nothing to the overall width of the chair.
Wheelchair Cup Holder– The Universal Cup Holder can clamp on to any section of 1" tubing and can hold drinks in cups, bottles, or mugs. These handy accessories ensure that you will always have a place in reach to put down your drink, leaving your hands free for other activities.
Wheelchair Desk– Far more than a simple tray, the wheelchair laptop desk attaches securely to the front of most wheelchairs, fitting over your lap and offering a large and stable workplace. It features a storage compartment, a tilted surface for books or computers, a cup holder, and molded wells for pens or pencils.
Under-Seat Carrier– Add carrying capacity to your wheelchair without any extra bulk at all. The universal wheelchair carrier actually fits under the seat of most standard wheelchairs and offers a hanging net to hold personal items. Front and back flaps secure your belongings so they don't fall out when the chair is in motion.
Wheelchair Cushion– Sitting for hours on end can cause soreness and other issues no matter how comfortable the chair, but a good wheelchair cushion can go a long way towards solving that problem. Be sure to choose a cushion with a resilient design that will not flatten over time.

Being confined to a wheelchair can be difficult at first. However, with the right combination of accessories your wheelchair can be turned into a convenient, comfortable, and efficient mobility aid.

The Top Crutch Accessories

Being consigned to crutches doesn't mean giving up comfort, convenience, or style. There is a wide range of accessories available to you that can turn your utilitarian crutches into essential everyday accessories. Read on to discover what gel and fleece can do to your assistive devices to make them comfortable and fun.

Crutch bags – Crutches occupy both hands at all times, making it hard to carry anything else, and wearing purses or bags can throw off your balance while you walk. Crutch bags provide a solution to this dilemma. Crutch bags are conveniences that attach to any standard underarm crutch and provide roomy pockets for personal items. Some attach permanently while others clip on and snap off to travel with you wherever you go. These make a great purse or handbag for your time of recovery, and you never have to worry about where your bag might be.
Mobility light– Fumbling through a dark room is bad enough on two good legs, but with crutches it can be more dangerous than ever. Add a mobility light to your crutches, and you will always have light when you need it. Some even have hands-free operation, turning themselves on when they sense low light levels and movement, so you don't have to worry about a thing.
Crutch pads – Underarm crutches are meant to be pressed against your sides while in use, and for many people, this can lead to soreness and abrasions. If the underarm pads are not sufficiently thick or soft enough, you may want to consider adding a cover to the underarm pad or handgrip. A gel cover for the handgrip can make all the difference in how you hold and grip your crutch, and soft fleece underarm pad covers reduce soreness and prevent abrasion.

With a crutch bag for added convenience, a secure mobility light, and some comfortable gel pads, your crutches no longer have to be a burden. Proper accessories can ease your recovery and let you concentrate on the hard work of getting better.

The Best Rollator Accessories

After you choose your rollator, the real fun begins. Customize it with one of these fun and useful accessories:

A rollator pouch is one of the most useful accessories you can get. While most rollators come with either an under-seat basket or a bag, they do not have a compact, easy to access spot for your wallet, ID, medication, cell phone, etc. Since your hands will be occupied by the handgrips, it is important to have a safe and handy alternative to bags and purses.
Cup holders are another great practical accessory. Again, since your hands will be occupied, you need somewhere to stow your morning cup of joe. Cup holders are a quick and easy way to customize your rollator to make life easier.
A walker flashlight, like the See 4 Safety Walker Light, is a great safety feature to add to any rollator. Falls are the number one cause of injury to older adults, and poor lighting can be a contributing factor. Low or no light is unsafe, but adding an automatic light like the See 4 Safety Light takes the fooling and fumbling around in the dark out of the equation. It turns on and off based on ambient lighting and motion.

The Best Rollator Bag

There is a wide variety of walker pouches and bags, but it can be harder to find bags that fit on four wheeled rollators. If you want extra storage capacity on a rollator, you are all-too-often relegated to a manufacturer-mandated plain black bag. Whenever we are asked for our recommendation on rollator bags, we like to recommend the Nova Ortho-Med Saddlebag. This Nova saddle style bag is a one size fits all solution for anyone who wants to add more carrying capacity to their walking aid. It attaches to the frame with one Velcro strap, allowing it to fit on almost any walker or rollator.

This stylish bag is available in five bright and colorful designs, making it attractive rather than merely utilitarian. It has four open external pockets as well as a large zippered compartment to hold personal belongings, including specialized pockets for photos, ID cards, and cell phones. It even comes with a shoulder strap, allowing it to convert conveniently to a shoulder bag. The Nova saddle bag is a versatile, colorful, smart solution for any rollator owner.

Choosing a Walker Tray

A tray is one of the most useful accessories you can buy for your walker. Trays allow you to carry your meal while you use your mobility aid, they can turn your walker into an instant table, and they can even provide a place to leave a drink or book when you need your hands free. However, choosing a walker tray can sometimes be a long and frustrating process.

First, consider what you will be using the tray for. Will it be attached to your walker at all times? In that case, you probably want a folding walker tray. Folding walker trays can tuck out of the way when not in use, allowing you to walk within the walker frame without having to remove anything. They also still allow the walker to fold for storage with little trouble.

Next, consider the size and shape of your walker. Walker trays are made to accommodate as many different walkers as possible, but most are designed for standard walkers and will not fit extra wide walkers. If you have trouble finding a folding try to fit your standard walker, try a stationary walker tray. Stationary walker trays fit over the handles of standard walkers, and can be easily lifted off and removed at any time.

Folding walker trays occupy the front of the walker, making it difficult to use many walker baskets and bags. However, walker caddies are hybrid devices that provide both a tray top and carrying capacity. The walker caddy fits onto most standard walkers with straight front bars and secures to the handles. The tray top is actually a lid that lifts off to reveal the spacious container underneath for your personal items.

Consider the size, shape, and design of your walker when choosing a tray. You may want a folding walker tray, or an easily-removable stationary walking tray. Or you may prefer the convenience of the walker caddy. Whatever you choose, you are sure to enjoy the added functionality of your walker.

Walker Bag Options

While rollators often come with pouches or baskets for carrying capacity, non-wheeled and two-wheeled walkers tend to be more basic. This can make life difficult for you if you ever want to carry something while using your mobility aid. Luckily, accessories offer a way around that limitation, and walker bags in particular are a great way to add functionality to any walker. There are several things to consider when picking out a bag or pouch for your walker.

Size – If the pouch is too large, it will not fit on your walker. If it is too small, it may slide around on the bar and unbalance your walker. Be sure you know the length and width that your walker can accommodate.
Position – There are two main types of walker bags out there. The most common type hangs off the front, and is usually called a pouch. There are also some that hang off the side of your walker. These are often called saddlebags or side pouches. A saddle bag might be preferred if you have an extra wide walker, as front-hanging pouches are often too small for these types of walkers.
Pockets – Some walker pouches have only one main pocket, while others are positively studded in pockets and compartments. Be sure the pouch you choose has enough capacity to carry everything you want to take with you on a daily basis. While a small side pouch might be fine for the home, you may want something more substantial for daytrips. Also look for flaps or closures to keep your belongings secure and safe.

Fastener - Be sure to check exactly how the pouch secures to the walker before you buy it. Most pouches have a number of Velcro loops that secure to walker cross bars and side bars to keep the pouch steady. A few types of pouch attach only at the top and swing freely, while others attach only at the side. Be sure the pouch you are interested in will work with the shape of your walker.

Design – There is a vast array of walker bag designs out there, and we are pleased to offer a wide selection of them. No matter what color you may be looking for, we have something for you. Some of our pouches are even available in multiple bright, colorful designs that will cheer you up every time you see them.

If you decide that you want something a little different to protect your belongings, try a walker caddy. Walker caddies are constructed of rigid plastic to better protect the items inside, and their closing lids offer better security for your items.

Finding the Right Cup Holder

We offer several cup holders meant for walkers, rollators, wheelchairs, and anywhere else that might require one. Each has its own distinct advantages, so rather than trying to choose which cup holder you want, ask yourself instead what you want from a cup holder. Be sure to consider the below points in your search.

Installation – Not all cupholders are made equal. Some require screws to attach to a walker frame, while others use clamping devices—and even then, the ease of the clamp-on mechanism varies. If ease of installation and simple operation are your main concerns, the best cup holder for you is the Drive Universal Cup Holder.
Space – Space is at a premium on walkers and rollators. After all, it's already difficult enough to fit them through doors and make tight turns with them, and no one wants to add too much extra bulk or width to their rollator. If you want a cupholder that stays out of the way when not in use, you need the Flip-up Cup Holder, which folds up when it's not holding a cup.
Versatility - If you have a large variety of containers, and often find that your cup holder is too large or too small to hold your drink securely, you will want to try the Universal Beverage Holder. This rugged cup holder is designed to accommodate drinks of all sizes, from something smaller than a soda can on up to 32 ounce containers.
Design – If your main concern, when looking for a cup holder, is simply color or design, you'll want to try the Clamp-on Cup Holder. This is the only cup holder available in a color other than black. It utilizes an easy clamp-on mechanism and a cut-out that allows it to accommodate mugs as well as cups.

No matter what you consider most important in your search for the perfect cup holder, you are certain to find one here that fits your requirements.

Choosing a Walker Glide

Putting wheels on the front of your walker eliminates the need to pick it up with every step, making the walker a lot easier to use. However, it can also create entirely new problems with the back legs. Most walkers come with rubber leg tips designed for stability and skid-prevention, but when you add wheels to the front of your walker, those non-skid tips are only going to get in your way.

Walker glides are replacement tips for the back walker legs. They are designed to glide smoothly and easily over most surfaces, allowing you the full advantage of your walker's wheels. There are many types of glides available, varying in price and function. Think about where you intend to use your walker and how long you want each set of glides to last in order to choose the style that is best for you.

Glide caps– The simplest type of glide, walker glide caps simply slip over the ends of your walker's legs. They are usually plastic and have wide, smooth areas of contact with the floor. Some are designed with a "tripod" style bottom for greater stability. These glides usually withstand about a month of constant use.
Ski glides– Ski glides are a variation of walker glide with a wider surface area and an upturned front lip for negotiating uneven terrain. Some, such as the Universal Walker Glides, even have spring-assisted shock absorption mechanisms. Ski glides are easier to use than glide caps, and can last 30-50% longer than standard glide caps.
Ball glides– Tennis balls have long been a homemade type of walker glide, and now there are several improvements available on the classic. Colorful pre-cut tennis balls personalize your walker, and the pre-prepared cuts eliminate the fear of cutting yourself while trying to prepare the ball. Drive Tennis Ball Glides lock the balls in place, ensuring better stability and easy replacement of the worn areas. And Court Side Walker Glides can turn standard tennis balls into caster wheels, for long-lasting, stable glide solutions.

Any Further Questions?

If you didn't find the answer you were looking for, feel free to call us toll-free at 1-888-986-0660. Our highly-trained staff is waiting to hear from you every weekday from 8:00 AM to 6:00 EST. You can also email us through the form found here.

Tips & Advice: Accessories Tips

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