Written by Hulet Smith, OT
Do you feel limited in your mobility?
Whether it's because of an injury, a genetic disorder, an accident, or purely the result of getting along in years, more than one fourth of American seniors now rely on a cane or walker for assistance. But even with the help of these devices, a startling number of seniors report strong feelings of lonliness and isolation.
Destinations more distant than driveways and paved sidewalks can be intimidating to anyone needing help getting around, and the truth is that many walkers simply aren't equipped to take users off the beaten path.
No longer does a walker mean less walking around!
Stabilized Steps are changing the way mobility products support individuals who need increased balance while ambulating. These innovative walker accessories help users navigate a house with both carpet and wood floors, venture into the backyard, stroll around the block, and even glide over sand and dirt!
Inspired by a beach-loving friend recovering from knee and hip surgery, residential contractor Eryk Hardwick created a metal adaptor that could be attached to a walker to allow it to navigate uneven terrain. This device ensured the walker did not sink and get thrown off balance – so individuals in rehabilitation could return to walking without the fear of fall or injury.
With his invention a success, Eryk founded Stabilized Steps in 2017 with partner Stephanie Gomez. The newly-redesigned Stabilized Steps can change the way people with mobility issues live by allowing them to enjoy walking again and providing them greater independence and overall better quality of life.
Falls are the leading cause of injury among walker and cane users. According to the most recent report by the Center for Disease Control, about 47,000 older people a year are hospitalized because of these falls, with those over the age of 85 at an even greater risk.
These falls can be costly and time-consuming: about a third of those who fall while using a walker and a quarter of those using a cane require hospitalization as a result of their injury. Among other healthy behaviors, the CDC recommends a regular exercise routine to reduce the risk of such falls.
Maintaining an active lifestyle can be challenging when a walker itself poses a risk to the person using it, and Stabilized Steps were designed with this in mind.
When Stabilized Steps are attached to a walker, they provide a wider base that can distribute the weight evenly and over a larger surface area. This gives the users more stability even on rough or uneven grounds.
Stabilized Steps are designed to supplement the stability of a normal walker, and have a self-draining design so walkers can power through mud, snow, and sand without sinking or getting stuck.
The unique design also allows for gliding over wetter surfaces, so if you are a beach-goer, you can let go of the walker when you reach the shore and swim in freedom!
Stabilized Steps have a patented design that can take users almost anywhere. Because the gliders will not corrode in salt water or winter salt mixes, individuals can confidently venture down snowy driveways or sandy beaches without fear of compromising their gliders!
When you purchase your very own Stabilized Steps, you can rest easy knowing they arrive with all the necessary hardware to make installation a breeze. The gliders can be attached to most 1” diameter walker legs, and will be ready to use within minutes!
Aside from elderly individuals at risk of sustaining a fall, any person who has suffered from a stroke, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, inner ear disturbances, low blood pressure, or dizziness would benefit from owning and using Stabilized Steps!
“My father was heavily curtailed by his handicap. I watched as the Stability Gliders changed his life. He transformed physically and mentally. The ability for beach visits and walks on the sand helped lift his spirits and outlook while he got in the best physical shape he’d had in years!” – Jeffrey A.
“It's so great to see this type of product hit the market. I'm going to order one to give as a gift . There are so many people that use Walkers that are limited to where they can go this opens up a whole new world for people with disabilities. This is going to be huge for them.” - Robert G.
"This simple, yet highly effective walker accessory made it possible for my dad to enjoy the beach again. He's in the best shape and the happiest I've seen him in years."
- Rehabmart customer review
Co-founder/CEO of Rehabmart, Pediatric Occupational Therapist, husband, and father. Passionate about connecting special needs kids with superb nutrition, sensory integration, and complementary health strategies. Excited about Rehabmart's mission to become the premier online educational platform which empowers caregivers by spotlighting innovative devices and interventions to achieve optimal patient response and recovery.
