Disclaimer: our company makes and sells the Giraffe Rolling Cane, so we are the utmost authority on it
The Giraffe Rolling Cane is a unique cane with a tall list of features and benefits for all cane users. It is a useful and versatile cane, which provides one-handed use like most canes while offering the ease of rolling and freestanding benefits of a walker. This informational post will share how to best use the Giraffe Rolling Cane and its features and benefits as outlined in the following sections:
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Adjusting the Height of the Giraffe Rolling Cane
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Walking with the Giraffe Rolling Cane
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Using the Giraffe Rolling Cane on Stairs
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Features and Benefits
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The Convenient Basket
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Compact Design
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Versatile Cane
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Freestanding
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Easy Maneuverability
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Safety and Maintenance
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Questions
Adjusting the Height of the Giraffe Rolling Cane
It is important to have any walking device at the correct height for the user to allow for the safest and most efficient walking with the integrated device. Adjusting the height of the Giraffe Rolling Cane is quick and easy. The height adjustment should be made from the legs first. Push the spring button in and pull the leg away from the handle to make it taller and slide the leg toward the handle to make it shorter. Check which number the spring button is on and repeat with the other three legs. All four legs need to be on the same hole number to ensure that the Giraffe Rolling Cane is stable. Also, make certain the spring button is fully engaged through the hole for safety.
Most canes and walkers, including the Giraffe Rolling Cane, are at the correct height when the user stands straight next to the cane, looks forward with their arm straight by their side and the handgrip is at their wrist level. When the hand is placed on the handgrip, the elbow should be slightly bent, approximately 20 – 30 degrees.
The Giraffe Rolling Cane also has settings on the handle for taller people. If needed, the height can be increased by an additional inch at the handle. Simply push the spring button on the handle of the cane and slide the handle up to make it taller. Again, ensure that the spring button is fully engaged through the hole.
Walking with the Giraffe Rolling Cane
Walking with the Giraffe Rolling Cane is more like walking with a walker than the average cane. To walk with the Giraffe Rolling cane, the user holds the handgrip in one hand and steers it with the handle as it rolls alongside them. The Giraffe Rolling Cane is specifically designed to easily roll over small transitions in flooring. Because it is not necessary to pick it up with each step on even or mildly uneven surfaces, it uses less energy. However, it will need to be picked up on major transitions in flooring or highly uneven surfaces. Using a cane provides sensory feedback to the brain for safer walking.
The Giraffe may be used in the right or left hand and should be used opposite of the weaker leg. For instance, if your left leg is weak or painful, use the cane in your right hand. Using the cane on the opposite side of the weaker or painful leg will provide more support and allow some of the pressure off the weaker leg. It shifts the weight onto the cane and away from the weaker leg to help keep you steady. The Giraffe Rolling Cane is truly freestanding, meaning that it stands on its own four legs allowing the user to take their hand off the cane at any time to reach for something or do something with both hands and it will not fall. When the user is ready to walk, the Giraffe is right there by their side.
Using the Giraffe Rolling Cane on Stairs
Being able to take a walking device upstairs or downstairs is essential for many people. Ramps or elevators are not always available, and the user needs the device for safety on the stairs and after they have exited the stairs. The Giraffe Rolling Cane can be used on stairs, and it fits on most stair treads. To walk upstairs, the user places the Giraffe up one step, then steps up with their stronger leg and then their weaker leg. The Giraffe should be on the opposite side of the handrail or if there is no handrail, in the opposite hand of your weaker leg. To walk downstairs, place the Giraffe on the lower step, then step down with the weaker leg and then the stronger leg. One way to help remember this sequencing is to remember this saying, “Up with the good, and down with the bad.” The good leg goes up the step first and the bad leg goes down the step first. Again, the user should always use the handrail when available and place their full foot on the step for safety.
Features and Benefits
The Convenient Basket
The Giraffe Rolling Cane is the only cane with a convenient storage basket that is just the right size to hold small items, such as phone, keys, wallet, flashlight, glasses, notepad, etc. The basket has a flip lid to keep items private and is made of a premium neoprene fabric. It is durable, waterproof, and comes in a variety of vibrant colors. The neoprene can be wiped clean with a damp cloth or washed by hand and air-dried. The basket is easy to remove and reattach with one simple piece of Velcro. The inside dimensions are approximately 5 inches deep, 5 inches wide, and 7 inches long and can hold up to 5 pounds. To place something in the basket, simply lift the lid and place it inside. It provides a handy place to keep items, so they are always near and in the same spot for easy retrieval.
Compact Design
Most canes are compact, but walkers are not. Sometimes walkers are too wide or bulky to fit through doorways and in small spaces. They can be heavy and difficult to load and unload from the car. The Giraffe Rolling Cane has a compact design. It will fit through narrow doorways, in small bathrooms, and on most stair treads. It provides support while fitting in small spaces. The Giraffe Rolling Cane is lightweight and can easily be loaded and unloaded from the car. It is sturdy, but not bulky.
Versatile Cane
Most walking aids, such as canes, crutches, and walkers, have specific situations where they are the most beneficial but may not work so well in other situations. For example, crutches may work perfectly for someone in their twenties but not for someone in their fifties, or a large walker may work well for someone walking outside but not inside their mobile home. Some people have difficulty coordinating the correct gait sequencing pattern with a regular cane and feel they can’t use one at all. The Giraffe Rolling Cane eliminates this problem and is a more useful and versatile cane. The user does not need to learn the sequencing pattern because it rolls and does not need to be picked up with each step. It may be used indoors or outdoors and is designed for right or left hand use. Like most canes, it allows for one free hand while using the cane. It’s an attractive, all-in-one cane. With its nine height adjustments, it can accommodate most people from 4’11” to 6’4”.
Freestanding
Most single-point canes do not stand on their own and often fall to the floor where they are not useful. Users try to find a doorknob or someplace secure to hang their single-point canes, but any small movement can cause them to fall to the floor. The Giraffe Rolling Cane has four points of constant contact with the ground and is truly freestanding. The user can remove their hand from the cane at any time to reach for something or do something with both hands without the cane falling. When the user is ready to walk, the Giraffe is right there where they left it.
Easy Maneuverability
As mentioned previously, some people have coordination issues when walking with a cane. The sequencing of stepping and moving the cane in a systematic pattern can be difficult for some users. Because the Giraffe Rolling Cane has wheels, it rolls easily and eliminates the sequencing coordination issue, and uses less energy. The 5-inch wheels allow it to easily roll over small transitions in flooring to avoid the need to pick it up with each step. The user steers it with the handle as it rolls by their side. It provides a more fluid motion and the user does not have to grip it as tightly as some other canes.
Safety and Maintenance
For safety reasons, avoid slippery floors, liquids on the floor, electrical cords in your pathway, and other obstacles while using the cane. Keep the cane close to you and by your side. The Giraffe Rolling Cane is not intended to support the full weight of the user. If you feel you need full support, a walker may be better suited for you. For more personalized help, you should consult with a physician or licensed medical professional for further instructions for use.
Closing Thoughts
In conclusion, the Giraffe Rolling Cane is an innovative cane that has many more features and benefits than the average cane. It is freestanding and has four legs, which means four points of constant contact with the ground. One of the best features is how easily it rolls and does not need to be picked up with each step. It’s an attractive cane with a neoprene basket in a variety of vibrant colors. The compact design is perfect for small spaces, and the cane is lightweight and sturdy. Do you know someone who may benefit from using the Giraffe Rolling Cane?
Here are some questions to ask yourself if you are wondering if the Giraffe Rolling Cane would be a good cane for you:
1. I feel I would benefit from a cane when walking to help me feel a little more secure.
If yes, then the Giraffe Rolling Cane may be a great cane for you.
2. I currently walk with a quad cane but I feel a little clumsy and slow with it.
If yes, then the Giraffe Rolling Cane may be the right answer for you.
3. I hold onto furniture and walls when I walk in my house. Does this mean I need a cane?
Yes, this usually means that you should use a cane, such as the Giraffe Rolling Cane, or possibly even a walker for stability.
4. I have tried a regular cane, but it was too difficult for me to use.
If this is true, then you should try the Giraffe Rolling Cane.
5. Are you tired of your cane falling on the floor?
If yes, then the Giraffe Rolling Cane has your name on it.
6. I had a stroke and now have weakness on one side of my body. Would the Giraffe Rolling Cane be a good cane for me?
We have found that our Giraffe Rolling Cane is usually a very good option for people who have had a stroke and have a one-sided weakness.
7. I walk slowly. Will the Giraffe Rolling Cane be good for me?
If you walk slowly, the Giraffe Rolling Cane may be great for you. It is better for people who walk slowly than it is for people who walk really fast.
8. I like the all-in-one benefits of the Giraffe Rolling Cane – the handy basket, it rolls, it won’t fall, it’s compact, it’s lightweight, it’s sturdy, and it’s attractive.
If this is true, then the Giraffe Rolling Cane might be the only cane you’ll ever need.
9. I feel I need the full support of a walker to walk.
If this is true, then the Giraffe Rolling Cane would not be a good cane for you. You would be better suited with a walker.
10. I need a seat to be able to sit down periodically when I walk.
If this is true, then the Giraffe Rolling Cane would not be a good cane for you. A walker or cane with a seat would be a better fit.
11. I want a cane to use while hiking.
If this is the case, then the Giraffe Rolling Cane would not be a good cane for hiking.
If you are unsure if the Giraffe Rolling Cane would fit your needs, consult with your physician or licensed medical professional for questions and further instructions for use.
Check out our website for more information www.GiraffeRollingCane.com
Videos on YouTube:
Giraffe Rolling Cane Instructional Video https://youtu.be/CUkBfFBSrM4
Giraffe Rolling Cane Features & Benefits https://youtu.be/h_AaSdK0FdA