Cane, Folding Cane, or something else

There was a good thread recently with lots of suggestions:

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy/in-denial-about-limited-mobility

I've used a cane for nearly 30 years any time I'm out if the house and expect to be on my feet for an hour or more. I've never seen the point of a folding cane. If she already has a cane, she should bring it with her and use it when out and about. If she buys a folding cane, make sure it fits her- if it's not the right height, it's of no use. As for the combo cane seats- I've never found one that is comfortable to use as a cane- they've been too heavy and unwieldy, and as a seat they can be dangerously unstable. I hope your Mom has a wonderful time, and bless you for thinking of your Mom's comfort in advance of the trip.

PS At museums, see if they have wheelchairs available to lend or to rent. Saves wear and tear on the knees and if you want to stop for a few minutes to look at a painting, she already has a seat.

Hi Lidia,

should she bring her regular cane or would a folding cane work best?

Either would work fine. The folding cane is just as stable - it has double bungee cording and tri-folds.

It is a personal thing of course. Canes are like a 'third leg' - perhaps one thinks they may be okay, but walking around the sites and streets of Rome/Italy, it may be a welcomed friend.

Assisted devices, i.e. canes, are allowed through TSA, other airport security, and all attractions in Rome. Example, at St. Peter's and The Vatican, the cane is put onto the belt and goes through the regular screening process. Other Churches, sites and museums - no problems.

In case you don't know, an official, assisted device does not need to be put in your luggage - carry on or checked. Also, TSA will have your Mom put the cane on the belt and give her a wooden one to borrow until she gets to the other side of the security. Flight Attendants will either put the cane in the OH or if the folding one, have you fold it up and secure it.

Also, you might ask for wheelchair assistance to and from airport terminals.

I don't have knowledge of a seat/cane but it may be a bit heavy to carry around. Although, I recall one person using one at The Pantheon.

A tip and just a thought....

My trips to Rome, I brought a little LED light - about the size of a key chain style - lightweight plastic, uses a little battery, it was $1 at Walmart. I said, "what the heck." Well, when I needed it in Rome, it worked wonders - 'packed a big light.'. At night, the lights are dim, cobblestone, curbs and sidewalks can be uneven, jagged or protrude up causing a trip and/or a fall.

As an example, walking from Termini to my hotel - I walked on the curb a bit until I was ready to cross the street. The sidewalk 'ended.' It was chipped off or broken off. I could have had a sprained ankle or worse - a fall.

I use a Leki walking stick from REI. It really helps with walking stability. One feature I highly recommend is the shock absorption tip which really makes walking on cement and other hard services tolerable. As noted above, you carry it onto planes. It just has to go through the TSA screener. I also put it in the overhead bin during flights.

Thank you ChristineH

CJean I appreciate your post. As she does not use it frequently, I figure a folding cane is easier as the times she does not use it we can fold it up and put it away but still have it accessible. Her regular cane will not give her that opportunity. Thank you for the tip about making sure it fits her correctly.

Girasole thank you for the detailed response. I appreciate the tip of the small LED light as that would be useful at night, especially with uneven walkways.

Thank you Becky, for the recommendation and tip – I will look into it.