Using a cane is something that a lot of people never want to have to do. Most people tend to be a little rebellious to the doctor's orders when they are told they should use one and I completely understand. Using a cane signifies a lot of different things, everything from loss of mobility due to physical problems or balance to having style, like an English gentleman! About a year and a half ago I was in need of a cane for a short time. I had a small stroke and suffered from severe vertigo and balance problems for about 6 months. I'll admit there was a certain "stigma" in my brain attached to the idea of using a cane! Unfortunately, using a cane no longer seems to have the same connotation of style like it used to, that is until now!
Cane Expressions has developed a product that really does help you express your personal style and makes using a cane a lot more fun and stylish.
Here's their story:
Rhonda's 75 year old mother was having issues with balance and with her knees. She needed to use a cane, but did not want to, as it made her feel old and it was unattractive.
A friend decided to bead her cane for her as a craft project. She took a beaded belt and glued it to the shaft of the cane. Rhonda's mom began using the cane and was delighted when people stopped her and complimented her on her beautiful cane.
"Where did you get it?" was a common question.
Rhonda's mother now uses her cane every day, as she is a fashionable woman, and her accessories are important to her.
This gave birth to our product, Cane Expressions™—interchangeable cane covers that can coordinate with outfits, activities or hobbies. Our mission is to provide people with a level of dignity, which in turn will encourage cane use. And with that, safety and style. KEEP MOVING IN STYLE is our tagline.
"You’re making a product that will truly help lots of people like me—we can’t get around very well, but many of us still make a real effort to look nice by purchasing suitable clothing and accessories. A walking cane, by itself, doesn't do much to enhance one’s appearance, but a decorative cover will change that plain cane into a very nice, up-to-date fashion statement! I can’t wait for my friends to see it at the wedding!" —Frances, South Carolina
Cane Expressions™ come in Beaded and Fabric styles, both solids and patterns. They fit aluminum and wooden canes.
We want people to change them to match their mood, outfit, or activity. It's fun, easy and encourages multiple sales. A great gift item.
We were inspired to build the product based on the throngs of people who kept asking where they could buy the product. However, we wanted to be sure there was a demand for this product in all regions of the country, so in order to understand regional differences, we set up focus groups in three major areas: California, Indiana, and New York.
Our independent research* indicated that 68% of women who used canes would be interested in purchasing a cane cover. When shown the beaded cane cover, respondents were asked what they would pay for this product in the marketplace. Respondents priced the product between $29-59. The beaded cane cover created an emotive response with many women feeling it was a “Work of Art” and they would gladly pay for art. The most surprising finding is that 78% of our respondents said they would shop for it online—mirroring the recent research showing that the fastest growing segment of internet users is women aged 60+.**
We are proud to be a division of KaPeR. KaPeR is a team of professional woman who have developed products that help active boomers enjoy life to the fullest.
I was so thrilled when I went to their site and found that they had so many different covers for canes. There are 14 different designs currently and all of them are so neat! The one I was sent was the Leopard Design. I love it. The sweet lady I gave it to just fell in love with it and we couldn't get it on her cane fast enough. LOL!! My favorite is the Blue Floral. I actually have a pair of rain boots to match it.
The covers are super easy to use, made from a stretchy fabric that slides on and off the cane very easily. They are made to fit all standard canes. They are washable, which is perfect for caring for them. It is recommended washing in a gently cycle. I would even suggest hand washing, since they are small. It would be easy and quick to do. I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to put the cover on and take it off. The woman I gave it to could not wait to find out the different styles. She is a vivacious former red head (now beautifully white haired) who loves bright colors and flashy prints! She's excited about getting a few more to change with the seasons and her wardrobe. I can hardly wait to see all of them!!
The site has a lot of other products and good information too on using a cane and extra info and helps. I really appreciated that. They even give you a contact email for suggestions for new designs. I can see many, many more fun ones in the future!
I think if you know someone who uses a cane this would make a wonderful gift for them! There are styles to suit any personality and outfit! I also recommend you follow them on Facebook so you can find out more about all the fun designs as they are introduced and any specials they have. Currently you can order them on WalMart, Etsy. QVC, Amazon, and The Wright Stuff.
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.
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