[Ally Castillo]

Front Porch Forum: “Should I be concerned about lending my mobility aids to a neighbor, even temporarily?” (07/24/2025)​

Image Credit: Wheeleo Walker/Pexels

Gather 'round, GrayViners! Today's letter sender is in a bit of a pickle and dealing with a sensitive issue. Read their letter below:

Good day!

I’m in my early 70s and use a walking frame around the house and a mobility scooter to get to the store. Both of these were recommended by my doctor after a bad fall last year, and I rely on them pretty heavily, especially on my unsteady days.

Recently, my neighbor (with whom I’m on friendly terms, though we’re not especially close) asked me if she could borrow my walking frame for a week. Apparently, her mother is coming to stay after knee surgery and is struggling to get mobility aids for herself. My neighbor assured me they'd take good care of it and make sure it’s cleaned before returning.

I want to be a good person and help out (and I do genuinely feel for her mom), but I’m uncomfortable at the thought of being without something that helps me feel stable and safe. Part of me is also a bit worried about hygiene and whether it’d come back in the same condition it left in.

My daughter says it’s okay to say no and suggests people should only use mobility aids that are properly fitted for them. But I can’t help feeling stingy—especially since my neighbor has been kind in the past (they've picked up parcels on my behalf, and have kept an eye on my garden while I was away).

Am I just being overly cautious? Is it reasonable to worry about both the risk to myself and the possibility of it not coming back quite the same? I’d appreciate your honest advice.

Kind regards,

Worried but Willing

Well, there you go. If you were in their shoes, what would YOU do? Let everyone know in the comments! Want to start a conversation yourself? Share your stories here.

 

[Arkie98]

I would just tell nicely that you could not do that as you need it for your own personal safety. Generally they are fitted for your height. She should have one of her own. There are agencies that would help the daughter get one for her Mom. Generally after knee surgery you already have a walker as they want you to have one when when going to the hospital or give you information as to where you can get one.

 

[NIBOR0]

I agree with the above. If you need it at home for stability and let's face it (fear of falling), let her know where she can get one of her own. I would not loan it out.

 

[Gayle B.]

I also agree with the above 2 comments. I’m a veteran. The VA hospital measured me several different times. First time was for braces for my legs. Next a cane. Then on to Canadian crutches. The 4th time was for my first wheelchair. Then an electric scooter. Then another wheelchair. These measurements were for me and my exact specifications. The VA is not the only place that does this way of helping people with their exact needs. These pieces of equipment are not meant to be shared with anyone but the patient who received them.
If someone else needs them they should be instructed to see their own healthcare providers! Don’t feel the least guilty for loaning out your own medical equipment! Your neighbors are NOT behaving properly! If they don’t understand, I feel bad for them and their relationship with you!