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To appear in public, especially for someone who was formerly independent and very proud of it, is a humbling experience and many see it as an admission of weakness and frailty. They poo-poo the fact that they need this mobility aid to keep them safe and upright. In addition, they might not be certain exactly how to use it. My mother was sure she knew how until I watched her one day. She had picked the walker up, the legs were about two inches off the ground, and she carried it while shuffling her feet.

My mom and I had a talk and I spoke honestly to her, adult to adult. She loved to go out with me, but I told her that would not be possible if she didn’t bring her walker. I told her that if she tripped and fell (and she did have a penchant for that) we would have to create a scene by calling 911. I could not pick her up. If she wanted to go out, I explained, she would have to use her walker. She agreed and the problem was solved.
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Put a pretty seasonal decoration on it, somewhere such as the cross bar when it won't interfere with movement.   

A nice artificial floral arrangement of poinsettias could adorn the front cross bar and draw positive attention to the walker, as opposed to the person using it.

Some years ago a woman on a DIY forum in which I participated shared her version of walkers, and canes:  she was an artist, and she painted lovely scenes on them.   They have to be narrow given the width of the walker legs and canes, but they drew compliments, and she eventually couldn't keep up with the demand for her decorated canes and walkers. 

After my father broke both hips, we discussed how to reinforce his walkers.   A trip to a man cave resulted in his choice of the thick black foam that's used on plumbing lines.  It wasn't my choice, but for a man it was appropriate.  And it drew a lot of attention, and typically lead into discussions of foam, plumbing, men's work, and more from the men who saw us in restaurants, or helped me get the contraptions back into the car after an outing.
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