There are two very good examples of how stairs can be a problem.
My personal experience isn't because of being elderly, but it is what got my attention.
I shattered my left knee and couldn't go upstairs in our two story home for several weeks.
When I did it was painful and frightening.
In fact, going down the stairs is still frightening, nine years later.
Our Elder: Because of that experience I have watched our elder carefully in case she should develop the problem, and she has.
Even stepping up or down a curb is too much for her.
Fortunately we had what she needed figured out in advance.
Walkers: There are several different kinds of walkers.
The one I used after my knee was the regular kind, three sided with one pair of wheels.
One pair was enough.
I would almost have preferred no wheels.
Rotator Walkers: This is what we got for our elder.
It has four wheels, a seat, a basket under the seat and a set of hand breaks.
The two best parts are its stability and the seat.
It can't be used like a wheelchair but it does help when the user needs a break.
Both types of walker can be found in fold up models.
The benefit of that is being able to stow them in the trunk when going out.
The basket will dump its contents if care isn't take with the rotator.
Wheelchairs: Believe it or not, wheelchairs need to be fitted to the person using it.
I lent our elder my wheelchair at first, but I am taller and heavier than she is and she wasn't comfortable.
She has one of her own now that fits her.
Electric Carts: You probably see them regularly.
They're kind of like an electric wheelchair but it has better agility.
Our elder won't be getting one of these, mostly due to the dementia.
I can just see her flying down the hallways.
The best way to determine what will be useful and safe for an elder, especially if there isn't experience, is talking to the elder's doctor.
Some of these items can be paid for by insurance if the doctor writes a prescription.
That will save a lot of money, and having the right equipment is essential.