The proper way to walk with a cane is to hold the cane on the strong side and move it forward as the weak side moves forward. Therefore, teaching would be effective if the patient who has right-sided weakness holds the cane on the left side and moves the cane forward as the right leg steps forward. Holding the cane in the left hand but moving it forward when the left leg moves forward would not be helpful for this patient. Holding the cane in the right hand would be ineffective and unsafe for a patient with right-sided weakness.