Nursing Assistant Monthly Copyright © 2008 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Mobility An Update on Assistive Devices August 2008

Copyright © 2008 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. August 2008 Mobility: An Update on Assistive Devices 2 The body is designed to move When illness or injury prevents mobility, all body systems are affected

Copyright © 2008 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. August 2008 Mobility: An Update on Assistive Devices 3 Hazards of immobility  Weak muscles  Pneumonia  Constipation  Blood clots  Pressure sores  Stiff joints  Depression And the list goes on….

Copyright © 2008 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. August 2008 Mobility: An Update on Assistive Devices 4 Mobility devices For some residents, mobility aids are part of the answer  Canes  Walkers  Standing/walking frames (e.g., Merry Walker  )  Wheelchairs

Copyright © 2008 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. August 2008 Mobility: An Update on Assistive Devices 5 Keeping residents active Signs of possible mobility problems  A resident: –holds onto furniture, the walls, or you when ambulating –avoids walking –expresses a fear of falling –can’t keep up with his or her walker

Copyright © 2008 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. August 2008 Mobility: An Update on Assistive Devices 6 Canes Instruct residents to:  Hold the cane on the stronger side  Put weight on strong leg  Move the cane and weaker leg together forward one step –Take small steps  Step forward with stronger leg, putting weight on cane and weaker leg  Repeat

Copyright © 2008 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. August 2008 Mobility: An Update on Assistive Devices 7 Walkers Instruct residents to:  Roll the walker one step ahead  Keep walker’s legs securely on the ground  Lean forward slightly  Take a step forward  Repeat

Copyright © 2008 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. August 2008 Mobility: An Update on Assistive Devices 8 Wheelchair safety  Always lock brakes when resident is getting in/out of wheelchair  Ask resident before beginning to push  Remind resident to keep arms and legs inside  Back over bumps  Never lean on wheelchair handles, as this can cause the chair to tip over  Lock brakes when not moving!

Copyright © 2008 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. August 2008 Mobility: An Update on Assistive Devices 9 Encourage mobility Instruct residents to:  Suggest walking to the dining room for meal –Get an early start if resident is a slow walker  “Make a date” to walk with a resident  Use a gait belt for safety  Remember: Walking helps resident’s overall health and functioning  Never force a resident to walk; it’s his or her decision