Assistive Device Training

It seems as if development of disability and mobility problems is inevitable with age.  This is where assistive devices such as canes, crutches, and walkers can be used to allow you to adjust to the life you once knew.  By using assistive devices you will see an increase in your base of support, improvements in your balance, and an increase in your activity and independence.  However, many clients with assistive devices never have been instructed on their proper use, and are often provided with devices that are inappropriate for their body size, their condition, etc.  Selection of an appropriate assistive device for a client will be dependent upon the client’s strength, endurance, balance, cognitive function, and demands of their environment. 

Usually your care will be handled by a multidisciplinary team which will include your physician, nurse, therapist, dietician, etc.  The determining factors that are included in the decision of which assistive device is the most appropriate for you rely on the assessments completed by this multidisciplinary team.  Assistive devices may include a cane, walker or crutches.  Following are important factors in the use of each of these assistive devices.

Cane Facts and Use:

·      Helps to redistribute weight from a lower extremity that is painful or weak.

·      Improves stability by increasing the base of support.

·      Provides information about the layout of the ground in order to improve balance.

·      Canes can be standard, quad, or offset depending upon your needs.

·      Always look forward when you walk, not down at your feet.

·      Choose a cane with a comfortable handle.

·      Be aware the handle of the cane should be at the level of your waist and your elbow should be bent slightly when you hold it.

·      The cane should be held in the hand opposite the side that needs support

o   For example if your right leg is injured, hold the cane in your left hand.

·      Move your affected leg first with the cane when walking, and finish your step with your good leg

Walker Facts and Use:

·      This device provides the most help with balance and walking than either a cane or crutches.

·      Ideal following a total hip or total knee replacement.

·      Allows you to keep most of your weight off of your lower body as you take steps.

·      You still will use your arms to support some of your body weight.

·      To be the appropriate fit, the top of the walker should reach to the crease in your wrist.

·      Elbows should be slightly bent when holding onto the handles of the walker.

·      Always try to keep your back straight.

·      Check to see if rubber tips on the legs are in good shape to prevent accidents.

·      NEVER climb stairs or use an escalator with your walker.

·      To walk:

o   Position walker about one step ahead of you

o   Grip walker with both hands, move injured leg first, then follow with good leg.

Crutches Facts and Use:

·      Used if your injury or recent surgery allows NO weight bearing on your leg or foot.

·      To fit correctly, crutches should be about 1-2 inches below your armpits.

·      The handgrips of the crutches should be even with your hips.

·      Elbows should be slightly bent when you hold the handgrips.

·      Always remember to rest your weight on the handgrips; if weight is rested on the armpits, damage to nerves and blood vessels may occur.

·      To walk:

o   Slightly lean forward and place crutches about one foot in front of you.

o   Shift weight to the crutches to swing your injured leg/foot through.

o   Bring the rest of your body forward, slowly between the crutches.

o   Finish stride with good leg/foot.

o   ALWAYS look forward, and not down at your feet.

Adjusting to the use of an assistive device may take longer than you have planned.  Our patient and caring staff at Total Home Health will be by your side for any assistance and encouragement you may need during your time of adjustment.  We understand that it is a shot to your self-esteem and it has its way of making you feel helpless, but with us we will do all we can in our power to maximize your independence.

While enrolled with Total Home Health if at any time you have questions on the use or proper fitting of one of your assistive devices, please do not hesitate to ask one of our knowledgeable, professional staff members.  Also, if you feel you need to tackle a more daunting task such as climbing stairs with your crutches or standing up using your walker, our Total Home Health nursing staff will educate you if the need arises.  More advanced tasks with assistive devices are caught onto easier with in-person demonstration due to more in-depth steps.  Allow our staff at Total Home Health to be your educator and help during your journey, enroll today!