Many people within the community need assistance with walking from either another person, or through the use of equipment. Mobility aids such as walkers and canes are a useful way of improving stability for people at risk of falling, and are often used by people who have walking difficulties. Walkers and canes assist to widen the base of support for the lower body and reduce weight bearing by transferring some of the weight into the upper body.
These devices can significantly improve the ability for people with disability to mobilise within the community environment and participate in many daily activities. They can reduce the reliance on services such as home care or personal support, and are especially useful for people who live alone. Enabling people to stand can also enhance circulation, organ functioning, joint stability and range of motion.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
The overall work environment will need to be considered when choosing a walker or a cane. Items such as rugs, cables and furniture may need to be relocated to avoid any accidents whilst using walking aids. Steps may also prove hazardous whilst using certain walking aids, and consideration to the installation of a ramp may be necessary.
Walkers and canes must be chosen appropriately, and adjusted to the correct height to ensure maximum benefit. Before purchasing a walking device it is highly recommended you consult with a healthcare professional such as a physiotherapist or occupational therapist to ensure correct and safe use of the equipment. If a walking device is not chosen correctly, poor walking may result, leading to risk of injury, unnecessary energy expenditure and a higher risk of falling:
References
Disability SA 2008, Walking aids: Using and measuring, Government of South Australia: Department for families and communities, Adelaide, viewed 1 September 2011, http://www.sa.gov.au/upload/franchise/Community%20Support/Disability/Information%20sheets%20-%20Disability%20SA/Walking%20Aids-Using%20and%20Measuring.doc.
Pedretti, L 2001, Occupational Therapy: practice skills for physical dysfunction, Mosby, St Louis.
Sloan, H.L., Haslam, K., Foret, C. 2001, ‘Teaching the use of Walkers and Canes’, Home Healthcare Nurse, vol. 19 (4), pp 241-246.
Trombly, C.A & Radomski, M.V 2002, Occupational Therapy for Physical Dysfunction, 5th edn,. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Philadelphia.
Van Hook, F.W., Demonbreun, D., & Weiss, B.D. 2003, ‘Ambulatory Devices for Chronic Gait Disorders in the Elderly’, American Family Physician, vol. 67 (8), pp 1717-1724.
For further information on specific types of walkers and canes, please see the links below:
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