Gait Belt, Cane, Crutches, Walker Assisting with Ambulation Gait Belt, Cane, Crutches, Walker

Bell Work: 3-21-18 Any motion of the limbs or other body parts that pulls away from the midline of the body? Bending a body part would be called? Moving toward thumb side of hand would be called? What plane divides the body into right and left parts? What muscle straightens the ankle joint so you can stand on tiptoes?

Before Assisting with Ambulation Make sure bed is lowered and locked. Make sure wheel chair is locked. Make sure patient has on non-skid socks or supportive shoes

Gait Belt Gait Belt: a device used by caregivers to transfer patients with mobility issues from one position to another. For example, a gait belt is used to move a patient from a standing position to a wheelchair. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RHQjGmUHXcY

Walker A tool for disabled or elderly people who need additional support to maintain balance or stability while walking. Apply Gait Belt Positioned the walker with patient standing inside and asked the patient to grasp the hand rests securely

Walker Instruct the patient to lift walker and place it forward so the back legs were even with the patient's toes, and remind patient to avoid sliding the walker Instruct the patient to transfer the weight forward slightly, use the walker for support, and walk into the walker without shuffling the feet Once at location, remove gait belt and make sure patient is comfortable. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6rqUFtFpj4&index=3&list=PLFuG5 EJBWIVN-6zwfM-3jO3uIVfCCgSnW

Cane An assistive cane is a walking stick used as a crutch or mobility aid. Canes can help redistribute weight from a lower leg that is weak or painful, improve stability by increasing the base of support, and provide tactile information about the ground to improve balance.  Apply Gait Belt Advised Checked the height of the cane: a. Positioned the cane on the unaffected (good) side and approximately 6-10 inches from the side of the foot b. Checked that the top of the cane is level with the top of the femur at the hip joint the patient to bear his or her weight on the unaffected leg

Cane Instructed the patient to use the cane on the good, or unaffected, side Make sure patient takes small steps

2- Point Gait Patient balanced the weight on the strong or unaffected foot Patient moved the cane and the weak or affected foot forward keeping the cane close to the body to prevent leaning Patient transferred body weight forward to the cane Patient moved the good, or unaffected, foot forward https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNxSvhsYP1Y

Crutches a long stick usually made with a piece at the top to fit under the armpit (axilla) that is used as an aid in walking 1. Advised the patient to bear his or her weight on the unaffected leg and positioned the crutches on either side of the patient .

Fitting crutches Adjust the height of the crutch.  This usually involves pushing in a small button and adjusting its position within the base of the crutch.  Many crutches have heights labeled on them, but it is best to use the following method.  Stand up tall with the crutches under your arms.  At the correct height, you should be able to place four fingers between your armpit and the top of the crutch. If the crutches are too high it can cause irritation to the muscles, nerves and tissues in the shoulder and armpit area.  If they are too short you may be unstable and have a higher risk of falling.

Fitting Crutches  Adjust the height of the grip.  Typically there is a small bolt and screw to remove and adjust the handle grip.  To find the correct height for the handle stand up tall with the crutch next to you.  The handle of the crutch should be in the position closest to the bony protrusion of your wrist. If the handles are too high, they are likely to cause upper back, shoulder and neck discomfort.  If they are too low you will slouch and may begin to feel pain in your low back, or pain in your wrists. http://www.landmarkptclinics.com/fitti ng-crutches-properly-and-avoiding- injury/

Crutches: 2 point gait Moved the right foot and left crutch forward at the same time b. Moved the left foot and right crutch forward at the same time

3 Point Gait Three-Point Gait a. Advanced both crutches and the weak or affected foot b. Transferred the patient’s body weight forward to the crutches c. Advanced the unaffected or good foot forward

4 Point Gait Four-Point Gait a. Moved the right crutch forward b. Moved the left foot forward c. Moved the left crutch forward d. Moved the right foot forward

Crutches https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jcKJMCbQrL0

Gait patterns: Crutches Swing-to Gait a. Balanced weight on foot or feet and moved both crutches forward b. Transferred weight forward c. Used shoulder and arm strength to swing feet up to crutches Swing-through Gait a. Balanced weight on foot or feet b. Advanced both crutches forward at the same time c. Transferred weight forward d. Used shoulder and arm strength to swing up and through the crutches, stopping slightly in front of the crutches

Gait Patterns Contralateral: relating to or denoting the side of the body opposite to that on which a particular structure or condition occurs. Step To: Walker Step Through: Cane https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8g7-XAr9E8