1. Mobility Aids and Wheel Chairs

2. MOBILITY AID A piece of equipment used to provide support or stability for a person as he/she walks (Pierson, 1999) Provide an extension of the UE to help transmit BW & provide support for the patient

3. FUNCTIONS Increase area of support Increase patient’s stability Redistribute & unload a weightbearing limb Improve balance Provide sensory feedback

4. WHEEL CHAIRS When a person experiences a decline in their physical condition due to medical complications or old age, they may no longer be able to walk independently. An Occupational Therapist can complete a wheelchair assessment to enable such a person to maintain safe and independent access to their environment. A wheelchair and seating assessment ensures an optimum fit between the user and their equipment. Buying a wheelchair is much like buying a car in that more features cost more money, so choosing an appropriate wheelchair vendor is very important

5. OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST’S ROLE Help with many aspects of the wheelchair buying experience. Facilitate the wheelchair trial set-up Provide with information about local vendors Wheelchair assessment outlining the targeted outcomes of prescribing a wheelchair. This assessment should include the following: a physical assessment, a cognitive assessment, and a list of the current functional abilities of patients.

6. He will also provide a detailed description of environmental factors to ensure the use of prescribed wheelchair in home and work environment. This ensures wheelchair fits in with patient life, so that he can carry on as close to normal as possible. He will give the detailed information about the wheelchair after the assessment, such as the chair’s dimensions and components like the backrest, cushion, the footrest, and the wheel size.

7. Rigid frame wheelchairs It have a seat back that folds for transport. The wheels have quick-release axles that allow them to fit into a vehicle with ease. Most users are able to load their rigid wheelchair into a car without assistance, because they are made of lightweight aluminum and usually weight (10 to 20) pounds without wheels. The footrests on rigid wheelchairs are attached to the frame; acting like a platform that runs across the front.

8. Sport Wheelchairs Many people are also using sport wheelchairs for everyday use. Because they are made of aluminum, Sports chairs are easy to propel and get in and out of cars.

9. SPORTS WHEEL CHAIR

10. Shower Wheelchairs is a useful tool at home. The use of it will reduce assistance from caregivers, thereby giving a person with weak motor strength and stability a sense of independence while bathing. Some commodes have removable armrests which permit better reach during bathing. Shower wheelchairs also have an opening in their seat, similar to a toilet seat. Shower chairs are typically made of plastic, with waterproof seats and backrests.

11. SHOWER WHEEL CHAIR

12. Manual Wheel Chairs Folding frame wheelchairs are conventional wheelchairs, constructed with an X-shaped brace at the center that allows the frame to fold sideways. is often bulky and heavy, and most users are unable to load it into a vehicle without help.

13. ADVANTAGES OF A FOLDING WHEELCHAIR: Folds for car transport Can be folded and stowed without removing any parts Its flexibility keeps all four wheels on the ground on rough surfaces Has swing-away leg rests, where rigid frames have fixed front ends Stores in out of the way places in small homes

14. DISADVANTAGES OF A FOLDING WHEELCHAIR: Has adjustable and removable parts that could break or be lost Maybe too flimsy for certain sports Seat angle is usually not adjustable Harder to push than rigid models Generally heavier than rigid chairs Less durable then rigid models

15. Transport Wheel Chair Transport wheelchairs allow the physically limited and the elderly time out of the house for small durations and errands that are part of everyday life. Transport wheelchairs are light so they are easy to transport. They are also foldable for easy transport in cars and for storage. Users of walkers or canes might find a transport wheelchair is a comfortable alternative when attending lengthy events like weddings or when on sight-seeing vacations.

16. Transport wheelchairs provide the following advantages: Lightweight and easy to push Cost less ($200+) then most heavy-duty manual and electric wheelchairs Cost less to maintain thanks to fewer complex parts Travel and store easier then electric wheelchairs Help improve stamina, strength and agility as you push

17. TRANSPORT WHEEL CHAIR

18. Wheelchair Cushions A wheelchair cushion protects your backside from making pressure sores and keeps vibration and shock to a minimum. A quality wheelchair cushion will protect your spine, back, hips and rear, by absorbing any impacts so your body experiences less bumps and bruises. Your back is also shielded by a cushioned backrest. Wheelchair backrests protect you against shock suffered to the front of your chair - like if you hit a curb. A well-padded, contoured backrest will also support posture, reduce back stress and protect you on life's bumpy roads

19. Foam cushions Wheelchair Foam cushions: inexpensive very lightweight won't leak can be cut to fit individual needs Disadvantage wear out quickly lose shape over time Wheelchair Gel cushions: contoured for postural support have inserts for leg stabilization very comfortable absorb less impact Disadvantages: are heavy may leak more expensive

20. Air cushions inflate to users specific needs are lightweight distribute pressure evenly can be modified are waterproof Less expensive Disadvantages; may leak or puncture higher maintenance

21. Electric Wheelchairs Electric wheelchairs make use of either gears or belts, or sometimes both. Power wheelchairs with belt drives are typically very quiet, but they require more maintenance. Modern gear drives are fairly quiet and low-maintenance, but they tend to wear out more quickly then belt drives, and get noisier in the process.

22. MOTORIZED/POWERED WHEEL CHAIR

23. have light frames that are suitable for indoor use, but their wheelchair frames crack, front forks bend, and wheelchair motors die when they are used to excess in the outdoors. Some newer electric models even have spring suspension, which allows a smooth ride over uneven territory.

24. Types of electric/power/motor wheel chairs Rear-wheel drive wheelchairs: provide poor turning capabilities in comparison to front-wheel and mid-wheel models. Front-wheel drive wheelchairs: provide tighter turning functions. Most front-wheel drive wheelchairs have a slightly lower top speed than rear-wheels because they tend to turn too readily at high speeds. Mid-wheel drive wheelchairs provide the tightest turning of all, but have a tendency to be unsteady when stopping and starting. Mid-wheel drives have caster wheels in the rear and an extra set of anti-tip wheels in front, which may limit their use on uneven surfaces.

25. Some additional features available: Electric Wheelchair Power tilt - A feature that tilts the entire seat assembly and footrests upwards to a 45-degree angle. Electric Wheelchair Recliner - A feature that tilts the seat back and raises the leg rests up horizontally. Both of these features provide relief and help to prevent pressure sores.

26. WALKING AIDS Many people use wheelchairs, but they are not totally confined to them. A lot of people are still able to walk with the help of a walking aid. A walking aid is ideal for the times you want to get out of your wheelchair for a little exercise and freedom. They are also useful if you're visiting somewhere that isn't wheelchair accessible. There are various types of walking aids such as walkers, canes and crutches. You can purchase single point canes, quad point canes, crutches, forearm crutches, walkers, rolling walkers, and rollators. These walking aids are all relatively lightweight and portable.

27. WALKERS

28. Rolling Walkers used by people with weak legs or those who don't always require a wheelchair. Rolling walkers are also often used by the elderly. The rolling walker is designed to provide support so the person using it can maintain their balance and relieve their legs from some of their weight. Rolling walkers are also ideal for people who are recovering from leg or back injuries and are still a little unsteady on their feet.

29. When selecting a walker, keep the following in mind: Size - Your wrists should meet the top of the handles of the walker, you shouldn't have to reach for them. Seat Height - If your knees are bent 90 degrees or more when seated, the seat is too low and you will have difficulty standing up. Wheel Size - Rollators generally have four wheels. Larger wheels will allow smooth outdoor travel, while small wheels are suited for indoors. Accessories - Can include baskets, removable plastic trays, cup holders and more. Weight Support - Should support a little more than the user's weight in order to transport items in the basket. Lightweight models will support up to 200 pounds, and heavy-duty models up to 400 pounds. Walkers Weight - Range from 10 to 30 pounds. Heavier means more stable, but light means easy to pack and transport.

30. Single-Point Canes known as a walking stick used to support your body and to help relieve some of the pressure off your legs. effective for helping people with minor instability and balance difficulties. used by elderly and by people undergoing therapy or rehabilitation. prevent people from falling during walks and are often used by seniors for this purpose. The approximate height of your cane can be determined by measuring the distance from your wrist to the floor when you are standing with your arms at your sides. they usually can't bear a person's entire body weight.

31. CANES

32. Quad-Point Canes has a base with four short legs that touch the ground. the four legs give it added stability, support and sturdiness. The low bases of these types of canes offer you a lower center of gravity for better balance. Most canes are made of anti corrosive, anodized aluminum and non chip chrome and you can get grips for their handles to protect and cushion your hands.

33. Axillary Crutches Standard crutches are usually used as temporary walking aids by people who are recovering from an injury, surgery or are in rehabilitation or therapy. Crutches are basically stick- like walking aids that help you to support your weight, by keeping pressure off of your injured leg. Your arms should be straight when using crutches. This enables you to take the weight off of your injured leg and use the crutches as a substitute leg. Make sure that you don't just lean on the crutches under your armpit. You have to use your arms to support yourself. Many people get blisters or sore hands from the handles of crutches.

34. The ends of the crutches need to be covered by rubber tips to stop you from sliding on the floor or ground. Most crutches are also adjustable so you can set the height to fit your body size. Make sure they are not set too high or too low. Crutches can be very tiring to use and hard maneuver so don't use them unless it's necessary. Crutches are really only suitable for people who can still use one leg, or at least put some weight on one leg. If both of your legs are disabled you should be using a wheelchair or rolling walker instead.

35. Forearm Crutches walking aids that are generally designed for long term use. They have been around for many years and are recognized as one of the most supportive and functional types of walking aid. They are often used by people who are mobility impaired, but can still use their legs. The arm cuffs allows you to use your hands without dropping the crutches.