PROVISION COMPETENCY: WALKING AIDS

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Stewart Wilcox
5 years ago
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1 STICKS Aim PROVISION COMPETENCY: WALKING AIDS Service user has balance difficulties or problems with their joints requiring un-loading through their upper limbs. Aim to provide the minimal intervention as possible Considerations Does the service user have adequate grip consider a fischer stick? A stick can trip the service user is there adequate co-ordination of the upper limbs? Does the service user have pre-existing shoulder and or wrist problems that would be exacerbated by use of a stick? Will the service user be able to carry items will the need for a rambler trolley to be issued as a consequence and such further reduce mobility? If two sticks are required, this will give more support but are often difficult to co-ordinate to a four-point gait. Cautions Check the recommended weight limit: wood sticks up to105kg/ 16.5 stone, metal sticks up to 127kg/ 20stone. Ensure that there is no wear and tear on the wood, its ferrule and the pin and pin-holes of the metal stick. Care and cleaning All walking aids should be cleaned with soap and hand hot water on a regular basis to prevent grease build up. Ferrules should be replaced with signs of wear. Issuing a stick 1. Check permitted weight limit. 2. Check for wear and tear. 3. Measure handle to ulnar styloid service user should have upper limb straight down their body.

2 4. Observe gait: stick and affected lower limb to set off together. If necessary correct technique. 5. For two sticks: four point gait: right stick, left lower limb, left stick right lower limb. FISCHER STICKS AIM Service user has wrist and hand joint changes and has balance and/or lower limb problems requiring unloading through their upper limbs. Aim to provide the minimal intervention as possible Considerations Does the service user have adequate grip strength, wrist extension to grip the Fischer stick? A stick can trip the service user is there adequate co-ordination of the upper limbs? Does the service user have pre-existing shoulder problems that would be exacerbated by use of a stick? Will the service user be able to carry items will the need for a rambler trolley to be issued as a consequence and such further reduce mobility? If two Fischer sticks are required, this will give more support but are often difficult to co-ordinate to a four-point gait. Cautions Check the recommended weight limit: up to 127kg/ 20stone Ensure that there is no wear and tear on the handle, ferrule and the pin and pin-holes of the stick. Care and cleaning All walking aids should be cleaned with soap and hand hot water on a regular basis to prevent grease build up. Ferrules should be replaced with signs of wear. Issuing a Fischer stick 1. Check permitted weight limit: Fischer stick up to 127kg/ 20 stone. 2. Check ferrule and quality of metal studs/holes for wear.

3 3. Measure handle to ulna styloid service user should be able to stand upright with slightly flexed elbow. 4. Observe gait: stick with affected leg to set off together. Correct technique as necessary.

4 SUPERVISED TASKS/EXERCISES CARRIED OUT BY ASSISTANT PRACTITIONER COMPETENCIES NAME: TAUGHT MODELLED COMPETENT AP01 PROVISION COMPETENCY: STICKS/FISCHER STICKS - PARTIAL WEIGHT BEARING DATE DATE DATE 1 Demonstrate knowledge of normal gait 2 Demonstrate application of underpinning knowledge e.g. correct use of walking aid 3 Demonstrate knowledge of cautions 4 Demonstrate correct measurement of aid 5 Demonstrate ability to teach correct use of walking aid and gait pattern for; 2 sticks 1 stick 6 Documentation 7 Feedback Sign and date when achieved Signature of Learner Signature of Assessor Date of Review

5 SUPERVISED TASKS/EXERCISES CARRIED OUT BY ASSISTANT PRACTITIONER COMPETENCIES NAME: TAUGHT MODELLED COMPETENT AP01 MOBILITY & WALKING AID ASSESSMENT: STICKS/FISCHER STICKS - FULL WEIGHT BEARING DATE DATE DATE 1 Demonstrate knowledge of normal gait 2 Demonstrate application of underpinning knowledge e.g. correct use of walking aid 3 Demonstrate knowledge of cautions 4 Demonstrate correct measurement of aid 5 Demonstrate ability to teach correct use of walking aid and correct pattern for; 2 sticks 1 stick 6 Documentation 7 Feedback Sign and date when achieved Signature of Learner Signature of Assessor Date of Review

6 SUPERVISED TASKS/EXERCISES CARRIED OUT BY ASSISTANT PRACTITIONER COMPETENCIES NAME: TAUGHT MODELLED COMPETENT AP01 MOBILITY & WALKING AID ASSESSMENT: STICKS/FISCHER STICKS - NEUROLOGICALLY AFFECTED DATE DATE DATE 1 Demonstrate knowledge of normal gait and how the neurological condition can affect gait 2 Demonstrate application of underpinning knowledge 3 Demonstrate knowledge of cautions 4 Demonstrate correct measurement of aid 5 Demonstrate ability to teach and correct walking patternfor; 2 sticks 1 stick 6 Documentation 7 Feedback as appropriate Sign and date when achieved Signature of Learner Signature of Assessor Date of Review

WALKING AIDS AND GAIT TRAINING

WALKING AIDS AND GAIT TRAINING By:Dr. Chaman Lal B.S.PT, DPT, Dip. in sports Injuries, MPPS(PAK), PG in Clinical Electroneurophysiology (AKUH), Registered.EEGT (USA), Member of ABRET, AANEM & ASET (USA).