Mobility Aids and Transfers

Question 1

What are 7 safety considerations for transfers?

Answer 1

Bedrails
Environment (obstacles)
Footwear
Patient positioning
Patient symptoms
Patient strength/weakness
Hand positioning/appropriate guarding

Question 2

What are the 4 indications for use of a cane?

Answer 2

• Highest mobility, lowest stability
• To improve balance
• Decrease load to contra limb
• FWB or WBAT (not PWB, FeWB, NWB)

Question 3

What are the 4 indications for use of a walker?

Answer 3

• Increase BOS
• Need for wide BOS
• To unload limb
• Can use for NWB, FeWB, PWB, WBAT, FWB

Question 4

What are 4 indications for use of crutches?

Answer 4

• Increase BOS/balance/lateral support
• Unload a limb
• Allows for increased gait speed compared to walkers but less stable
• Can be used for NWB, FeWB, PWB, WBAT, FWB