Choosing The Right Mobility Aid

Mobility aids are very important and help many older adults maintain their mobility and independence. The right device will assist you in meeting your goals. The wrong device can have serious health consequences. Choosing a mobility aid is about the right tool for the right task to meet your needs.

According to a recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): "47,000 Older Adults Treated in Emergency Departments Annually for Fall Injuries Related to Walkers and Canes."

The picture shows what can happen when you use a walker improperly. Things to consider when choosing a mobility aid:

• Is the device easy to use based on the "intended use" or do the use limitations create safety issues.

• Is the device unstable, does it require a lot of attention to use it safely?

• What happens when you don't use it properly?

Below will give you an idea of how products place demands on the user, influence effectiveness and safety.

DEMANDS ON USER	CONSIDERATIONS
PHYSICAL - differences        Activity level, trunk/arm strength, ROM, Chest depth	Does the product accommodate variable user capabilities.
PHYSICAL - capacity        Isometric-Concentric strength, ROM	Does the product accommodate changing (dynamic) user needs.
MOVEMENT                                Speed, Control, Coordination	Is the product designed to accommodate these variables or changing user needs.
BALANCE:                                  Static, Dynamic, Gait, Postural	Does the product increase function in key areas as the users needs change.
ATTENTION                        Selective, Dividing, Switching	Attention the user needs to use a product safely. Do use limitations or instability require too much "attention" to be safe.

 

Below will give you an idea of how use limitations and instability create safety issues such as fall hazards.

 

Entrapment hazard from  a rolling off the bed.

Bed fall hazard from product use limitation.

Tip over hazard

 

Documents that can help you makes the right choices:

• Make Sure the Medical Device You Choose Is Designed For You

• Bed Rail Usage

• Bed Rail Dangers (link)

• What is a Medical Device

• FDA Hospital Bed Safety Workgroup (HBSW): Hospital Bed System Dimensional & Assessment Guidance to Reduce Entrapment

• FDA Hospital Bed Safety Workgroup (HBSW): Clinical Guidance For the Assessment & Implementation of Bed Rails

 

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Updated July 14, 2009