Canes
Quad Canes
Crutches
Forearm Crutches
Walkers
Rollators
Wheelchairs
Products Available OnLine
MOBILITY
CANES:
Choosing the Proper Cane
Canes are available in a wide variety
of shapes and styles. Men will be more
comfortable with having a larger
handle or crook. Women's canes are
usually smaller in diameter with a
smaller handle.
Measuring
Fitting a cane requires some measuring. The
cane handle should be even with the hip
joint (greater trochanter). Non-adjustable
canes can be cut at the lower end to suit the
individual. The patient's elbow should have
a 25 to 30 degree flex.
Quad Canes
There are a few basic styles of quad canes to
choose from. The most popular are large
base and small base. Quad canes are used by
patients who are insecure with a regular
cane due to age or frailty,
and are also used by
hemiplegics (a patient
who is paralyzed on one
side but doesn't require
crutches). When using a
quad cane, the extended
legs are away from the
body. The patient's elbow
should have a 25 to 30
degree flex.
CRUTCHES:
Proper Use
Crutches are available in
several styles. They are made
of wood or aluminum, and
come in adult, junior and
child lengths. They are all
adjustable. Proper use of
crutches is very important.
The patient's weight is borne
on the hands, not under the
arm. The top of the crutch
should rest against the chest wall I 1 / 2" to 2"
below the armpit. The position of the
handgrips should result in a 25 to 30 degree
flex in the elbow when relaxed. When the
patient pushes down and raises his/her
weight off the floor, their arms should be
almost straight.
Forearm Crutches
Forearm crutches are constructed of
aluminum, making them easier and lighter
to use. The metal arm cuff encircles the
forearm. The cuffs can be front or side
opening, and should be adjustable. They are
available in youth and adult sizes. When the
cuff is properly fitted, the patient should be
able to use their hand without having the
crutch fall to the floor.
WALKERS:
Folding and Rigid (Non-Folding)
Walkers offer greater mobility for those with
a more serious level of instability. A walker
is used when canes or crutches are not
sufficient.
Adult walkers come in two basic styles,
folding and rigid (non-folding). The folding
walker will fold down to approximately
3 1/2" for easier storage or travel. It has a
self-locking mechanism that will lock into
place when the walker is opened, making it
impossible to fold on its own.
Auto-stop wheels, free rolling
wheels, glide brakes, and
baskets are some of the
additional options that can be
purchased for these walkers
for greater versatility.
Using the Walker
Starting with both feet together, the walker is
moved by lifting up and pushing forward,
making sure the device remains parallel to
the ground at all times. Once the walker is set
down, the patient steps into the open portion
of the walker. This procedure is repeated.
In most cases, the height should be adjusted
to provide a 30-degree bend at the elbow,
when the hands are grasping the handles.
ROLLATORS:
Rollators are the key
to independence.
These walkers offer
the ability to go
anywhere, as they
all come equipped
with seats for
when fatigue sets
in, locking brakes
for assured safety, and baskets for parcels.
Backrests are now one of the most requested
options; making rollators a safer, more
comfortable mobility device. Rollators
generally come in two basic seat heights:
standard and low.
WHEELCHAIRS:
A wheelchair has a basic function, therefore
one basic design, though there are many
styles and accessories adapt to the special
needs of each individual. There are many
factors which contribute to choosing an
appropriate chair:
The size and weight
of the patient, the
type and degree of
disability, and the
patient's living and
working conditions.
Choosing the correct
size of wheels and
casters depend on
the amount of time
the patient will be using the chair indoors
and out. A patient may be in the wheelchair
for an extensive period of time, therefore
comfort as well as the looks of the chair are
crucial considerations.
Mobility products are available in our OnLine Shopping Area
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