Assistive devices for walking

Canes & walkers

Description : canes & walkers are made of a light weight
material with a rubber tip at the bottom.
Interventions
1. Stand at the affected side of the client when
ambulating ; use of a gait or transfer belt may be
necessary.
2. The handle should be at the level of the clients greater
trochanter .
3. The clients elbow should be flexed at a 15 to 30 degree
angle
4. Instruct the client to hold the cane 4 to 6 inches to the
side of the foot .
5. Instruct the client to hold the cane in the hand on the
unaffected side so that the cane & weaker leg can work
together with each step.
6. Instruct the client to move the cane at the same time
as the affected leg
7. Instruct the client to inspect the rubber tips regularly
for worn places
Hemicanes or quadripod canes
1. Hemicanes or quadripod canes are used for
clients who have the use of only one upper
extremity
2. Hemicanes provide more security than a
quadripod cane ; however , both types provide
more security than a single tipped cane
 3. Position the cane at the clients unaffected side ,
with the straight , nonangled side adjacent to the
body .
4. Position the cane 6 inches from the unaffected
clients side , with the hand grip level with the
greater trochanter.

Walker
1. Stand adjacent to the client on the affected side
2. Instruct the client to put all four points of the
walker flat on the floor before putting weight on the
hand pieces
3. Instruct the client to move the walker forward,
followed by the affected or weaker foot & then the
unaffected foot.

Cane
1. Types : single , straight legged cane ; tripod cane ; quad
cane
2. Nursing care : teach patient to hold cane in hand opposite
affected extremity & to advance cane at the same time the
affected leg is moved forward.

Walker
1. Mechanical device with four legs for support .
2. Nursing care: teach client to hold upper bars of walker
at each side , then to move the walker forward & step
into it.