21.2 Ambulating 21.2 Ambulating Patients Who Use Patients Who Use

Transfer (Gait) Transfer (Gait) Belts, Crutches, Belts, Crutches,

Canes, or WalkersCanes, or WalkersPAGES 808-820PAGES 808-820

Transfer ( Gait ) BeltTransfer ( Gait ) Belt

A Band of fabric or leather that A Band of fabric or leather that is positioned around a Patient’s is positioned around a Patient’s waist. waist.

During Ambulation and During Ambulation and Transfers the healthcare worker Transfers the healthcare worker grabs the Belt to provide grabs the Belt to provide additional support for the additional support for the patientpatient

Things to Remember with Things to Remember with Gait BeltsGait Belts

Proper SizeProper Size Grasp the Loop or Grasp the Loop or

Underhand the BeltUnderhand the Belt Grasp from the BackGrasp from the Back Over the Patient’s Over the Patient’s

ClothingClothing

Types of CrutchesTypes of Crutches 3 Main Types:3 Main Types: Axillary ( Under the Arms / Axillary ( Under the Arms /

Classical Crutch) and are not Classical Crutch) and are not recommended for the Elderlyrecommended for the Elderly

Forearm or Lofstrand Crutch Forearm or Lofstrand Crutch ( Long Term and Attaches to the ( Long Term and Attaches to the Forearms)Forearms)

Platform Crutch (Used when Platform Crutch (Used when Patients cannot grip the Handles)Patients cannot grip the Handles)

Fitting for CrutchesFitting for Crutches

Patient in Walking ShoesPatient in Walking Shoes4-6 Inches in front and to 4-6 Inches in front and to

the Side of the Feetthe Side of the Feet2 Inches Below the Armpit2 Inches Below the ArmpitArms Should be at 25-30 Arms Should be at 25-30

DegreesDegrees

Crutch Walking GaitsCrutch Walking Gaitspage 816-817page 816-817

Four Point ( first Gait Taught)Four Point ( first Gait Taught) Two-Point ( Faster and More Two-Point ( Faster and More

Natural )Natural ) Three Point ( When only One Leg Three Point ( When only One Leg

can bear Weight)can bear Weight) Swing To ( Swing to Mid Point)Swing To ( Swing to Mid Point) Swing Through ( Swing Through Swing Through ( Swing Through

Mid Point )Mid Point )

21.2C Ambulating with a 21.2C Ambulating with a CaneCane

Pages 818-819Pages 818-819Remember the sequence Remember the sequence

for 3 Point (21.5A) and 2 for 3 Point (21.5A) and 2 Point which is (21.5B)Point which is (21.5B)

Check All Point of Safety Check All Point of Safety Prior to use.Prior to use.

21.2 D Using a Walker21.2 D Using a Walker

Page 819-820Page 819-820Remember all KEY safety Remember all KEY safety

measures prior to usemeasures prior to useMake sure the patient Make sure the patient

understands the directions understands the directions prior to use… prior to use…

GET WITH YOUR GET WITH YOUR PARTNERS WITH A PARTNERS WITH A

PAIR OF PAIR OF CRUTCHES, CRUTCHES,

CANES, AND A CANES, AND A WALKER.WALKER.