II. Epidemiology
- More than 25% of those over age 65 years use an Ambulatory Assistive Device either at home or out of the home
III. Background
- Mobility Assistive Devices are Durable Medical Equipment
- Up to 80% of cost is covered under Medicare Part B (after deductible)
- Medically necessary as prescribed by a physician for use within the home
- Proper fit and use is important
- Consult physical therapy, occupational therapy or Orthotics
IV. Indications
- Gait disturbance
- Deconditioning and generalized weakness
- Weak, painful or immobilized leg
- Fall Prevention
- Maintain Activities of Daily Living
- Aid independence and less need for Caregiver assistance
V. Types: Available Mobility Devices
VI. Management: Mobility Device selection in elderly
- Patient needs only 1 hand on Ambulatory Device to maintain weight bearing and balance
- Patient needs weight bearing assistance
- Occasional or Intermittent use: Offset Cane
- Frequent use: Quadripod Cane (Quad Cane)
- Continuous use: Hemi-Walker
- Patient needs device only for balance
- Patient needs weight bearing assistance
- Patient needs 2 hands on Ambulatory Device to maintain weight bearing and balance
- Patient needs weight bearing assistance
- Intermittent or Occasional use
- Frequent use
- Continuous use
- Patient needs device only for balance
- Patient needs weight bearing assistance
- Patient unable to use an Ambulatory Device (e.g. cane, walker)
- Adequate upper body strength to power a Manual Wheelchair
- Strength and postural balance to use a scooter
- Scooter
- Unable to manually power a Wheelchair or to use a scooter
- Power Wheelchair