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
Images: Related links to external sites (from Bing)
Related Studies
| Concepts | Manufactured Object (T073) |
| SnomedCT | 42305009 |
| English | ambulation devices, ambulation devices (treatment), Ambulation devices, Ambulation device, Ambulation device (physical object), Ambulation device, NOS |
| Spanish | dispositivo para ambulación (objeto físico), dispositivo para ambulación, dispositivo para deambulación |
Ontology: Walking aid (C0557834)
| Concepts | Medical Device (T074) |
| SnomedCT | 224899006 |
| LNC | LP125109-1, MTHU040346 |
| English | aids walking, walking aid, Aids for the walk, Walking aid, Walking aid (physical object) |
| Spanish | apoyos para la marcha (objeto físico), apoyos para la marcha |
Ontology: Mobility aid (C3495449)
| Definition (MEDLINEPLUS) |
Mobility aids help you walk or move from place to place if you are disabled or have an injury. They include
You may need a walker or cane if you are at risk of falling. If you need to keep your body weight off your foot, ankle or knee, you may need crutches. You may need a wheelchair or a scooter if an injury or disease has left you unable to walk. Choosing these devices takes time and research. You should be fitted for crutches, canes and walkers. If they fit, these devices give you support, but if they don't fit, they can be uncomfortable and unsafe. |
| Concepts | Medical Device (T074) |
| SnomedCT | 183135000, 151410003 |
| LNC | LP136322-7, MTHU042378 |
| English | Mobility aids, Mobility aid (physical object), mobility aids, aid mobility, transport, transports, Mobility Aids, Mobility aid, Mobility aids (physical object), Locomotory aid, Equipment to aid mobility |
| Spanish | equipamiento para ayuda locomotriz (objeto físico), equipamiento para ayuda locomotriz |
