Page 35 - Norco Patient Orientation Handbook e-book
P. 35
Canes or quad canes: Always use in the hand on the opposite side from the affected or weaker leg regardless
if you are right or left handed.
9 Cane height: Adjust in place where the handgrip is just above the wrist when in a standing position.
9 Move the cane forward first, followed by the affected limb. Then, bearing weight on the cane, bring the
strong leg forward.
9 The bases of most quad canes are flat on the side closest to the body to prevent tripping. It may be
necessary to rotate the base by releasing the height adjustment and readjusting it to the other side.
Crutches: Adjust in place where the handgrip is just above the wrist when in a standing position.
9 When placed under the patient’s arms, the shoulders should remain level. Make sure all push buttons are
popped out in the adjustment holes.
Always take short steps. Over striding tends to cause loss of balance.
Cleaning/Maintenance/Troubleshooting
Clean rubber tips with alcohol to remove oil, grime, and dirt. Clean handgrips occasionally with a soap and
water solution.
Clean equipment with warm soapy water, rinse and thoroughly dry.
Inspect tips/wheels for wear, tear, cracks, and rips.
Folding walkers: Become familiar with the process of folding and unfolding it. Anytime the walker is
unfolded check carefully to make sure the folding mechanism is locked securely in the open position before
using.
The height adjustment push button, rubber tips, and handgrips on your walker, cane or crutch, should be
inspected regularly. Replace any worn or damaged tips and grips immediately.
BATHROOM AIDS
Commodes, Toilet Risers, Grab Bars, and Transfer Benches
Education
Discuss the purpose of bathroom aids: 1) To decrease the risk of falling, 2) To ensure stability and leverage.
Remind patient to use equipment as prescribed by physician or therapist.
Discuss Medicare/Medicaid payment criteria for the equipment specific to set up. Explain the term “non-
assignment” and "assignment."
Demonstration
Commodes and Toilet Risers
Lock toilet riser in place to ensure stability.
Always exert downward force when sitting or rising from the equipment. Using horizontal movement may
cause the commode or toilet riser to slide or tip.
Set the commode against a wall, close to a bed or chair where the patient usually resides.
Make sure top of the commode or toiler riser is even with the bend in the patient’s knee.
Make sure all legs are evenly adjusted so the commode seat is level and all the push buttons are popped out
in the adjustment holes.
Seat patient in the center of the commode and make sure bucket or pail is in place.
Be sure to lock wheels (on wheeled models) when sitting or rising from the commode.
Tub Transfer Bench
Place the bench in the tub facing the faucet end, with the two outer legs resting on the floor outside the tub.
Adjust the two inner legs to a height approximately even with the side of the tub. Adjust the outside legs so
the seat slopes slightly toward the inside. This will cause water falling on the seat surface to drain into the
tub instead of out onto the floor.
Sit on the bench with legs outside the tub. Then lift one leg at a time into the tub.
