SG the Future OT

In order to restore a client’s confidence in mobility, we have the hierarchy of mobility skills that guides the process of restoring mobility. The order is as follows: 1. Bed mobility 2. Mat transfer 3. Wheelchair transfer 4. Bed transfer 5. Functional ambulation for ADL 6. Toilet and tub transfer 7. Car transfer 8. Functional ambulation for community mobility 9. Community mobility and driving This order is definitely what I expected even without the experience of this biomechanics class, but it is interesting to think that something we do so often like getting in a car is so far down the list. However, the order makes sense because each item on the list requires more effort on the client’s part—it requires more control. As you climb the list, the base of support for the client gets smaller and requires more distance to travel (i.e. the distance between the bed and tub is farther than the distance between the bed and the wheelchair). Additionally, I think this ...

It is so important for a client to be properly fitted for assistive devices. First, the correct fitting can help ensure proper posture and body mechanics while using the assistive device which will help prevent further issues from improper posture or body mechanics. Also, a proper fitting can help prevent a client from falling while using the assistive device. To fit a client for a cane, when the client is standing, the handle of the cane should reach either the greater trochanter, the ulnar styloid process, or the wrist crease of the patient on the unaffected side. When fitting a client for axillary crutches, the hand grips are at the same point as the handle of the cane—the greater trochanter, the ulnar styloid process, or the wrist crease of the patient while he or she is standing. Additionally, the arm pads should be 5 centimeters below the axilla so the client does not compress essential blood vessels and nerves in the axillary region. Lofstrand crutches ...