How to Walk a Resident With Gait Belt

A gait belt, also referred to as a walking belt, is a device worn around the waist. This device is used to provide support and increase safety during transferring or walking. A gait belt is available in different materials like cotton or nylon and in different styles such as a plain belt or a belt with handles. This assistive device is indicated for residents that are cooperative and those that are able to bear some weight on their legs. Proper use of a gait belt is necessary to decrease potential injury to the caregiver or patient.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Gait belt

Suggest Edits

1. • 1
     Fasten the gait belt around the resident's waist with the buckle placed in front of the resident.
   • 2
     Check the tightness of the gait belt. The belt should fit snugly, but you should be able to slip your fingers between the belt and the resident's waist.
   • 3
     Assist the resident to a standing position.
   • 4
     Place one hand on the portion of the gait belt at the front of the resident's waist and place your other hand on the portion of the gait belt at the resident's back.
   • 5
     Instruct the resident to walk forward beginning with her strong leg.
   • 6
     Walk to the side and slightly behind the resident.
   • 7
     Assist the resident into a chair or onto the side of the bed after walking.
   • 8
     Remove the gait belt after the resident is comfortable.

How to Select Ambulation Aids for Older Adults

Whether an older individual requires an ambulation aid because of gait problems related to pain, weakness or decreased balance due to a chronic health condition like arthritis, the goal is to help the person maintain independence. The key is to select the least restrictive walking aid that offers the most help. However, assistance with walking is not the only thing to be considered. Several factors need to be taken into account when selecting a practical but safe walking aid.

Difficulty:  Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. • 1
     Assess the individual's specific needs. Observing a person in his or her normal living environment is the best way to determine what that person needs to function adequately in day-to-day life. Ambulation aids, which may prove useful in some situations, may actually be unsafe in others. For example, heavier walkers with wheels and fold-away seats may make sense when out shopping; however, they can be cumbersome and even unsafe when ambulating around the home, especially when walking on carpet or going up and down stairs.
   • 2
     Consider whether the individual must use steps. If the person lives in a two-story home, install securely mounted handrails to assist with climbing and descending stairs. It is also helpful to keep a cane or walker at both the top and bottom of the stairs, particularly if the person can manage without the added burden of navigating the stairs with an ambulation aid in tow.
   • 3
     Select a walking aid that allows the person to walk at a speed required for safety. Older individuals crossing a street may need to consider other alternatives if an ambulation aid such as a walker slows them down. In some cases, a person may have to learn to use a cane when crossing streets, as this usually allows one to walk at a faster pace.
   • 4
     Evaluate the individual's endurance level. A person's strength is often a primary factor when determining an appropriate walking aid. For example, standard walkers are lightweight, but require upper body strength to move. In some cases, a wheeled walker or even a wheelchair may be better alternatives, particularly if an older person is weak or becomes easily exhausted.
   • 5
     Determine whether the person needs an ambulation aid that requires both hands or leaves one hand free for carrying things or using a stair banister for support. If an older adult must use two hands on a walker, tying a plastic bag to the front rail of the walker is one solution for transporting small, lightweight items. Baskets should not be attached to the front of walkers, as the weight can cause a walker to tip forward causing a person to fall.

What Are Assistive Devices for Ambulation?

Ambulatory problems have a variety of roots, from muscle and joint damage to hyperobesity to paraplegia. For almost every type, there are devices designed to aid the user while walking and moving, and vary from simple to highly complex.

1. Cane/Crutches

   • A one or two point system of support is a cheap and effective method when there is a weakness in one leg. It allows the arms and upper body to stand in for the weak or damaged limb.

   Walker

   • If both legs are too weak for satisfactory ambulation, the use of a 4-point walker may be required. This is a U-frame shaped device with an open back that allows support during both left and right leg steps.

   Scooter/Motorized Cart

   • For users with proper upper-body function, a motorized scooter is a good alternative. It can be mounted and dismounted fairly easily and reduces energy exertion compared to other alternatives.

   Prosthetics

   • Prosthetic limbs and braces can help those with certain mobility issues, and vary in price and function. Some allow fast running and do not resemble limbs, while others are more for aesthetics and slow walking.

   Robotic Aids

   • Newly developed robotic walking devices are an expensive but effective strategy for increasing ambulation. Argo Medical's ReWalk helps even those with no leg control, while other versions aid those with some remaining ambulatory function.

How To Care for The Hearing Impared

A hearing impairment or deafness is a partial or total loss of hearing in one or both ears. A hearing impairment is caused by a broad range of environmental and biological factors, happening to absolutely any living organism capable of perceiving sound. Deaf people are commonly called hearing impaired.
How a sound wave travels depends on the amplitude and frequency. The sound wave's peak pressure variation is called amplitude, while the sound wave's number of cycles per second is called the frequency. A person's loss of the ability to perceive frequencies or to identify low-amplitude sounds that a living organism naturally notices or detects characterizes hearing impairment. People with hearing impairment need extra family support and care.

Difficulty:  Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Pen and paper
• Pictures
• Hearing aids
• Small container
• Telephone

Suggest Edits

1. • Communicate with the hearing-impaired child or person by facing him directly. Ascertain that you are not directly in front of a window. Position yourself in such a manner that your face can be clearly seen by him.
   • Reduce environmental noise when communicating with a hearing-impaired individual by closing the door or minimizing the source of the noise.
   • Seek the aid of a pen and paper when trying to make a hearing-impaired person understand an important message, or use pictures to help him understand.
   • Use nonverbal cues to communicate, such as tapping lightly on a table's surface or lightly touching his shoulders or arms to catch the attention.
   • Teach the hearing-impaired child some hand signals that indicate an emergency. Attach lights to the existing alarm system.
   • Learn and improve your skills in sign language by enrolling in a sign language class.
   • Keep hearing aids clean by teaching the deaf person how with the use of a wax pick and wax brush purchased from an audiologist. Ensure that there is a designated small container and area where he or she can safely keep the hearing aid when not being used.
   • Contact resources in your community by telephone or personal appearance that can offer seminars or meetings about the proper use of the types of adaptive equipment or devices used and applicable for hearing impairment, such as local telephone companies that install amplifying telephones and telephone communication devices for the deaf. Contact national organizations for additional information.

ABENA Incontinence Products Finally Here!

"With all respect for the environment" Abena's Intelligent and individual solutions form the basis for improving the quality of care and efficiency. Abena offers a total concept of solutions for incontinence management.

PRLog (Press Release) - Aug 30, 2011 - All Abena Premium incontinence products are designed specifically with the main focus being on the end user while at the same time making daily life easier for nursing staff and care givers.  Abena Premium products offers a high level of leakage security and optimum comfort.  Manufactured by a Danish Family-owned company in Denmark, we are proud to now offer these products at GreenTree Medical Equipment & Supplies in the U.S.  Abena absorbancy ranges from 700ml to 4000ml which is unheard of with any other incontinence product available today.  The product line includes Abena Abri-Form Premium & Abri-Form Comfort, Abri-San Premium & Abri-San Special, Abri-Man, Abri-Flex Premium, Premium Protective and Abena Abri-Fix Super Under Garment.

The welfare of the environment is a core objective in all Abena product development. Most of the Abena line of incontinence products carry the Nordic Eco-label, which guarantees that Abena has taken every possible precaution to safeguard both the

environment and your health.

Visit www.greentreemedical.com or call 678-926-3087 today and view the product line of Abena products available.  "Providing Your Medical Supply Needs for Life"

How to Safely Use a Walker

By Amber Keefer, eHow User

 

Many older individuals who have trouble walking, particularly with balance, may be advised to use a walker, as it offers a wider base of support. Here are some instructions for using a walker safely.

Difficulty:  Moderate

Instructions

1. • 1. Push furnishings out of the way to clear the walking path. Remove throw carpets, electrical cords and anything else that may increase your risk of slipping or falling.
     
   • 2. Position the walker at arm's length in front of you with all four legs level on the floor. Use the handles of the walker for balance. Move your weak leg forward first, gripping the top of the walker for support. Place the walker one step ahead of you and take small steps when turning. Keep your back upright while pushing the walker forward. Do not walk behind your walker; step into it instead.
     
   • 3. When you want to sit, back up until your legs touch the chair. When getting up from a chair, push yourself up and grasp the grips of the walker.
     
   • 4. In most cases, individuals shouldn't use a walker to climb stairs. If your healthcare provider determines that you can take the stairs, there must be a solid banister on one side.
     
     
   • 5. Stand near the edge of the stairs, turning your walker sideways. Place both legs on one side of the walker upon the step on which you are standing. The other two legs of the walker should be securely positioned on the next step. None of the four legs should be near the edge of a stair.
     
   • 6. The front bar of the walker should be next to you (sideways), sloping from one step to another. Place one hand on the banister, and the other hand on the higher hand grip of the walker. Push straight down on the handle and banister for balance, taking weight off your weak leg.
     
   • 7. Step up with the stronger leg first, then bring up the weaker leg. If you're going downstairs, step down with the weaker leg first. Bring down your stronger leg to meet it. Once you have navigated the stairs, hold on to the banister while you get the walker back in front of you. Regain your balance before walking forward.

Tips & Warnings

• If a walker has wheels on the front legs, take your weight off the walker before pushing it forward.
• Do not lift your walker off the floor.
• Older and frailer individuals dealing with physical limitations other than an injury to one leg should never attempt to climb stairs.

Read more: How to Safely Use a Walker | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_2185802_safely-use-walker.html#ixzz1NxLZErqD

GreenTree Medical Equipment & Supplies Press Release

On-line Retailer Promises Quality Products & Personal Service to Medical Equipment & Supply Patients

GreenTreeMedical.com launches a new website for Medical Equipment & Supply needs

Atlanta, GA  -- On-line retailer, GreenTree Medical Equipment & Supplies, has started a new website that promises a wide inventory of the best products the medical equipment and supply industry has to offer.  GreenTreeMedical.com was launched last month in an effort to provide affordable, quality products and services to patients and institutions who want choices and availability while maintaining privacy, convenience and reliability.  The website contains educational resources, advanced sorting features, and a quick checkout process.  The focus of the company and the website is patient satisfaction and customer service. 

GreenTree Medical Equipment & Supplies has established valued relationships with leaders in the DME (Durable Medical Equipment) industry.  The company is proud to be an authorized reseller for Medline Industries, Graham-Field Medical Equipment, Everest-Jennings, Lumex and Cardinal Health Care, just to name a few.

In this time of healthcare debate and insurance questions, GreenTree Medical Equipment & Supplies has stepped up to provide services and products that do not require insurance and at prices that are lower than some deductibles.  The company offers products that generally cost less than brick-and-mortar suppliers and it provides more selection.  Patient and caregivers can rest assured that value of the service provided is on-par with a local supplier and support is always available via email or telephone.  Says George Merritt, President, “We may be an Internet provider, but we believe we can offer the same or better level of service as a patient’s local supplier.  We know these products and we have the resources available to answer any question”.

Chief Executive Officer, Elaine Merritt says, “We are very excited to be a part of this community.  Our focus is customer satisfaction and compliance and we hope to be a valued service for patients and caregivers across the country and in our own backyard.”

Approximately one in four U.S. adults have the need for some form of medical equipment or supplies and it is believed that 85% of those are in need of very specific items.  There is growing scientific evidence of the relationship between the baby-boomer generation and their desire to live independently and the way medical equipment and supplies are manufactured and marketed. The need for DME has no major demographic and can affect anyone in any age group and in any physical condition.

About GreenTree Medical Equipment & Supplies:

GreenTree Medical Equipment & Supplies is a privately held company based in Gwinnett County in the Atlanta-metro area of Georgia that sells a wide variety of durable medical equipment and supplies. Through a series of top quality manufacturers, GreenTree Medical Equipment & Supplies hopes to provide patients and caregivers the support and service they require to continue living useful and productive lives.

To receive more information and useful tips for purchasing the right medical equipment and supplies for you, visit www.greentreemedical.com.

Contact Information:

Elaine Merritt, CEO

www.greentreemedical.com

elaine@greentreemedical.com

678-926-3087

Chris Merritt, COO

www.greentreemedical.com

chris@greentreemedical.com

678-926-3087

George Merritt, President

www.greentreemedical.com

george@greentreemedical.com

678-926-3087