Assisting with Ambulation
ATI: Assisting with Ambulation
Cane Instruct the client to hold the cane on Placing the cane on the
their stronger side, close to the stronger side of the body
body (COAL: Cane Opposite Affected distributes the client’s
Leg) weight away from the
weak limb.
Position yourself on the affected Appropriate positioning
side and slightly behind the client. encourages independence
while still safely
supporting the client.
Advise the client to advance the cane Moving the cane an
6 to 10 inches, support their weight on appropriate distance and
the stronger leg and cane, and then having support while
move the weaker leg forward moving the weaker leg
parallel to cane. reduces the risk of a fall
and improves balance.
With weight on their weaker leg and Using the cane to support
cane, tell the client to move their the client’s weight while
stronger leg forward, past the cane, moving the stronger leg
to complete the step. ensures that the weaker
leg does not bear the
clients entire weight.
Walker After the client stands, instruct the Proper positioning of the
client to hold the handgrips on the hands provide stability
walker firmly. and balance.
Position yourself slightly behind the Appropriate positioning
client on one side. encourages independence
while still safely
supporting the client.
Instruct the client to move the walker Moving the walker an
forward 6 to 8 inches, setting it down appropriate distance
with all four feet on the floor. ensure that the client’s
center of gravity stays
close to the body.
While supporting their weight on the Support while stepping
walker, tell the client to move one foot forward allows the client to
forward, following with the other foot. walk forward with good
balance.
Tell the client to move the walker
forward, repeating the same step.
ATI: Assisting with Ambulation
Cane Instruct the client to hold the cane on Placing the cane on the
their stronger side, close to the stronger side of the body
body (COAL: Cane Opposite Affected distributes the client’s
Leg) weight away from the
weak limb.
Position yourself on the affected Appropriate positioning
side and slightly behind the client. encourages independence
while still safely
supporting the client.
Advise the client to advance the cane Moving the cane an
6 to 10 inches, support their weight on appropriate distance and
the stronger leg and cane, and then having support while
move the weaker leg forward moving the weaker leg
parallel to cane. reduces the risk of a fall
and improves balance.
With weight on their weaker leg and Using the cane to support
cane, tell the client to move their the client’s weight while
stronger leg forward, past the cane, moving the stronger leg
to complete the step. ensures that the weaker
leg does not bear the
clients entire weight.
Walker After the client stands, instruct the Proper positioning of the
client to hold the handgrips on the hands provide stability
walker firmly. and balance.
Position yourself slightly behind the Appropriate positioning
client on one side. encourages independence
while still safely
supporting the client.
Instruct the client to move the walker Moving the walker an
forward 6 to 8 inches, setting it down appropriate distance
with all four feet on the floor. ensure that the client’s
center of gravity stays
close to the body.
While supporting their weight on the Support while stepping
walker, tell the client to move one foot forward allows the client to
forward, following with the other foot. walk forward with good
balance.
Tell the client to move the walker
forward, repeating the same step.
