Outline:

•Introduction to Geriatrics•What are assistive devices and their importance•What is the importance of assistive devices for old age? •Categories of common problems and AEDs for Elderly •Types of Assistive devices

Outline - Contd..

• Ambulatory or Mobility devices• Types Mobility devices • How to Use Canes, Walkers and crutches• Nursing role for client and family teaching

using a Cane and walker • Role of a Geriatric Nurse in

general.

Objectives At the end of this lecture students will be able to:• Define what are assistive devices.(AD)

• Explain the importance of using AD for old age.

• List the types of Assistive devices

• Discuss Ambulatory or Mobility devices.

-Determine the Use of Canes, Walkers and crutches.

-Demonstrate the Nursing role for client and family teaching using a Cane and walker.

-Recognize the categories of common problems and Assistive elderly devices(AED)

-Discuss the role of a Geriatric Nurse in-general

What are Assistive Devices?• Assistive devices are basically helpful

products that improve a person’s ability to live and function independently.

• They are used by people with disabilities and older adults who want to stay in their communities and remain independent as long as possible

• They include medical equipment, mobility aids, information technologies, practical daily aids and gadgets to suit all tastes and needs.

The importance of using assistive devices for old age.

1. About 71% of all assistive devices are used by older people because of physical changes like :

Chronic illness Low vision Hearing impairment Disabilities

2. Older people with disabilities need assistive devices for the following

reasons:

-Better survival-Gratifying life

-Prolonging independence

Types of Assistive devices

Sophisticated or high technology ADs

• computer applications, • sensors • smart phone systems:• Programmad pill containers

• computer applications, • sensors • smart phone systems:• Programmad pill containers

Sophisticated or high technology ADs – Contd..

Robotic aids for the handicapped

Voice- activated computer programsDistance monitoring of patients

and many more

Sophisticated or high technology ADs - Contd..

Photo phone answering machine and memory

Digital muscle stimulator

Ambulatory or Mobility devices

• Geriatric people who are weak and unsteady ( have weakness in musculo-skeletal system) because of advanced age may have difficulty in walking ,

• Weakness on one side of body,

• imbalance, need assistance toambulate independently.

Types of Mobility devices

Devices used to help with ambulation:1.CANES

2.WALKERS3.CRUTCHES

4.WHEEL CHAIR 5.PARALLEL BARS6.WALKING BELTS

CANES• Older people find it

helpful to use a cane if they have a problem with balance or instability, some weakness in one side of the body,

• an injury, or pain.• Cane is a hand held

ambulation device made of wood or aluminum

Nursing role for client and family teaching using a Cane

Place the cane on the stronger side of the body.Stand upright with the cane 4 to 6 inches( 10-15 cm) to the side of the toes.Move the cane forward at the same time as the weaker extremity.Take the next step with the stronger extremity.

WHEN USING STAIRS

--use a stair rail rather than the cane when going up or down stairs, if possible.

--Take each step up with the stronger leg followed by the weaker one .Reverse the pattern for descending the stairs.

--If there is no stair rail, advance the cane just before rising or descending with the weaker leg.

-When sitting:

--Back up to the chair until the seat is against the back of the leg.

--Rest the cane close by.

--Grip the arm rests on both hands --Sit down

-When sitting:

--Back up to the chair until the seat is against the back of the leg.

--Rest the cane close by.

--Grip the arm rests on both hands --Sit down

When getting up from a chair:

--Grip the arm rests while holding the cane in the stronger hand.--Advance the stronger leg.--Lean forward.--Push with both arms against the arm rests--stand until balanced and any symptoms of dizziness pass.

WALKER

• WALKERS are used with clients who have total knee or hip joint replacement surgery, or another significant problem.

Nursing Role For Demonstrating the use of Walker in Elderly

Use of Walker during WalkingFirst, put your walker about one step ahead of you, making sure the legs of

your walker are level to the ground. With both hands, grip the top of the walker for support and walk into it, stepping off on

your injured leg..

Contd.

Touch the heel of this foot to the ground first, then flatten the foot and finally lift the toes off the ground as you complete your step with your good leg. Don't step all the way to the front bar of your walker. Take small steps when you turn

Contd.

While Sitting:To sit, back up until your legs touch the chair. Reach back to feel the seat before you sit. To get up from a chair, push yourself up and grasp the walker's grips. Make sure the rubber tips on your walker's legs stay in good shape.

CONTD..

Stairs

Never try to climb stairs or use an escalator with your walker

Categories of common problems and ADs for Elderly

Categories of common problems and ADs for Elderly

NO.

Category / Common problems

Potential Ads.

I Architectural/ Home Elements

1 Getting on/off toilet Raised seat, Grab bars

2 Home safety Security alarms

3 Difficulty knowing who is on entrance

Video intercom

Contd..Contd..II Aids to Daily Living

1 Difficulty remembering medication schedule

Medicine dispenser/cabinet

2 Difficulty opening jars, bottles

Jar opener/closer

3 Can’t see clock/watch Talking alarm clock/watch

Contd..Contd..

III Kitchen Gadgets & Appliances

1 Protection from sharp knives/blades

Kitchen finger protector

2 Better gripping and comfort for arthritic andParkinson’s patients

Utensils with finger bump grips or hand strap

Contd..Contd..

IV Furniture

1 Rolling bed/Bed too low

Adjustable height bed

2 Getting in/out of bed

Bed rail

V Footwear1 Difficulty tying

shoelacesVelcro fastenings shoes

Contd..Contd..VI Clothing's

2 Difficulty with buttons/zippers

Velcro clothing's

3 Varicose veins Pressure modification stockings

VII Communication1 Receiver Difficulty

reaching/dialing numbers/holdingReceiver

Cordless speaker phone with presetmemory-dial, large buttons & numbers

Contd..Contd..

VIII. Sensory Functions

1 Low Vision Eye glasses/ magnifiers

2 Hard of hearing Hearing aids, visual alerting systems

3 Difficulty doing activities involvingconcentration or thinking

Memory games

SUMMARY:

Role of a Geriatric Nurse in-general:To promote healthy aging, hearing and quality of life, gerontological nurses in all settings must be able to:• Explain the impact of physical changes on the functional abilities and quality of life of older adults.

Contd..

•Identify vision and hearing assessment. •Determine the prevention and treatment of diseases affecting vision and hearing,•Illustrate effective communication techniques, and ways to assist the individual in adapting to and compensating these losses