Start by collecting general information about the person, including their contact details, gender, age and weight.
Weight
You will need this information when you select a walking aid, to check that the person’s weight is within the recommended weight rating for the walking aid. More information on weight rating is provided in the previous lesson.
Known health problems
The health problems listed on the assessment form were described in Lesson one.
A known health problem can help to guide the choice of walking aid, but there are also other factors to consider.
Two people with the same health problem may need or want different products. Selecting the right walking aid will depend on the person’s abilities, activities, their environment and what they want to do with their walking aid.
Remember Asif and Jacob?
They have both had leg amputations but use different devices to meet their individual needs.
Unknown health problems
A person may have a health problem but not know what it is called.
It is important to find out how the health problem affects weight bearing, strength and balance.
Discussion
What other health problems are common in your area, that can lead to a person needing a walking aid?
After understanding what health problem a person has, it is important to:
- Refer to other services if necessary
- Look at how activity and ability is affected, to see if the person might benefit from a walking aid.
Read on to learn more.