Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy assessment for walking aids that support safer mobility at home and in the community.
We assess mobility, falls risk, environment and personal preferences to recommend walking frames or other equipment suited to each person’s needs.
There are different types of assistive technology that can facilitate safe mobility within the home and community, promoting independence. One option may be a walking frame.
Total Health Choice Occupational Therapists visit people in their homes and complete comprehensive assessments. We consider the mobility device, or combination of equipment, that may best support safe mobility and everyday independence.
We work with adults aged over 14 with a range of funding types. Total Health Choice was established in 2011 and works according to the values of trust, compassion and care.
Our Occupational Therapists provide mobile assessments across Melbourne, helping people trial and use mobility equipment in the real environments where they live, move and access the community.
A mobility assessment can help identify which walking aid may be appropriate for someone experiencing reduced mobility or an increased falls risk.
This may be relevant to:
A walking aid can help increase mobility and independence both at home and when accessing the community.
Both our Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists can prescribe walking aids.
We visit people at home to complete a functional assessment and recommend the most appropriate item for safe mobility.
Once the report is completed and sent to the relevant party, the Occupational Therapist can arrange a quote, invoice or trial of the recommended item.
We take a holistic approach to care and provide education regarding every device we prescribe.
This may include discussing appropriate environments for using the walker and when a wheelchair may be more suitable, where relevant.
We can also provide lower-limb rehabilitation and balance retraining to support declining mobility.
Gait training is provided to help people use their new mobility aid safely and effectively.
Our services are personalised and delivered with a professional, empathetic approach.
We met an NDIS participant living with Multiple Sclerosis who had experienced several falls due to increased spasticity and ataxia in her legs.
She was young and did not want to use a four-wheel walker in the community at that stage of her condition. This was an example of actively listening to the client and considering her preferences.
We trialled several walking aids to help identify an option that supported safe mobility.
The most suitable outcome was a collapsible single-point stick that she considered “cool” while still providing enough support for safe and independent movement at home and in the community.
She shared that she enjoys walking with her stick to a nearby café for a morning coffee.
Total Health Choice is a boutique provider of Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy and Exercise Physiology for adults in Melbourne.
To start your journey with Total Health Choice, please use our referrals or contact page. We look forward to hearing about your goals.
There are numerous factors considered when recommending a walking frame.
This may include a person’s falls history, preferences, the deterioration or progression of symptoms, and age.
A walking frame may be indicated where someone is having difficulty with walking or balance, or has experienced recent repeated falls.
It can also be relevant when a person feels they need to hold onto another person, a wall or furniture around the home to support their balance.
A four-wheel walker is designed for people who:
Walking frames without wheels are generally used on indoor surfaces to provide increased stability, or during the early stages of rehabilitation after surgery or a long period of immobility.
Walking-frame prices vary depending on individual requirements.
For example, someone needing a frame for different terrain may need larger wheels with appropriate grip. Specific indoor and outdoor frames may also be recommended.
Prices may vary depending on safe working loads, suppliers and the materials used in the frame.
During an assessment, Total Health Choice can provide information about equipment, therapy and ongoing support costs.
A clinician can work with the participant on mobility to help ensure they are using the walking aid safely.
It is generally not recommended for someone to lift their walking frame. Instead, the person can be supported to locate an appropriate driveway or ramp to steer the walker down.
Training may include transfers, brake use, public-transport access where relevant, night-time storage, and guidance for care staff.
Using walking frames on escalators is not recommended because it can increase the risk of falls.
When stopped, the brakes on a walking frame should be used.
Speak with Total Health Choice about a mobility assessment, walking-frame prescription, equipment trial and safe-use training.
