Walking Frame Prescription
There are different types of AT items to facilitate safe mobilisation within the home and in the community to promote independence, one of which is a walking frame.
Total Health Choice employs passionate and dedicated Occupational Therapists who visit individuals at their home. We perform comprehensive assessments and will consider the mobility device (or a combination of equipment) to best assist our client’s mobility to allow them to live their best life!
We work with adults (over 14 years of age) with a variety of funding types. Total Health Choice was established in 2011 with the values of Trust, Compassion & Care.
Mobile Occupational Therapy
Types of Walking Aids
- Single Point Stick (SPS)
- 2 Wheel Walker
- 4 Wheel Walker (4WW)
- 2 Point Stick
- 4 Point stick
- Pick up frame
- Forearm crutches
- Gutter frame
Who is Appropriate for a Mobility Assessment?
A mobility assessment to ascertain which of the above items would be required is appropriate for individuals who have decreased mobility or are a falls risk. This may be relevant to:
- Older adults
- Homecare package clients
- Residential aged care members
- NDIS participants living at any home
- Those recovering from surgery or rehabilitating an injury
A walking aid is a wonderful intervention to allow individuals to increase their mobility and independence. They are helpful both at the person’s residence as well as accessing the community.
Working with Total Health Choice
Both our Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists are capable of prescribing walking aids.
We visit our amazing clients at their home to complete a functional assessment and make a recommendation for the appropriate item in regards to safe ambulation.
Once the report has been completed and sent to the relevant party, the OT will offer to arrange a quote, invoice or trial the relevant item.
We pride ourselves on a holistic approach to patient care and provide education regarding any device we prescribe.
In this instance, it may be education regarding appropriate environments to use the walker and when to use a wheelchair if at all necessary.
We also provide lower limb rehabilitation, balance retraining and more to assist with declining mobility. Finally, we will provide gait training to ensure an individual is using their new mobility aid effectively and safely.
Our services are very personalised and you can count on a professional and empathetic experience when working with our team.
Improving the Mobility of Our Community
We recently met a lovely NDIS participant with Multiple Sclerosis who had experienced a few falls due to increased spasticity and ataxia of the muscles in her legs.
This participant was young and did not want to mobilise with a 4WW in the community at this stage in her disease progression. This is an example of Total Health Choice actively listening to our clients and catering for their preferences.
We tried numerous walking aids to ensure that she was safe with whichever aid we chose.
The best outcome for this participant was that we were able to find a collapsible single-point-stick that looked “cool” and was able to provide her with enough support to mobilise safely and independently in the home and community.
She told us her favourite activity is to go for a walk with her stick to the cafe nearby for a morning coffee!
Contact Total Health Choice
Total Health Choice is a boutique provider of Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy and Exercise Physiology to adults in Melbourne. Please note:
- We are registered providers with the NDIS
- Our clinicians uphold our values of Trust, Compassion and Care
- We are receptive to feedback and serving you to the best of our ability
- We are committed to your health and outcomes
To start your journey with Total Health Choice, please use our referrals or contact pages. We look forward to hearing about your meaningful goals.
Walking Frame Prescription FAQ
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Why is a walking frame considered over a walking stick or wheelchair?
There are numerous factors to be taken in consideration when recommending a walking frame.
This may be an individual’s history of falls, preferences, the deterioration or progression of their symptoms as well as their age.
A walking frame may be indicated for an individual who is displaying difficulty walking/balancing or has experienced recent repeated falls.
It is usually evident in individuals who feel they need to “hold onto” something whether it be another person or the wall or furniture around the home to support their balance.
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Why do some walking frames have wheels and others have no wheels?
A 4WW is a walker with wheels that is designed for people who;
- Can walk reasonable well but need extra support over longer distances
- Are at a risk of falling when walking
- Have difficulties with balance, strength, endurance or coordination
- Are able to control both the wheels and brakes effectively
When using a walker without wheels, these are generally used for indoor surfaces to provide increased stability when mobilising or for the initial rehabilitation process post surgery or long period of immobility.
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Is there variance in walking frame prices? What are the features of a basic vs an advanced one?
There are different prices depending on the requirements of a walking frame.
If an individual needs a walking frame for different terrain, then the wheels would usually be bigger with appropriate grip.
There are specific indoor and outdoor walking frames which can be recommended.
Prices can be varied depending on safe working loads, different suppliers as well as the metal on the frames.
Upon visiting you, Total Health Choice will provide costs, including equipment, therapy and ongoing support.
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What training will the user receive (i.e. navigating gutters and driveways) ?
A clinician will generally work with a participant on their mobility to ensure they are safe and ongoing training will be provided.
It is not recommended for an individual to lift their walking frame, rather find an appropriate driveway or ramp to steer the walker down.
We will also train the user on how to transfer, use the brakes, board public transport (if necessary), how to store it at night and relevant information for care staff.
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Are walking frames suitable for escalators?
Using walking frames on escalators would not be recommended as this can increase the risk of falls.
When stopped, the breaks on a walking frame should be used.