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Morbid Obesity/Bariatric
Case Study
Diagnosis:
The patient is a 62 year old female with a diagnosis of Morbid Obesity (330 lbs, 150 kg). Co-morbidities include Coronary Artery Disease, Type 2 Diabetes, Osteoarthritis, and frequent bouts of pneumonia.
Challenges and Strengths:
- Long-standing obesity – most of her life.
- Lives in a wheelchair accessible apartment on the main level of a Seniors Complex.
- Limited walking endurance related to pain in lower extremity joints and fatigue.
- Compromised balance due to lower extremity neuropathies (secondary to diabetes).
- Cognitively intact and able to learn to use a walking aid safely.
- Home Care personal support visits 2x weekly for bathing.
- Depressed.
- Socially isolated, limited family support.
- Groceries are delivered bi-weekly although she can walk the distance to a nearby strip mall.
Solution:
Bariatric Rollator with a weight capacity of up to 500 lbs and ergonomic handles. The walker is constructed for outdoor use. A reinforced “H frame” rather than an “A frame” is required for the greatest strength and stability.
The easy rolling feature of a rollator is required to accommodate her poor exercise tolerance, compromised balance, decreased respiratory capacity, and joint pain. Due to pain in her hands she has decided on ergonomic handles which fit and support her hand joints. The width between the handles is 20" which allows her to sit for rest breaks but still allows for access through most doorways. Her bathroom door is only 21" wide but she is able to hold onto the vanity and make use of strategically placed grab bars while leaving the rollator at the doorway.
The provision of the prescribed rollator has allowed the patient to improve her exercise and activity tolerance. She is no longer gaining weight and her blood sugars are better controlled. The rollator has provided her with a support for her painful joints and a place to rest where she can regain her breath control if this becomes a problem. The patient is now independently entering into the community for short shopping trips at a nearby mall. She walks within the seniors home and can visit with neighboring residents throughout the day. This new-found autonomy and increased social interaction may assist with the feelings of depression that are common in the bariatric population.
Choosing the Right Walker
You’ll need to consider much more than physical ability.
What about the environment and social supports?
Do You Need a Therapist?
And if so, how do you find a therapist?
We have a number of associations you may contact.
Where to Purchase a Walker
You have options and we have recommendations.
There is also financial assistance available to you.
Using a Walker Safely
From basic activities to common mistakes, here’s a guide to help you use your non-wheeled walker or wheeled walker safely and effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
Commonly given answers. Feel free to contact us if you’d like to contribute and help others.
Case Studies
Professionally prepared resources that offer guidance to a successful thought process based on past experiences.
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