Walker Facts

Vascular Dementia
Case Study

Diagnosis:

Vascular Dementia due to multiple mini strokes.

Challenges and Strengths:

• Patient has decreased short term memory, but knew he needs the support of a walker.
• Patient has limited retention for new learning. He would have difficulty learning and using a walker safely.
• Patient had poor dynamic standing balance, but an independent gait pattern.
• The spouse was becoming “burnt out” from supervising and assisting her husband to move safely and independently around the house.
• Both patient and spouse were becoming socially isolated, due to increased difficulty with ambulation in the community.
  
   

Solution:

Basic folding walker frame, accessorized with 4 casters, auto-stop brakes in rear, 5” fixed front wheels. This is a simple to use, lightweight, in-door walker.

When the walker was set at the appropriate height for the patient, it provided the needed support and balance for ambulation on a level surface. By adding the auto-stop brakes, the client did not need to remember or be cued on applying brakes for safety. Installing wheels on the walker capitalized on his automatic use of his independent gait pattern. Fixing the front wheels rather than applying the swivel option provided a balance between manoeuvrability and stability. After training, he no longer needed constant supervision and the spouse was able to return to other activities elsewhere in the home. 

With standby supervision and cuing of the spouse, the patient can walk short outdoor distances over level, smooth ground and transfer in and out of their car. The spouse is able to easily manage the lightweight, simple structure of the walker in and out of the car. He and his wife have re-engaged in a few of their previous community links.