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Benefits of Ambulation-Part II

LTC Nursing Assistant Trainer, September 22, 2005

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Ambulation provides a range of physical and mental benefits to residents, who vary in the degree of assistance they require. Some residents are able to ambulate by themselves, some need assistance from CNAs, and some require assistive devices. CNAs should always make the resident's safety their number one priority. The following is a general procedure for assisting residents before, during, and after ambulation.

Before ambulation

1. Obtain needed information from the resident's care plan.
2. Check with your immediate supervisor for specific instructions.
3. Wash your hands.
4. Assemble necessary equipment and bring it to the bedside.
5. Identify the resident, introduce yourself, and tell him or her what you plan to do.
6. Provide for the resident's privacy.
7. Make certain that the resident's bed is lowered and locked in place.
8. Assist the resident to a sitting position on the side of the bed.
9. Let the resident sit on the side of the bed for a few minutes.
10. Take the resident's pulse.
11. If pulse rate is outside the normal range for that resident, return him or her to a lying position and notify your supervisor.
12. Encourage the resident to take a few deep breaths and ask whether he or she feels dizzy or faint.
13. If resident does not feel dizzy or faint, help put on his or her robe and sturdy shoes.

During ambulation (without assistive devices)

1. Place one hand under the resident's arm and the other hand around his or her waist.
2. Move slowly, at the resident's pace.
3. If the resident starts to fall, step quickly behind and allow his or her body to slide slowly down the front of your body. Trying to hold up the resident may result in injury to both of you.

After ambulation

1. Assist the resident to a chair and make him or her comfortable.
2. Place a call light within reach.
3. Leave the area neat and clean.
4. Clean and return any equipment to its proper place.
5. Report any significant observations.

In next week's LTC Nursing Assistant Trainer, we will look at ambulation with assistive devices, including procedures for canes, walkers, and gait belts. Later, we will also examine ambulation with more than one CNA, and each assistant's role in helping the resident ambulate.

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