Walker use, but not falls, is associated with lower physical functioning and health of residents in an assisted-living environment

Abstract

The relationship between perceived health and walker use has seldom been addressed. Concerns over falls and falls risk are precursors to walker use. We compared the SF-36 scores of 26 women and 14 men, mean age 86.8 ± 6.0 years based on walker use and faller status. An analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) with age as the covariate, compared groups for the SF-36 constructs and totals score. Significant differences were noted between walker users and nonusers in physical functioning, role limitations due to physical problems, general health, and the total SF-36 score. Pairwise comparisons favored nonusers, while no differences were seen due to faller status. Walker use is associated with lower self-perceptions of physical functioning, role limitations due to physical problems, and general health in assisted-living residents. Faller status is not associated with self-perceived health status. Although walker use aids mobility and lowers the probability of falls, further research is needed to determine if the prescription of assistive devices has a more negative impact on self-perceived health than does falling. This possibility could be explained, in part, by the greater activity levels of those individuals who do not depend on walkers.

Unintentional Fall Injuries Associated with Walkers and Canes in Older Adults Treated in U.S. Emergency Departments

“…People who use walkers are weaker, frailer, and have poorer balance and greater mobility limitations than those who use canes. 22,23 This is reflected in their uniformly higher injury rates. A higher proportion of people using canes than of those using walkers sustained arm or hand injuries.…”

Besoins, usages, bénéfices–inconvénients, bonnes pratiques et perspectives en matière de déambulateurs chez les sujets âgés dépendants

“…La satisfaction globale des patients détenteurs d'un déambulateur est cependant élevée, comprise entre 81 et 92 % [12,18]. Les sujets marchant avec un déambulateur ont toutefois une moins bonne perception de leur santé [21]. Ce sentiment peut avoir des conséquences physiques et psychologiques non négligeables en termes de récupération fonctionnelle [21].…”

“…Les sujets marchant avec un déambulateur ont toutefois une moins bonne perception de leur santé [21]. Ce sentiment peut avoir des conséquences physiques et psychologiques non négligeables en termes de récupération fonctionnelle [21]. Différents types et modèles de déambulateurs existent [22].…”

A study on the formation of a measurement scale for the environmental quality of Taiwan’s long-term care institutions by the Delphi method

“…First of all, the installation of equipment related to the prevention of infectious disease can reduce the occurrence of such diseases and thereby ensure the residents' physical safety (Cohen-Mansfield and Biddison 2005;Gisselbrecht 2004;Smith et al 2008;Thompson et al 1997;Garibaldi 1999). Secondly, when provided by institutions, barrier-free equipment and environments, as well as equipment to prevent falls, improved the residents' safety in their daily lives (Andersen et al 2007;Clarke and Nieuwenhuijsen 2009;Cooper and Hasselkus 1992;Crews and Zavotka 2006;Davies et al 1997;Hoenig et al 2003;Mann et al 1999;Marquardt and Schmieg 2009;Maurer et al 2005;Moos and Lemke 1980;Rubenstein et al 1994;Sebring-Cale 2008;Shroyer 1994;Holmes-Siedle 1996). Thirdly, the management's ability to provide and manage equipment for emergent disasters can also protect residents' lives and safety (Qureshi et al 2005;Relling 2004;Wang 2008;Chen and Yu 1998;Chien and Chen 2007;Dosa et al 2007;Fernandez et al 2002;Hsiao 2006).…”