Hello David: Nice hearing from you. One of the reason we tried the cane is in fact because the walker is too cumbersome and complex in the house. The cane is much simpler for her. Interestingly, I've instructed that the care giver is too work with the patient on safe use WITH the cane. I am working on the patient not using any AD. It is not our goal that the patient walk without an AD, but I believe that non-AD training will greatly improve her safety and stability with the AD. She has demonstrated correct sequencing and proper use of the cane so she knows how to use it.
Honestly, this is a very complex situation. She really wants to use the cane, she has demonstrated that she is physically and cognitively able to use the cane but she is afraid. I believer that her fear is disproportion to her abilities and desires. I am not downplaying her fear, it's real, but the fear is preventing her success. She has fallen and she is at risk to fall, but her fear increases her risk. Does that make sense. I have suggested to her that despite her stated desire of being independent with a cane, the reality appears that she may be best served with a walker. But a walker is not a panacea because she uses it incorrectly (i.e. climbing over the wheels, etc) ----- Original Message ----- From: Lehman, David <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Friday, September 07, 2007 To: [email protected] <[email protected]> Subj: [OTlist] Overcoming Fear During Mobility LD> I agree with you Ron...we only overcome our fears by attempting the task LD> and succeeding. As for balance control, the same holds true and also LD> one must "fall" to learn how to regain balance control.....so, maybe use LD> a "secure" environment (i.e. things to grab on or mats to fall on, and LD> give challenges while she walks with cane (i.e. changing positions, LD> shoving her, people walking in front of her, etc)...also, maybe she will LD> do better without a cane - maybe the cane just adds more complexity to LD> the task LD> David A. Lehman, PhD, PT LD> Associate Professor LD> Tennessee State University LD> Department of Physical Therapy LD> 3500 John A. Merritt Blvd. LD> Nashville, TN 37209 LD> 615-963-5946 LD> [EMAIL PROTECTED] LD> -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/[email protected] ************************************************************************************** Enroll in Boston University's post-professional Master of Science for OTs Online. Gain the skills and credentials to propel your career. www.otdegree.com/otn **************************************************************************************
