8.12 Skills Checklist: Ambulation From Wheelchair
1. Gather Supplies: Gait belt, wheelchair, nonskid footwear, and assistive devices if needed (walker or cane)
2. Routine Pre-Procedure Steps:
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- Knock on the client’s door.
- Perform hand hygiene.
- Introduce yourself and identify the resident.
- Maintain respectful, courteous, and professional communication at all times. Provide for privacy.
- Provide for privacy. Explain the procedure to the client.
- Explain the procedure to the client.
3. Procedure Steps:
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- Check the brakes on the wheelchair to ensure they are locked.
- Verify the resident is wearing nonskid footwear.
- Properly place the gait belt around the resident’s waist.
- Check the gait belt for tightness by slipping your fingers between the gait belt and the resident.
- Ask the resident if they feel dizzy or light-headed.
- Face the resident and place each of your feet in front of the resident’s feet to prevent them from slipping.
- Instruct the resident to push up on the wheelchair arms on the count of three to assist with standing.
- Count to three and assist the resident to a standing position.
- Provide the resident’s assistive device, as needed.
- Move to the weak side of the resident, slightly behind them. Hold the gait belt with your palms and fingertips pointing upwards.
- Stabilize the resident as they ambulate for the desired duration.
- Assist the resident to pivot/turn in front of the wheelchair.
- Ensure the wheelchair brakes are locked.
- Instruct the resident to grasp the arms of the wheelchair when the back of their knees touch the wheelchair seat.
- Assist the resident to a seated position in the wheelchair.
- Remove the gait belt.
- Release the wheelchair brakes.
4. Post-Procedure Steps:
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- Check on resident comfort and ask if anything else is needed.
- Ensure the bed is low and locked. Check the brakes.
- Place the call light or signaling device within reach of the resident.
- Open the door and privacy curtain.
- Perform hand hygiene.
- Document and report any skin issues, pain with movement, or any other changes noted with the resident.
View a YouTube video[1] of an instructor demonstration of ambulation from a wheelchair:
- Chippewa Valley Technical College. (2022, December 3). Ambulation From a Wheelchair. [Video]. YouTube. Video licensed under CC BY 4.0. https://youtu.be/jtj95sPrc_k ↵