Lorraine Poulos

33 Mobility Being alert for changes in gait & mobility 1 2 3 4 Know your client’s health baseline: • Understanding their chronic conditions that can impact on mobility changes • Know their walking aids, how and when they should be used • Ensure their environment is clear of obstacles or clutter that may impact on risk of falls Health assessment: • Check their manual handling instructions and footwear • Review medications • Undertake pain assessment • Review blood pressure (lying and standing) and pulse • Ensure lighting is adequate for their environment • Check if there are reports of new skin tears / bruising • Assess safe transfer ability and use of aids Observations: • Unsteady gait • Changes to posture (e.g. leaning to one side, limping) • Increased breathlessness on exertion • Increased swelling of joints • Altered function in dressing Document in the Client Journal: • Document changes or concerns Guide for consumers, carers and workers