When & Why?
Support safe walking, maintain mobility, encourage independence, and reduce fall risk.
Before You Start
- Review mobility level, weight-bearing restrictions, and care plan.
- Check footwear and assistive devices.
- Clear the walking path.
- Obtain required assistance.
- Assess readiness to stand and walk.
Levels of Assistance
| Level | Description |
|---|---|
| Independent | Resident walks without physical assistance |
| Standby Assist | Caregiver remains nearby for safety |
| One-Person Assist | One caregiver provides prescribed physical assistance |
| Two-Person Assist | Two caregivers provide prescribed assistance |
Important Considerations:
- Follow the care plan for assistance level and equipment.
- Use a gait belt when indicated and safe.
- Report increased or decreased assistance needs.
- Never attempt unsafe manual lifting.
- Stop for dizziness, weakness, pain, or significant fatigue.
Steps
- Explain the activity and prepare the environment.
- Assist the resident to a safe standing position.
- Apply the prescribed gait belt or assistive device.
- Walk alongside the resident using the trained guarding technique.
- Match the resident’s pace and monitor tolerance.
- Assist the resident safely to a seated or resting position.
- Report changes in mobility or assistance needs.
Safety & Observations
- Watch for dizziness, weakness, fatigue, or shortness of breath.
- Do not pull on the resident’s arms.
- Stop and seek help if the resident cannot safely continue.
- Use the fall-response technique taught by your facility.
What Should I Remember?
- Safety before distance.
- Encourage independence when appropriate.
- Never exceed the assistance level permitted by the care plan.
- Report increased assistance requirements.
Related
Practice
- Studied
- Observed
- Practiced
- Passed checkoff
Sources
- CNA Module 5 — Body Mechanics, Transfers & Ambulation
- OSHA — Guidelines for Nursing Homes: Ergonomics
- Facility ambulation and fall-prevention procedures (verify at clinical site)
- Instructor ambulation competency checklist (verify during training)
Flashcards
What must be checked before ambulating a resident?03-application / clinical-skills
Answer
Care plan, assistance level, weight-bearing status, and tolerance.
What symptoms require stopping ambulation and seeking help?03-application / clinical-skills
Answer
New dizziness, weakness, pain, or instability.