Page 26 - Mobility Management, March 2018

Clinically Speaking Series
Creating Assessment Success
Q: Ideally, who do you like to include/invite to the assessment besides the client? For example, do you want caregivers to be part of the discussion? Clinicians from other specialties? Why?
A: Anyone involved in the care of the end user is helpful to have in the assessment.
A good example of this is a school therapist. Although they may not be directly doing the seating evaluation, they can provide insight into our client’s needs when they are at school. For example, does Johnny need a tray to perform school activ- ities, or does he pull up to a table? What is the height of that table top that he needs to t under? How far does Johnny need to propel within a school day? Does he do this independently, or does he have help?
If I only have access to a parent, or home caregiver, I may miss some important details and make equipment choices that work for the home, but not his life at school.
Q: If a clinician is new to the seating and mobility evaluation, what can he/she do to prepare?
A: Seek out resources! Utilize a local ATP who can help with the process and justi cation requirements. And reach out to your nearest seating clinic to see if you can shadow and spend time in
WheelAble
the clinic. Seasoned therapists will love to share their knowledge and experience, and it’s a great way to gain real life experience. And lastly, Permobil is actively developing courses and resources to equip new therapists in the provision of seating and wheeled mobility. We have people dedicated to equipping new therapists from the basic principles to more complex. We would love to hear from you! m
For videos and blog posts on how to conduct seating assessments, go to blog.comfortcompany.com. Recent posts from Stacey Mullis and Ana Endsjo, MOTR/L,
CLT, have included “Posterior Pelvic Tilt: Palpating
the Pelvis”; “Pelvic Obliquity: Palpating the Pelvis”;
and “Performing the Mat Evaluation: Palpating Body Landmarks.” As Endsjo says in a post, “Often it is at the mat evaluation where you gain the client’s trust or lose their faith forever because it is an intimate moment and area where you are placing your hands. We want them to feel con dent in our skills and trust our judgment and future recommendations.”
WheelAble
Collapsible, wheel-able,
for the spontaneous traveler Collapsible, wheel-able,
Roflloinrgthceosmpmonotdaeneaonuds traveler shower chair that folds
Rolling commode and
compactly and packs into shower chair that folds
accaormrypbacatgly.Fanitdspoavcekrsmintost
staancdarrdy btoagile. Ftsit,soorvreorlmlsost
standard toilets, or rolls into shower stalls.
into shower stalls.
1-888-347-4537 | www.clarkehealthcare.com
1-888-347-4537 | www.clarkehealthcare.com
24 MARCH 2018 | MOBILITY MANAGEMENT
MobilityMgmt.com
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