Assistive Devices

1. Assistive devices are effective only for patients with long-term injuries or permanent disabilities.

2. A ___________________ would NOT be considered an assistive device.

3. What could be a reason that a patient would need to use a mobility aid?

4. If a mobility device isn’t fitted properly, it can prove not only uncomfortable but also unsafe for a patient.

5. A wheelchair that fits a patient well and is in good condition should:

6. A safe practice for patients who use ambulation devices is _____________________ .

a. stooping over the device to maintain balance
b. walking on throw rugs rather than floored surfaces, as they provide more cushioning in the case of falls
c. Replacing a walker or cane’s rubber tips when they become worn to improve traction
d. Lining walkways with extension cords, which can double as cordons for dangerous areas

7. Patients can sometimes become frustrated with their hearing aids when they _____________________________.

a. experience the painful amplification of sounds from certain daily-use devices, like hair dryers and electric shavers
b. have difficulty gripping the devices’ small batteries
c. forget how to adjust the volume
d. all of the above

8. What can home health staff do to help patients care for their hearing aids?

a. Clean them with thin, pliable objects, like toothpicks or paperclips
b. Store them in the refrigerator to prevent their sensitive internal electronics from overheating
c. Use hairspray as an adhesive when they won’t stay in a patient’s ears
d. Ensure they are regularly supplied with fresh batteries for optimum performance

9. Assistive devices used simply to make ADLs easier for patients are often called _______________________________.

10. Which of the following behaviors should home health staff NOT engage in?

a. Facilitating patients’ proper and safe usage of assistive devices
b. Educating patients about why adjustments can’t be made to their devices, even if they are experiencing discomfort
c. Reporting improper or lack of device usage to supervisors
d. Maintaining, cleaning, and caring for devices