Prevalence and predictors of need for seating intervention and mobility for persons in long-term care

Can J Aging. 2007 Fall;26(3):195-204. doi: 10.3138/cja.26.3.195.

Abstract

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to (a) determine the prevalence of need for wheel-chair seating intervention in two long-term care facilities in Vancouver, BC, (b) determine the extent of the residents' independent mobility within these facilities, and (c) explore the relationship between proper wheel-chair seating and positioning and independent mobility. The study population comprised 99 wheel-chair-using older adults. Four trained raters assessed need for seating intervention, using the Seating Identification Tool, and quantified extent and frequency of wheel-chair mobility, using the Nursing Home Life-Space Diameter. Results indicated that (a) there was a low need (overall 22%) for wheel-chair seating intervention in the two facilities, (b) half of the residents were independently mobile in their own rooms and on their units, but independent mobility decreased when greater distances needed to be travelled, and (c) the need for wheel-chair seating intervention was the only significant predictor of extent of independent mobility. These findings suggest that, where there are dedicated staff and equipment resources, the need for wheel-chair seating intervention can be minimized and independent mobility for long-term care residents maximized.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Activities of Daily Living
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Canada / epidemiology
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Geriatric Assessment*
  • Homes for the Aged*
  • Humans
  • Long-Term Care / organization & administration
  • Male
  • Needs Assessment*
  • Nursing Homes*
  • Persons with Disabilities / statistics & numerical data*
  • Prevalence
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Wheelchairs* / psychology
  • Wheelchairs* / standards