Mobility Decline Prevention
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Modules - Mobility Decline Prevention
SUGGESTIONS FOR SUCCESS
Finding staff time for the walking program was the hard part (see Step 2). The next step is relatively easy: Certified nurse aides (CNAs) should take walks with the residents. In our evaluation, we found that residents enjoyed the walking program, and their compliance rate showed this: On average, residents walked four out of five days per week over a 22-week period (1).
Below are suggestions for bolstering compliance rates and enhancing resident enjoyment in your program. Be sure to share these recommendations with the CNAs who will be walking with residents.
- To the extent possible, let residents choose the time of day for their walk (for more on this, see the previous section).
- Let residents set their own pace. Speed is not the point here. It's all about the effort.
- Let residents choose the walking route whenever possible. Some residents may prefer to choose a destination for their walk rather than circle the halls.
- Set goals for walking. We recommend setting goals based on the amount of time walked as opposed to distance walked. Each week note the resident's maximum (or alternatively average) daily walk time. In the next week, encourage the resident to increase that time by a few minutes. Expect walk times to level out after 10-12 weeks.
- Converse during the walk. One study found that conversation significantly improved compliance with an assisted walking program (2). Our guess is it made for a more pleasant activity.
- Provide reassurance, praise, encouragement, and verbal goal reminders to get residents up and keep them walking. A little cheering can help a lot. However, end the walk if the resident complains twice of fatigue or a need to stop.
- Walk in groups; the extra company may motivate some residents. (For more on this, see the previous section.)
- Forego walking if the resident feels sick or is in pain. A registered nurse should assess these residents for possible treatment.
- Reassess residents whose walk times decline consistently over a period of days. These residents should be assessed by a registered nurse or their physician to determine the cause for the decline in function.
CNAs can use our walking log to record the outcomes of each daily session.
Click here to view the walking log.
Most walking program descriptions end here, with the image of CNAs and residents casually strolling down the hall, enjoying each others' company. Not our description. Please read on.
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