Domiciliary Equipment Service Fact sheet Axillary and elbow crutches

February 2013

Features  Adjustable height.  Elbow crutches may also have adjustable forearm support.  Axillary crutches also have adjustable hand piece.

Instructions for Use Ensure crutches have been adjusted to your height by a therapist. Do not adjust yourself. When walking, ensure base of crutches are no more than approximately 20cm out from your feet. Where able, try to keep your walking pattern as normal as possible (following the weight bearing instructions given by your doctor/ therapist). Up and down from chair Standing up: Place both crutches in one hand, then use your free hand to push up from chair. Once standing, take back one crutch with free hand before walking. Sitting down: Ensure backs of your legs are touching the chair. Place both crutches in one hand then reach for chair with your free hand to lower yourself down.

Steps and kerbs: Before starting, get as close as possible to edge of the step or kerb. To go up: keep crutches and weak leg on bottom step; step up with stronger leg, then follow with weak leg and crutches. To go down: bring your crutches down first, then follow with your weak leg, then your stronger leg.

General Care & Maintenance :

Crutches are not to be used in the shower and please contact your service pro vider if you notice any of the following:  Parts loosening or rusting.  Rubbers on base or hand grips of crutches becoming worn.

Check for latest e-version, as photocopies may be out of date: Released 20/02/2013 Phone: 1300 295 786 Fax: 1300 295 839 Email: [email protected] Page 1 of 2  Pressure areas start to develop on your hands, forearms or rib cage from using the crutches.  You develop pins and needles in your hand/s.  If handgrips become dirty, wipe down with a damp cloth. Notify your service provider if you require further instruction by a therapist regarding use of your crutches.

Precautions

 When going up or down kerbs/steps, ensure the base of your crutches are not too close to the edge or start of the step/kerb.  If using the axillary crutches, put your weight through the hand supports NOT under the arm pits.  Avoid rushing, turning quickly or walking backwards.  Avoid carrying loads in hands while using the crutches.  The crutches should only be used by the person for whom they have been prescribed.  Avoid slippery/wet floors and uneven ground where possible.

Weight Tolerance

Equipment is weight tested to Australian Standards and has limited weight tolerances. If you experience signif icant weight gain the equipment may become unsafe, please advise DES if you have significantly gained weig ht.

Your Rights and Responsibilities

You should receive a quality service, delivered in a safe and competent manner. Please inform us promptly of any change in your circumstances or if you experience any problems with your equipment or service so that co rrective action may be taken at an early stage. Please take care of any equipment provided to you and let us know when you no longer require it.

General Enquiries

If you experience problems with your equipment and it has been hired for you by another agency, please call y our service provider to report the problem. Alternatively you may call DOMICILIARY EQUIPMENT SERVICE o n:

Ph: 1300 286 786 or Fax: 1300 295 839 For Repairs & Maintenance: Ph: 1300 130 302

Check for latest e-version, as photocopies may be out of date: Released 20/02/2013 Phone: 1300 295 786 Fax: 1300 295 839 Email: [email protected] Page 2 of 2