Two new mobility tools have entered the market with the goal of preventing falls.
Crest Healthcare Supply announced a partnership with Core Mobility Solutions to make its LifeGlider device widely available.
LifeGlider allows independent, upright, hands-free mobility, the company said. By supporting all or some of the user’s weight, it can prevent falls. It is meant for therapy or as a personal assistive device.
Crest noted that the Life-Glider may be an important tool in the move to the Patient-Driven Payment Model (PDPM) as therapists help deliver “the most effective therapy solution for people needing assistance with walking.” It is geared toward use in patients who are not expected to rely on a walker long-term.
Stepscan Technologies, which is based in the Canadian province of Prince Edward Island, also expanded its use of its mobility product specifically around fall prevention.
Stepscan® gait and balance technology is currently being used for general rehabilitation, pre-surgery planning and post-operative assessment of children with cerebral palsy, stroke rehabilitation, concussion screening and fitting of prosthetic limbs.
But last year, it was approached by a long-term care facility to develop a specific fall assessment software report, said Crystal Trevors, Stepscan Technologies owner and founder.
“The resulting Stepscan mobility assessment tool is capable of measuring and tracking irregularities in gait and balance, easily and quickly, identifying residents or hospitalized patients who are at high risk for falling,” she said. “[It] also presents a screening and monitoring tool that helps ensure patient and resident safety and wellbeing.”
From the March 1, 2019 Issue of McKnight's Long-Term Care News
