Domiciliary Equipment Service
Domiciliary Equipment Service
Fact sheet
Walking and Quad sticks
January 2013
Check for latest e-version, as photocopies may be out of date: Released 05/02/2013 Phone: 1300 295 786 Fax: 1300 295 839 Email: Page 1 of 2
Domiciliary Equipment Service Walking and Quad sticks Fact sheet
Features
- May have adjustable height.
- May have rounded or “T” shaped handle.
- Some can fold up.
- Quad sticks have 4-pronged base which may be large or small
Instructions for Use
- Ensure the walking stick/quad stick has been adjusted to your height by a therapist.
- When walking, ensure the base of the stick/quad stick is no more than approximately 20cm out from your feet.
- Try to keep your walking pattern as normal as possible.
- If using quad stick, keep the prongs on the base facing away from your side.
- When using a quad stick, make sure that all four prongs are flat on the ground when walking.
Steps/Kerbs
- Before starting, get up close to the step/kerb.
- To go up: step up with the stronger leg, then follow with the weaker leg and the stick.
- To go down: place your stick down first, follow with your weaker leg then your stronger leg.
- Where a rail is available, hold the rail with one hand and stick/quad stick with the other.
- Some quad sticks may have too wide a base to place onto a step in which case use the rail for support.
Precautions
- Notify your main contact person if you are unsure about using the walking stick/quad stick, or if the height feels uncomfortable.
- When going up/down step or kerb make sure the base of the stick is not too close to the edge of the step.
- Avoid rushing or turning quickly when using the stick/quad stick.
- Avoid slippery/wet floors where possible.
- Where using a quad stick, make sure that all 4 prongs are in contact with the floor when walking.
General Care and Maintenance
Do not use in the shower. Notify your service provider if you notice any of the following:
- handgrip becoming worn
- parts loosening or rusting
- rubber(s) on base becoming worn
- you start to develop any pressure areas on your hand from using the stick
Weight Tolerance
Equipment is weight tested to Australian Standards and has limited weight tolerances. If you experience significant weight gain the equipment may become unsafe, please advise DES if you have significantly gained weight.
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 corrective 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 your service provider to report the problem. Alternatively you may call DOMICILIARY EQUIPMENT SERVICE on
Ph: 1300 295 786 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 05/02/2013 Phone: 1300 295 786 Fax: 1300 295 839 Email: Page 1 of 2