Quote Originally Posted by Maes Seren View Post
Hi, I was hoping someone could give me a hand in thinking of things I can do with my patient who has decreased confidence. He's currently walking with hand assistance of one, but is usually independent. I've been trying to encourage a few extra steps each time in encouraging his independence with me alongside, however this is proving difficult! Said patient also has moderate learning difficulties.

I have access to limited gadgets, as he's an inpatient, we have long wards to walk up, I have tried using a stick with him but without success.
I had a similar patient. We practised walking daily in parallel bars, so that his anxiety would lessen due to the presence of the bars. We encouraged him to walk at first holding onto both bars, then one, then none. His confidence quickly improved and soon he was able to walk independently with a stick.

Always worth a go if you have access to parallel bars, if not, you could always try two sticks, and then progression onto one?

Hope this helps