Assistive Devices Program

ACHIEVA HEALTH Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists will assess you to determine the best mobility device for your needs to ensure optimal independence

Assistive Devices Program

ACHIEVA HEALTH will provides a comprehensive Assessment which will meet your specific goals and needs.
ACHIEVA HEALTH's qualified and experienced Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists are certified ADP Authorizers.
ACHIEVA HEALTH's individualized approach to care ensures that the devices chosen are tailored to meet your specific requirements.
ACHIEVA HEALTH will assess your cognitive and physical abilities to select the best device for you.
ACHIEVA HEALTH's ADP Assessments will promote optimal mobility and independence.
ACHIEVA HEALTH will recommend the best mobility device to enhance your quality of life
ACHIEVA HEALTH's Assistive Devices Program is designed to empower you to regain and maintain optimal independence.
ACHIEVA HEALTH ADP Authorizers will professionally, respectfully, and promptly assess and prescribe the appropriate Wheelchairs, Seating, Cushions, Walkers, Canes to optimize your mobility, independence and Activities of Daily Living.

Long Term Care

Achieva Health provides physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech language pathology services to residents which will improve their strength, balance, range of motion and mobility to live more independently.

ADP Process

If you believe you may qualify and be eligible for an assistive device that is funded by the Ministry of Health Assistive Devices Program (ADP), please contact ACHIEVA HEALTH to schedule an Assessment with an Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist ADP Authorizer.
You will be assessed for a Mobility Device that best suits your needs such as a wheelchair, walker, cane or seating/cushion.
ACHIEVA HEALTH will schedule a comprehensive Assessment with a specialized and experienced Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist who is qualified and certified to perform the ADP Assessment.
The Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist ADP Authorizer will screen you to determine if you are eligible for ADP.
If you are eligible, the Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist will inform you of the ADP process and obtain consent.
The Ministry will pay 75% and you are responsible to pay the remaining 25% of the cost of the Assistive Device.
Once consent is received, you will choose a “Vendor” and a convenient date/time is scheduled for the ADP Assessment
The Assessment is scheduled when the Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist ADP Authorizer and the Vendor of choice are available to perform the comprehensive Assessment which will determine the best device for your needs
Once the ADP Assessment is completed, the Occupational Therapist/Physiotherapist ADP Authorizer will work with the “Vendor of Choice” to order the appropriate Mobility Device and complete the ADP application forms
When the Mobility Device is delivered, there will be a trial period when the ADP Authorizer will complete a Re-Assessment to confirm the Mobility Device is appropriate for you

Tips for Walkers and Wheelchairs

Proper use of walking aids are important for prevent falls. Walking is an excellent form of exercise and is essential for cardiovascular training, maintenance of balance and coordination, and the prevention of falls.
Education of Staff, Residents and Families about Falls Prevention Strategies and the proper use of walking aids is critical.

Walking with different gait patterns

Parkinson’s

characterized by forward bent posture and slow, shuffling gait

Gait Techniques:

Encourage a wide base of support
Use rhythmic techniques
Provide rests after certain distances
Encourage consistent and predicable breaks
Encourage pursed-lip breathing techniques

Stroke

characterized by paralysis, spasticity, poor balance and instability.

Gait Techniques:

Promote activities that strengthen the affected side
Promote use of a quad cane or other mobility device to encourage walking
Alternate walking and periods with rest periods
Promote balance exercises with resting breaks

Arthritis

characterized by fatigue, decreased range of motion, and loss of strength and endurance.

Gait Techniques:

Alternate activity periods with rest periods
Promote the use of a mobility aid to increase endurance
Manage pain with modalities and techniques that decrease stress on the joints

Joint Replacement

characterized by decreased Range of Motion and Strength

Gait Techniques:

Restore Strength, Balance and Range of Motion
Progress from feather weight-bearing, to full weight-bearing walking
Use a mobility aid as required
Increase endurance and greater walking distance

Mobility Devices

Canes

Widen the “base of support”
Held in the opposite hand to affected leg
Top of cane should reach the crease of wrist with a slight bend in the elbow

Walkers

Offer stability and security
Top of walker should reach the crease of wrist with a slights bend in the elbow

When Using A Mobility Device

Promote good posture (stand up straight with eyes looking forward NOT downward).
Encourage the Resident to walk slowly
Remind the Resident to stand safely (i.e. not using the walker to pull themselves up)
Monitor the device for wear and tear (brakes, wheels, handles).

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