The use of mobility devices among institutionalized older adults.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this article is to examine the demographic, health, and social characteristics of mobility device users in long-term care settings.


METHODS
Data were used from a recently institutionalized sample of older adults from the Canadian Study of Health and Aging. Multinomial logistic regression was used to examine the factors associated with the use of different mobility devices (cane, walker, or wheelchair).


RESULTS
Over 70% used mobility aids (over 50% used a wheelchair). Mobility limitations were strongly associated with the use of mobility devices. However, among those with mobility limitations, educational resources reduced the odds of wheelchair use.


CONCLUSIONS
Consistent with findings from the community setting, need factors are strongly associated with the use of mobility aids in institutions. However, socioeconomic resources may provide older adults with alternate ways to manage mobility limitations in institutional settings.
Clarke
Philippa
P
Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, 426 Thompson Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48106, USA. pjclarke@umich.edu
Chan
Pamela
P
Santaguida
P Lina
PL
Colantonio
Angela
A
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002170:Canada; D002183:Canes / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006233:Persons with Disabilities; D005260:Female; D006295:Health Resources; D006304:Health Status; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007326:Institutionalization; D008297:Male; D009735:Nursing Homes; D012656:Self-Help Devices / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014853:Walkers / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014910:Wheelchairs / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*