Seating Assessment and Management in a Nursing Home Population

Abstract

This paper reports the findings of assessing body alignment and seating of residents in a nursing home. A total of 67 residents were referred for assessment, with the objective of obtaining optimal body alignment and positioning in a wheelchair or other preferred seating device. Intervention was required in 54 percent to improve faulty posture and alignment. The most common sitting problem was pelvic obliquity while sitting on sling seat upholstery in a wheelchair. A solid seat insert with a cushion was the most common recommendation made (31%). An ambulation program was recommended for 13%, and three customized wheelchairs were recommended.