Home Health Equipment for Children: 4 Common Kinds of Pediatric Equipment
Written by Carrie Cheung, Student Occupational Therapist
Childhood should be a time for exploration, play, and friendships. However, kiddos living with a physical disability may find it difficult to take part in activities that other children may take for granted. Activities like going on a neighbourhood walk, eating independently, and completing a tabletop activity with peers may be challenging for those with physical disabilities. For some kiddos, adaptive equipment can make a huge difference in their everyday life by helping them participate in these activities and more.
If you are interested in learning more about adaptive equipment, you can read our Adaptive Equipment blog post which talks about this more-in depth.
In this blog post, we’ll go over 4 types of common pediatric home health equipment and their uses. These are adaptive seats, walkers and gait trainers, standing frames, and adaptive bicycles.
Please note: Every child is unique and will have different equipment needs. Age, developmental level, the nature of the disability, other medical concerns, the activities of interest, the home and school environment and more, are all factors that should be considered when acquiring a piece of equipment. Please consult an occupational therapist or another healthcare professional to determine which equipment is most appropriate for your child. You can find an occupational therapist through CAOT, one of AssistList’s partners, on our partners page.
- Adaptive seating
First off… what is adaptive seating? Adaptive seating is any equipment that helps individuals sit in a comfortable, safe, and functional position. Adaptive seating may be useful if a child is unable to hold their body upright on their own. There are many types of adaptive seating and many factors to consider when acquiring this for your child, including the child’s size, strength and endurance, postural differences, and more. Some adaptive seating devices simply look like miniature chairs. Others involve molded plastic and buckles, or contoured cushioning and body supports. The different features are designed for different spaces, activities, and physical needs.
Why bother with adaptive seating? Well, imagine if you had to do all your day-to-day tasks lying down or in a recliner — how uncomfortable would that be? Effective adaptive seating can help children do the things they need and want to do, whether at home, in the community, or at school, regardless of their ability to sit up independently. When children are supported by their seating, they can focus their attention on their interactions with others and the world, instead of how their body is positioned.
Walkers and gait trainers
Pediatric walkers and gait trainers are similar in purpose as they help children walk more steadily and for longer periods of time. A unique feature of gait trainers is a sling. A sling helps children to stand by supporting some of the child’s weight.
One of the more unique types of pediatric walkers is the posterior walker, which supports children from behind. This frees up the space in front of children so that they can get closer to their play surfaces and peers. This is important because the ability to explore the world and form social connections is essential for children’s cognitive and social development.
Pediatric walkers and gait trainers can increase independence and give children the opportunity to explore the world.
Standing frames
A standing frame is exactly what the name says — a frame that helps individuals stand. Although standing may not seem like a big deal, it is actually important for several reasons! These reasons include, but is not limited to proper hip joint development, improved blood pressure and circulation, digestion, and the development of strong bones and muscles.1–2 Importantly, standing also increases what children are able to see and reach — which is essential for interacting with the world.
Adaptive bikes/tricycles
Kids living with physical disabilities also love to be outdoors. Adaptive bikes and tricycles come in many forms and can be used independently by children or with the help of their parents. Some feature seating that improves stability. Some use technology that makes pedaling easier for those who have difficulty with coordination. Others have guards or straps that improve safety for children whose legs are at risk of getting caught on a traditional bike.
Here in Vancouver, where AssistList is based, biking is an important leisure activity for many families. An adaptive bike or tricycle could be a fun way to encourage exercise and increase bonding time with the family.
Home health equipment can make a huge improvement to a child’s life. List your unneeded pediatric equipment today, set an email alert for the equipment you’re on the lookout for, or browse our offerings today! If you are unsure of where to start, check out our blog article on how to sell/donate home health equipment on AssistList
-Carrie
References
- Macias-Merlo L, Bagur-Calafat C, Girabent-Farrés M, A. Stuberg W. Effects of the standing program with hip abduction on hip acetabular development in children with spastic diplegia cerebral palsy. Disabil Rehabil. 2015;38(11):1075–1081. doi:10.3109/09638288.2015.1100221
- MacKelvie K. Is there a critical period for bone response to weight-bearing exercise in children and adolescents? a systematic review * Commentary. Br J Sports Med. 2002;36(4):250–257. doi:10.1136/bjsm.36.4.250
