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Power Mobility and Safety Concerns Power mobility can enhance participation in daily activities as well as recreational pursuits for individuals in long-term care. The devices can also pose safety concerns, which must be addressed. The majority of participants opt to take a teleological approach and provide all residents with the chance to try the device, instead of restrict residents with certain diagnosis which could be considered an unfair risk management. Mobility A power mobility device is an option for those with limited mobility to move about their home or community and also to take part in activities of daily living that they would not be able to perform. These devices could be a danger not just to the person using them, but also to those who share their space or environment. Occupational therapists must carefully examine each client's safety requirements to make the most appropriate recommendations for powered mobility. In an exploratory study conducted by OTs at three residential facilities of the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority, qualitative interviews were conducted with residents to assess their use of power mobility. The objective was to develop a framework for client-centered power mobility prescribing. The results revealed four main themes: (1) the meaning of power mobility, (2) learning the rules of the road, (3) red flags: concerns about safety and (4) solutions. Power mobility can dramatically improve the quality of life for individuals who have limited mobility, permitting them to take part in a range of daily living activities, both at home and in the community (Brandt, 2001; Evans, 2000). Self-care, active and recreational activities are essential to the physical and mental health of the elderly. For many who suffer from chronic illnesses, power mobility can be a means to participate in these essential activities. Participants found it unacceptable to take away a wheelchair, as this would disrupt their life's narrative and direction and stop them from engaging in the same things they had prior to their illness progressed. This was especially true for those in the facility 1, who had been in a position to use their chairs for short periods of time and were forced to rely on others to push them around the facility. Another solution would be to limit the speed at which some residents drive their chairs. However it could create a number issues such as privacy and the impact on the rest of the community. In the end, taking away the chair of a resident was thought to be the most drastic and least preferred solution to safety concerns. Safety Power mobility lets people move more freely. They can also participate in a greater variety of activities and do the errands. With increased mobility comes an increased risk of accidents. For some, these incidents could result in serious injuries to themselves and others. It is crucial to think about the safety of your clients prior to suggesting power mobility. First, determine whether your client is able to safely operate their scooter or power chair. This could involve an assessment of physical health by a physician or occupational therapist, or a mobility specialist, based on the nature of your client's disability as well as their current health. In some instances, a vehicle lift will be necessary to allow for your client to unload and load their mobility device at home in the community, or at work. Another aspect of safety is learning the rules of the road. This involves sharing space with other pedestrians, wheelchair users and drivers of trucks, cars or buses. This was a theme that was mentioned by the majority of participants in the study. Some people learned to drive their wheelchairs along sidewalks instead of driving in crowded areas or on curbs (unless the wheelchair was designed for this). For others this meant driving more slow in a crowded area and keeping an eye out for pedestrians. The last and least preferred option that was to take away the wheelchair of a person, was seen as a double whammy: losing independence in mobility and preventing them from participating in activities with the community or at facilities. This was the viewpoint of most participants who had their chairs removed, including Diane and Harriet. Other suggestions made by participants included educating residents as well as family members and staff about the safety of power mobility. This could include teaching driving basics (such as the correct side to walk on in a hallway), encouraging the residents to practice driving skills while outside and helping them understand how their behavior affects other people's mobility. Follow-Up A device that is powered by electricity can have a profound impact on the child's ability to function and participate in life. However, little research has been done on the experiences of children who are learning to use this equipment. This study employs an approach that is post-previous to study the effects of six months of use with one of four early mobility devices on a school-aged group of children who suffer from severe cerebral Palsy (CP). We conducted qualitative interviews with 15 parents, along with occupational and physical therapists who work with children. Thematic analysis revealed three main themes. The first theme, 'Power for mobility explained how using an electric device impacted more than just locomotor abilities. green power scooters of learning to drive a motorized mobility device is often an emotional and transformative one. The second theme, 'There isn't a recipe book,' showed that learning to utilize the power mobility device was a bespoke process that unfolded over time in a cyclical fashion. Therapists were asked to determine what was feasible based on each child's abilities and needs. Through the training and post-training phases, therapists were required to have patience with children and parents. Parents and therapists alike described the need to help families celebrate their accomplishments and address issues related to the process of training. The third theme, “Shared space”, examined how the use of an electric device can affect other people's lives and interactions. The majority of those who participated in this study believed a person must be mindful of other people when using their mobility device. This was particularly applicable when driving on roads that are public. Many participants also reported that they've encountered situations in which someone else's property was damaged by the use of the power mobility device or when a person was injured by a driver who had not yielded the right-of-way. The results of this study indicate that power mobility and socialization training for preschoolers with CP can be carried out in certain classroom environments. The next research study should study the training and results for this type of intervention for children with CP. This could eventually lead to more standard training protocols for children who have CP.