Gait Training at Home

Gait Training at Home: an individual home care plan

Gait training focuses on the pattern and control of walking: how a foot clears the floor, how weight moves between legs and what happens during a turn. The therapist relates those observations to the person's condition and prescribed mobility support.

Walking-pattern assessment

Gait assessment looks closely at how walking is performed. Step placement, foot clearance, weight transfer and control during a turn can each provide information about the task. The therapist interprets these observations with the clinical history, examination and current restrictions. An uneven pattern does not identify one universal cause or correction.

Step and weight-shift review

Equipment and cues are considered in that same context. A walking aid changes the support available, while an instruction needs to be understandable and relevant to the observed problem. Caregivers should use the agreed cues and assistance rather than repeatedly correcting every step or changing a device on their own. The movement pattern is assessed together with the person's ability to carry out the task.

Device-use analysis

This page's focus is the mechanics and control of walking. The separate household walking service applies an assessed mobility plan to routes, destinations and transitions in the home. Some patients need both elements, but they are different questions. A more even-looking gait does not independently establish readiness to stop using support or walk without assistance.

Related care for gait training at home

Walking Training at Home. Walker Training at Home.

Eligibility and insurance review

Original Medicare Part A & B may cover eligible home health care when the applicable homebound, skilled-care, clinician-order and certification requirements are met and services follow an individual plan through a Medicare-certified agency. Coverage and any patient responsibility require verification. Blue Shield of California PPO and Anthem Blue Cross PPO benefits are also reviewed individually. Equipment, medications and separately billed services require their own benefit review.

To discuss gait training at home in Los Angeles County, contact HarvardCare Home Health with the current clinical instructions and the tasks that need support. Referring clinicians can use the patient referral page. Assessment, service availability and individual eligibility determine the next steps.