Why walk when you can ride? Clinical ambulation incentives for the immobile elderly

1. Gerontological nurses in long-term care settings should be selective in the use of wheelchairs for residents with ambulation ability. 2. The gerontological nurse specialist can facilitate change in a long-term care setting through the implementation of an ambulation incentive program. 3. The benefits of an ambulation incentive program support rehabilitation-focused care as opposed to custodial care in a long-term care facility. 4. Quality of life outcomes for elderly residents are supported through multidisciplinary collaboration in the implementation of an ambulation program.