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From the September 15th edition of Nursing Assistant Trainer: Ambulation

Ambulation provides a range of physical and mental benefits to residents, who vary in the degree of assistance they require. Some residents are able to ambulate by themselves, some need assistance from CNAs, and some require assistive devices such as gait belts, canes, and walkers. CNAs should always make the resident’s safety their number one priority. Before you ambulate a resident, you should bear in mind the following:

The number of staff members required to assist
The type of assistive device, if one is required
The distance the resident is to ambulate
The resident’s normal pulse rate
Any possible problems you might encounter

Benefits of ambulation

It helps strengthen the muscles, especially those of the abdomen and legs
It helps joint flexibility, especially that of the hips, knees, and ankles
It stimulates circulation, which helps prevent phlebitis and the development of stroke-causing clots
It helps prevent constipation because the movement of the abdominal muscles stimulates the intestinal tract
It helps prevent osteoporosis due to the mineral loss from the bones when they do not bear weight
It stimulates the appetite
It helps prevent urinary incontinence and infection—when residents are able to go to the bathroom on their own, incontinence is reduced
It relieves pressure on the body and skin, helping to prevent pressure ulcers
It improves self-esteem and the resident’s feelings of independence
It improves the resident’s ability to socialize

Source:
from LTC Nursing Assistant Trainer. Property of HcPro, Inc.