What is contact-guide assistance (CGA) primarily used for?

Contact-guide assistance (CGA) is a type of support technique used primarily to help individuals maintain their balance while engaged in movement. This method incorporates the caregiver's physical presence to facilitate stability, enabling the individual to move effectively without the caregiver doing the movement for them. For instance, the caregiver might hold onto the patient's belt or arm to provide support, ensuring that the patient feels secure enough to move, but still encourages the patient to engage in the movement independently.

This approach fosters confidence in the individual and promotes a sense of autonomy, as they are actively participating in their own mobility rather than relying solely on someone else. Therefore, CGA emphasizes helping with balance, allowing the patient to learn and practice their mobility skills in a safer manner.