Push someone in a wheelchair can seem to be an easy task, but there is more to it than meets the eye. I learned when providing care for my husband for his mesothelioma disease. When the need arose for a wheelchair, I discover all wheelchairs are the same and how important it is to choose a chair that suits both.
It may seem strange, pick up a wheelchair over another because of the caregiver. But it makes sense if you think about it. The aim is to make the life of your loved one and provide better quality care for as long as that care is necessary. If you are ill suited to a chair (too heavy or difficult to push or rotate) your beloved welfare may be compromised.
There are a number of wheelchairs to choose from. Let's
Manuel :. Caregiver controlled
Designed to be pushed by a caregiver or companion, these chairs are lightweight and easy to fold and lift in a vehicle. They are suitable for indoor and on a flat farm land only, which can make them a little restrictive.
One of the main advantages of a manual wheelchair is cost. Some models start at less than $ 100. In addition, there are many varieties to choose from. Their size makes them more discreet because there is no engine noise.
They are less bulky than electric wheelchairs, easier to maneuver, and cost less to maintain than their counterparts on the battery.
For more patient, heavy chairs service with a capacity to hold 450 books are available
Manuel :. Driven by patient or caregiver
Defined by their large rear wheel, these chairs are specially designed to be pushed by the patient using wheels or the caregiver using the handles.
robust and suitable for use inside and outside, they are easy to fold and put in the vehicle.
one thing to consider when deciding to purchase a manual wheelchair to be operated by the patient is the strength of the patient.
It is important to know if the person has enough upper body strength and agility of the daily task of maneuvering the wheelchair up and down ramps, and possibly curbs or steps encountered along the way.
Power
electric wheelchairs are designed for patients who are unable to use a manual chair, but still want to be independent. One of the advantages that distinguish them from their manual counterparts is that they can be easily controlled by a variety of methods :. Hands, mouth or other body parts
If necessary, the chair can be adapted to allow caregiver control.
There are also many varieties of electric wheelchairs on the market.
But they have their drawbacks. For example, they are expensive. Some entry-level models start at $ 1000, which makes it difficult for a patient or caregiver to purchase. However, some patients on insurance policies, even private health insurance or can find their plans cover part of the cost.
Some electric wheelchairs also do not bend and could be large, especially for patients who need to travel on flights.
Get a customized wheelchair
most providers offer wheelchairs to change chairs to meet specific patient needs. Size of the seat and the padding can be adjusted so that the height of the arm and footrests.
For patients who spend much time in the chair, tilt wheelchair is available. Capable of being inclined in a full tilt, these chairs allow the patient to lie back with their feet above the level of their heart. It is especially beneficial for patients with cardiovascular disease.
Questions to ask before buying a chair
Because pushing the chair based on your strength, it is important to take your needs into consideration.
asking yourself the following questions can help you determine chair is best suited to the needs of you and your loved ones.
- What kind of chair I can reasonably manage?
- Is the combined weight of my beloved and chair too heavy for me to grow?
- Does the size of the chair make it hard for me to maneuver in tight places?
- is the height of the handle to put pressure on the neck and shoulders?
- Does President dueling controls so I can control the chair and my beloved?
- Will I push the chair on surfaces of soil and the road?
- easy chair to fold and lift the wheelchair in the car?
- What is the range of chairs that are available on the price?
safe lifting practices
the next thing to consider is how to move your a bed in the chair and still loved back and also how to get your a in and out the beloved car, and how and where to store the wheelchair in the vehicle.
None of these tasks is easy. Caregivers risk serious injuries to their backs trying to do without instruction.
A good education for body positioning during lifting, turning and transferring patients from one place to another, is essential to preventing injury to the patient and caregiver. Those who provide home care should ask CNAs (LPNs) professionals and staff of physical therapy nursing or to their local hospital for instructions on safe lifting techniques to avoid injuries.
useful Video
Notice that the occupational therapist in this video uses Gait belt. The device is primarily intended to protect the patient against injury during transfer from the bed to a wheelchair but it is also beneficial for the caregiver that something firm to hold on while transferring the patient.
Talk to your therapist about the work Gait belt and where you can get one. Gait belts can be purchased online.
After watching the video, think through the steps before you decide to raise your well love. If you do not feel comfortable not to try. If possible, ask someone in the house to help.
wheelchair ramps
One of the things I found particularly difficult pushing my husband was around ramps. Brian was a great man, and pushing his weight rise was not an easy task. Walking down the ramp also presented a problem.
Brian weight forced the president to travel faster than I could handle, and I worried it might be thrown from the chair. The only way I could ensure its security was to slow the movement of the chair by pulling on the handles as I moved down the ramp.
This placed a lot of pressure on my neck and shoulders and I was always glad to be back at ground level.
I have since learned that wheelchairs should be taken on a ramp at the back. Here is how you do it:
Before ascending a ramp down, turn around and wheelchair. With the back of the chair in front of you, take a firm grip on the chair handles and walk slowly backwards down the ramp. Remember to look behind you every now and then to see where you go.
Using this technique allows you to keep control of the chair and you and your loved getting hurt.
prevents I wish I had known this technique when I care, it would have saved me a lot of trouble.
