A huge number of senior citizens simply can’t walk without assistance. This is the reason why many of them are using wheelchairs. But, when the elderly start using wheelchairs their life and their needs change. Even the simplest activities in their home can become a little bit complicated. Fortunately, there are some tools and things that can help wheelchair-bound seniors and improve their quality of life.
To start with, you should consider installing a lift. There are practically two different kinds of lifts. The first one is manual which means that caregivers must use their physical strength to lift the senior up. There is no doubt that this is a hard activity even for trained caregivers. The another kind of lift is the mechanical lift. There is a wide range of lifts like this, so do some research before selecting one.
Next, you can also consider using gait belts. However, you should be careful with this equipment because in most states they need to be prescribed by a doctor. Even if you have a prescription, you might find it difficult to find a good supplier. In any case, gait belts help in two ways. First of all, they are used as a support for caregivers because they can hold on something stable while they are transferring the older person to the wheelchair. The second way in which these items are helpful and useful is the fact that they can prevent falls.
Furthermore, if you want to ease the life of your loved ones that use wheelchairs, you should also include bedside commodes. To be honest, only a small number of elder individuals accept these items, but as they realize how useful they can be they eventually accept them. These special chairs are designed in a way which makes them simple to use. They also rely on chemicals to sanitize the area. It might take a while before the elderly figure out how to use it, but this is a training that is worth the time.
In the end, consider buying special indoor scooters. This will definitely ease the movement around the home, especially if they are living in a huge home.
These are just some of the things that can help you with this task. Before you buy and use any of them, talk to a doctor or a geriatrician.
No comments