How to Meet the Challenges Caregivers Face in Providing Mobility for the Handicapped

Whether this is your handicapped spouse, handicapped parent, or handicapped patient, it's your job to get them to the doctor by 10:30. The handicapped person would rather do it by themselves--if they could. They want to; they are motivated. But they simply aren't physically able. So think of yourself as the assistant. Put yourself in the mindset that they are the ones doing the moving; you're there just to help. Of course, even helpers need all the help they can get. This is why we have mapped out your journey from the bedroom to the doctor's office--with a few assistive products along the way.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Standing Aids
• Transfer Assists
• Mobility Accessories

1. The first order of business for anyone--able or not--is to get out of bed. And if you're not able, it's just that much harder. Bed caddies help handicapped folks sit up in bed by themselves. Grips and handles, attachable to the bed, provide a sure grip for standing up. For the more able-bodied, bed canes are available to help with this important task.
2. Next the need for transitional aids must be assessed. Those transitional periods--between bed and wheelchair, between wheelchair and car--can be difficult. How exactly do you grasp them without hurting them? But you want to grasp securely enough that you don't lose control. The answer: gait and transfer belts. These transfer aids are a type of belt that encircle the waist and hips, giving you a good handle on the transfer process. Many of these assistive devices are comfortably padded to prevent skin irritation.
3. It is important to think ahead about how you will help your handicapped loved one out of the car once you arrive at your destination. Isn't this the hardest part? At least in the house, you have shelter and temperature control. But now you're out in the parking lot, in rain, snow, or sun. Don't despair; help is available. Transfer bars, designed especially for vehicles, provide a solid bar for the handicapped to grab onto. Swivel seats make that painful job of pivoting in and out of the car seat easier. There are even car seat sliders which assist them in shifting out of the car seat.

Tips & Warnings

• Think ahead of what your trip involves. Don't arrive at your destination and find you are ill prepared.
• Plan some fun outings in addition to your doctor's visits.
• Try to plan your trip when there is good weather forecasted, if possible.