Necessary Equipment You Need When Caring For A Wheelchair Bound Family Member

Whether it is a temporary situation after an injury or something more long term, caring for someone who is in a wheelchair can bring about some challenges. Not only is the average household not set up for someone who is in a wheelchair, but it can be incredibly difficult to maneuver someone who is unable to walk on your own. If you plan on taking on the role of caregiver to someone in a wheelchair, there are a few pieces of equipment you should make sure you have around the house that will make your job a lot easier. 

Bed Pull-Up Bar - Lifting someone up in the bed who has little or no use of their legs can be a major feat. A bed pull-up bar is installed above the bad and gives a person a way to pull themselves in an upright position when they need to. The bar can also be helpful to have around when you are helping someone into their wheelchair from the bed. 

Adjustable Bed - You may not feel like a hospital bed is required for someone in a wheelchair, but an adjustable bed of some type can definitely be a lot of help. Not only will the person in the bed be able to adjust the bed so that sitting up is easier, they can lower the bed when they are making a transition into their wheelchair. 

Reaching Tools - When someone is at a lower height because they are in a wheelchair, it can be difficult for them to reach the things that they need, which will put a lot more stress on you as a caregiver. make sure you invest in some type of reaching tool that your loved one can use around the house to get things down from tall cabinets and drawers or just reach for things on the floor. 

Swing Lift for the Bathroom - Showering and bathing in a traditional tub requires being able to step over the side. If investing in a walk-in tub is not an option, ou may need to invest in a swing lift for the bathroom. A swing lift allows the patient to sit in a sling low to the ground and then the lift raises and can be swung over the tub and lowered back down where the sling is then removed and the person remains seated on a shower chair. For more info, talk to a professional.

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