Examples Of Equipment For Paraplegics

By Jessica Johnson


Individuals living with conditions that have damaged their spinal cord have to find alternative ways to ensure they live without being over-dependent on others in a society. This includes the use of equipment for paraplegics that enable them to live just like others in their homes. Even though these items do not fully bring them back to their usual life, they help them to undertake simple tasks. They are usually prescribed by the doctor in charge. Below are a number of these materials.

Tools used for eating are an excellent choice for such patients. Depending on the level of paralysis they may have suffered select a suitable choice for them. But the basic ones are those that have long handles and also plastic plates with guards so that food does not pour or hurt themselves with the spoon while they are eating and there is no one around to assist.

Introduce dressing equipment. The individual will have a tough time as they try to fit some clothes on. Assist them by fixing some items on their clothes that can make it easy to remove or put on without them having to call out for help. As they discover that they can handle such a task, they try more, and the healing process moves forward.

It is also wise to try and install bathroom items. The tools will enable them to deal with bathroom issues. Showering can be hard if there are no items such as roller showering chairs that are fixed for them in the bathroom. Toilets can have grabs to facilitate their activities while still giving them privacy in the room.

To facilitate operation of phones, writing and typing, use a device that sticks in their hand. Holding the pen firmly without it slipping off is a hard task. Yet the individual needs to carry out some tasks such as writing, operate a phone or computer. Make use these pieces to assist in undertaking such task to ensure that their privacy is respected and given some independence.

In addition, environmental control units are used. There are devices that are applicable and when the solution is too much. The patient gets to control items such as the television, light and even doors and windows without having to touch these things physically. Most of them have a pad where they just touch and the item functions. It reduces their over-dependence and also improves their comfort.

There are other devices that are made for movement purposes. It is definitely impossible for the individuals to walk straight without an assistant. There are a couple of items that can be used to facilitate this. They come based on the degree of impairment that has occurred to the individual. Among the common one is the use of an electric wheelchair and clutches.

Finally, bring in exercising tools for their healing process. The individual needs to be on a frequent exercise so that they can facilitate healing. One way to go about this, is getting a prescription to buy these pieces of equipment. Another way is using those that are already at the hospital where they go for check-ups and medication. Put safety into consideration during this selection.




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