Many folks simply are no sure how to comunicate with wheelchair users. Below are some quick tips taken from the wheelchair community themselves.
1. Always ask the person using the wheelchair if he or she would like assistance BEFORE you help. It may not be needed or wanted.
2. Don't hang or lean on a person's wheelchair because it is part of that person's personal body space.
3. Speak directly to the person in the wheelchair, not to someone nearby as if the person in the wheelchair did not exist.
4. If a conversation lasts more than a few minutes, consider sitting down or kneeling to get yourself on the same level.
5. Don't patronize the person by patting them on the head.
6. Give clear directions, including distance, weather conditions and physical obstacles that may hinder the person's travel.
7. Don't classify persons who use wheelchairs as sick. Wheelchairs are used for a variety of non-contagious disabilities.
8. When a person using a wheelchair "transfers" out of the wheelchair to a chair, toilet, car or bed, do not move the wheelchair out of reaching distance.
9. Be aware of the person's capabilities. Some users can walk with aid and use wheelchairs to save energy and move quickly.
10. It is ok to use terms like "running along" when speaking to a person who uses a wheelchair. The person is likely to express things the same way.
11. Don't discourage children from asking questions about the wheelchair.
12. Don't assume that using a wheelchair is in itself a tragedy. It is a means of freedom that allows the person to move about independently.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Manual wheelchair or scooter for mobility outside of the home?
There are many things to consider when deciding whether a manual wheelchair or scooter will accommodate your mobility needs outside of the home.
First let’s look a portable scooters seeing as how they are a great way to get around outside of the residence
Mobility scooters are usually quite portable due the way they break down into several light weight pieces that will generally fit easily into a trunk or back seat. They do not require much physical strength to transport or assemble. If you do lack the physical strength to transport them there are now many affordable vehicle lifts for these small scooters that are generally under a $1000.00.
Portable scooters are also great for moving about the residence. Because they are small in order to be portable, they also navigate well in a highly furnished home or apartment. If your primary reason for needing a scooter is to only navigate in your home then a motorized chair is most likely the best fit for you. Please review this blog for more information on motorized chairs.
Manual wheelchairs are wonderful for getting around outside of the home as well, as long as you have the upper body strength to propel yourself. They are also easily transported in the trunk or back seat, fold up nicely and usually weigh less than 36lbs. It’s important that you know your stamina when relying on a manual wheelchair. You do not want to get stuck worn out in a Wal-mart parking lot.
Another great option for mobility outside of the home is what they call a transport chair or rollabout chair. It is extremely light weight, under 20 lbs; and can be fit into the smallest space once folded. While this is the most easily transported product keep in mind that it must be used in collaboration with a friend or family member. The chair does not have the large wheels on each side needed to self-propel like normal wheelchairs, hence the light weight. This is a very popular item with family members of the elderly who may not have the stamina they used too. They simply load it in there trunk when taking mom or dad shopping and pull it out once they begin to feel a little fatigued.
All of the above products are great for all mobility needs outside of the home and are certain to make that trip to the mall or grocery store not so labor some.
Keep in mind that Medicare does not pay for any equipment that is needed outside of the home so they must be purchased out of pocket if they are going to be used only outside of the home.
First let’s look a portable scooters seeing as how they are a great way to get around outside of the residence
Mobility scooters are usually quite portable due the way they break down into several light weight pieces that will generally fit easily into a trunk or back seat. They do not require much physical strength to transport or assemble. If you do lack the physical strength to transport them there are now many affordable vehicle lifts for these small scooters that are generally under a $1000.00.
Portable scooters are also great for moving about the residence. Because they are small in order to be portable, they also navigate well in a highly furnished home or apartment. If your primary reason for needing a scooter is to only navigate in your home then a motorized chair is most likely the best fit for you. Please review this blog for more information on motorized chairs.
Manual wheelchairs are wonderful for getting around outside of the home as well, as long as you have the upper body strength to propel yourself. They are also easily transported in the trunk or back seat, fold up nicely and usually weigh less than 36lbs. It’s important that you know your stamina when relying on a manual wheelchair. You do not want to get stuck worn out in a Wal-mart parking lot.
Another great option for mobility outside of the home is what they call a transport chair or rollabout chair. It is extremely light weight, under 20 lbs; and can be fit into the smallest space once folded. While this is the most easily transported product keep in mind that it must be used in collaboration with a friend or family member. The chair does not have the large wheels on each side needed to self-propel like normal wheelchairs, hence the light weight. This is a very popular item with family members of the elderly who may not have the stamina they used too. They simply load it in there trunk when taking mom or dad shopping and pull it out once they begin to feel a little fatigued.
All of the above products are great for all mobility needs outside of the home and are certain to make that trip to the mall or grocery store not so labor some.
Keep in mind that Medicare does not pay for any equipment that is needed outside of the home so they must be purchased out of pocket if they are going to be used only outside of the home.
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