Let’s delve into some wheelchair safety tips.
Today we will go over some wheelchair safety tips that caregivers should keep in mind. Whether you’re a spouse taking care of your partner, the child of aging parents, or a parent to an injured or disabled child, you’ll find these tips valuable. When you’re a caregiver, it means that you’re responsible for a lot. Sometimes that means helping your loved one get in and out of bed or a chair. It could also mean that you help them get in and out of a wheelchair and assist them in getting to their desired location. If you’d like your loved one to have a little more independence, a wheelchair lift might be the perfect addition to your home. In the meantime, let’s delve into some wheelchair safety tips.
Apply the Wheelchair Brakes
When your loved one is sitting and not in motion, ensure that you apply the brakes. Also, use the brakes while you’re transferring them in and out of the wheelchair. If the wheelchair moves even after the brake application, this is a red flag. You’ll want to look into having the wheelchair repaired or replaced. You also want to ensure that leg rests are out of the way when you’re transferring your loved one.
Encourage Your Loved One to Sit Properly
Everyone should be aware of their posture regardless of the circumstances. Improper posture can lead to a lot of back pain down the line. Let your loved one know to use the wheelchair’s seat cushion to their advantage. Also, assist them to sit in a way that doesn’t harm their back. These wheelchair safety tips help with pressure redistribution and posture. The wheelchair seat cushion should be secure. If there is a pommel or a rounded end, it should face the front of the wheelchair.
Refrain from Placing Anything Heavy on the Back of the Wheelchair
When your loved one gets up from the wheelchair, you never want to run the risk of the wheelchair tipping over as they’re standing. Never place heavy loads on the back of the wheelchair.
Encourage Your Loved One to Ask for Help
If your spouse, parent, or child is trying to reach an item, but they’re struggling, let them know that they should ask for assistance. Overreaching while in a wheelchair is dangerous.
Make Your Home More Accessible
By “make your home more accessible,” we mean that there should be pathways conducive for a wheelchair. Furniture or other obstacles shouldn’t be in the way. It also means that you may want to invest in home remodeling and modifications. You can lower the cabinets, invest in motion-sensor lights, and call us to install a wheelchair lift.
Preferred Elevator: We’re On the Up and Up!
For over a decade, Preferred Elevator has served residents in Central Maryland, Baltimore, and Washington, DC. You can rely on our experienced home installation team and quality products.
For our commercial elevator clients, we also provide annual inspections of your equipment to adhere to standards established by the state of Maryland. During these inspections, we make sure that your commercial mobility product is functioning correctly and efficiently. We’ll also go over all safety devices and customized features offered within your plan!
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