Monday, April 15, 2013

Durham Elder Care: How Can You Help Your Quadriplegic Senior Maintain Independence?

By:  Todd Palmer

Durham Elder Care - Quadriplegia is a condition in which an individual loses the ability to feel and move their arms or legs in addition to their torso. This can be caused by damage to various areas of the central nervous system, which incorporates the brain and the spinal cord.[1] Individuals who suffer from quadriplegia may feel as though they have lost all independence, as they cannot physically take care of themselves as they once did. This can be an incredibly difficult situation, both physically and emotionally, for individuals to overcome. For this reason, the home care professionals of Durham, North Carolina, encourage you to learn a bit more about the ways in which you can help your loved one retain a higher degree of independence despite their physical limitations.

Making Decisions: Your Loved One's Life Is Still Their Own
If you are providing care for a quadriplegic senior, you are probably tempted to make many of their decisions for them. While this might make your day a bit easier, it is certainly not the best way to encourage a sense of independence in your loved one. Remember that, although your senior needs assistance with physical activities, they are still capable of making choices about their lives. Try to make a conscious effort to include them in the decision-making processes regarding their healthcare, the management of their home, and the administration of their finances. Daily decisions, such as what to eat for dinner or where to go grocery shopping, can make a major difference in your loved one's perceived independence.

Calling Upon Technology
The technological industry has made great strides in its ability to cater to the needs of quadriplegics who are looking for a higher level of independence. Try exploring the available technological resources that may be open to your loved one, such as assistive devices ranging from switches to communication devices, in order to determine which gadgets will best help your senior achieve a higher degree of independence.

For seniors who are quadriplegic, independence may seem like an impossibility; however, there are ways in which you can support your loved one's autonomy in order to assist them in continuing to live their lives to the fullest.



[1] http://www.spinal-injury.net/quadriplegia.htm

1 comment:

  1. Buying an elderly emergency system is a good idea to keep our elders safe even in our absence. It can make their independent living more secure at the same time provide us a peace of mind.

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