Durham Elder Care - Paraplegia occurs when damage to the spinal cord causes
individuals to suffer paralysis of the lower half of their body. Depending upon
the location and severity of the damage, seniors who are paraplegic may be affected
from their chests down. The home care providers of Durham, North Carolina, know
that orthopedic professionals work hard to avoid and improve paralysis when
possible; however, sometimes elderly individuals who suffer from paralysis are
not able to regain feeling in their lower extremities. No matter what stage of
recovery your elderly loved one is in following an accident that has left them
paraplegic, it is important that you assist them in creating as autonomous a
lifestyle as possible.
Independence: Is It
Possible?
Seniors who want to continue aging in place despite
paraplegia are often able to do so if they have a strong support network and
the right resources. You see, today's medical industry is able to provide
elderly individuals with a long list of caregivers and assistive devices that
allow them to perform a wide range of tasks regardless of their condition. The
trick is for you to ensure that your senior has these resources at their
disposal when they need them.
Assistive Devices:
Improving AutonomyWheelchairs and scooters are extremely useful for seniors who are paraplegic, as these devices allow them to retain a degree of mobility even if they are unable to walk. If your elderly loved one is recovering from paralysis, canes, walkers, and other assistive devices may prove beneficial as well.
While having a scooter or wheelchair is necessary for
seniors with paraplegia to maintain an independent lifestyle, it is just as
important that their homes are conducive to the use of these devices. Make sure
that your loved one has ramps where necessary. Additionally, you might need to
rearrange furniture and widen doorframes to allow your senior to easily
maneuver throughout their home.
Support: Having
Someone to Rely Upon
While your loved one will be able to get around on their own
with assistive devices, they will still face limitations due to their
paraplegia. Make sure that they have a family member, friend, or elder care
professional at hand to assist them in maintaining their independence.
Great post. My grandmother is in elder care in New Jersey and my family and I are going to visit her this summer. I can't wait to see her. She is very independent even though she is in a wheel chair. This is really great information, thanks so much for sharing.
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