Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Durham Elder Care: Maintaining Independence When Paraplegic

By:  Todd Palmer

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 Autonomy

Wheelchairs 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.

5 comments:

  1. 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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  2. Long term care services are provided by different facilities such as nursing home, personal care facility, and residential continuing care facility. This is sometimes called home health care. It incorporates a wide array of clinical and rehabilitative services with long-term care expenses. These services are usually ordered by a physician or other licensed professional.

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