For many people, making the transition from a walker to a wheelchair can be difficult. Some feel that they are finally succumbing to the fact that walking would no longer be possible. Worse still, it can make a person feel that she is on the fast track to becoming an invalid. But this does not have to be like this. There are several things you can do as a friend or family member to ease the transition.

When working with patients who need a wheelchair, you may need to help them through the transition period. It may be something that requires you to have many patients and understanding. Also, it is helpful to seek the help of a certified physical therapist. You may be surprised to learn that there are psychological and physical considerations to take into account when going through this process.

So if you have a friend or loved one who is transitioning, the first thing you should do is see a doctor. Ask for a physical or occupational therapist you can contact.

If the patient is currently in the hospital, coordinate with the treating physician. Give them any important information you know or have experienced so far with the person currently using a walker. This way, they can get a better idea of ​​how best to help the person.

Through consultation with a trained professional, you will also be able to find out what type of wheelchair would be best for the individual. The purchase of a manual or electric wheelchair will be an important consideration. Aside from the fact that any of them can be expensive, they also have particular features that can be beneficial to the actual user.

A manual wheelchair will require arm strength, but is the preferred option if possible. While a power wheelchair may be preferred, an important consideration is that they may not provide as much exercise as a manual wheelchair.

Then, of course, there is also the place where the patient will use the wheelchair. Make sure the environment is suitable for a person using a wheelchair, if they can move around easily without bumping into objects or posing a threat to themselves and others.

Finally, another important consideration is whether the patient will require a caregiver to help them, especially during the first few days. A caregiver can set up a schedule where they are available to help just once or twice a week if that is all that is needed.

There are many people available to help with the process. Always ask for help and remember that by keeping these considerations at the forefront of your mind, the process of moving from a walker to a wheelchair can be a smooth one.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *