Episode 10: Five Keys To Prevent Sliding Down In Wheelchairs

Having the ability to stand and walk is very valuable and often we don’t even think about it until the ability to do it has been lost.  Unfortunately many elderly or disabled individuals lose this ability due to balance deficits, poor endurance or other impairments.  Use of a wheelchair then becomes essential for mobility, allowing for them to travel from one location to another.  

Proper positioning in the wheelchair is very important in order to be safe, sit comfortable and to allow for participation in functional tasks while seated in the wheelchair.    When proper wheelchair position is not achieved, your loved one will be unable to sit  securely in the wheelchair.  When not positioned properly, they can begin to slide down in the wheelchair, and must be repositioned frequently.

In this podcast, you will learn the Five Keys To Prevent Sliding Down In Wheelchairs.

The call-in segment of this episode also addresses calls received on the website call-in line from the Finding A Foothold community.  

Listen and hear advice given to callers who have the following concerns/questions:

    •    Daughter thinks mom should be dressing herself.

    •    Wife with question about how to assist husband with dressing when he is wearing a back brace.

    •    Son caring for mom with broken ankle who can not put weight on that foot

    •    Daughter feeling angry with mom who is expecting too much help from her.

      Visit http://FindingAFoothold.com to learn about our community of caregivers.

Disclaimer: The podcast and blog are intended to provide basic information so that you can become a more informed caregiver. The information presented is intended for educational and informational purposes only and is not meant to serve as medical advice or replace consultation with any health care providers you regularly engage with. Transmission or receipt of any of this information is not intended to, and does not, create a therapist-patient relationship. This information is not provided in the course of a therapist-patient relationship and is not intended to constitute medical advice or to substitute for obtaining medical advice from a physician or therapist licensed in the state where your family may reside. We encourage everyone to consult with your physician or therapist to see if they are appropriate and safe for you.

Wheelchair positioning example from the Heart and Stroke Foundation