There Is Lots Of Equipment For Paraplegics To Make Life Easier

By Edward Cole


Quadriplegia and paraplegia are both the result of serious injuries to the spinal cord. In the case of the former, both the lower and upper body is paralysed but in the case of the latter, patients still have the use of the arms and entire upper bodies. It is a tremendous shock to learn that one will not walk again. However, with innovative equipment for paraplegics they quickly find that they can still enjoy life to the full.

Any paraplegic will agree that the most important thing for him is to be able to move around. Thankfully, there is now a very wide range of devices designed to help such patients to be fully mobile. There are wheelchairs that are electrically driven, chairs for use during personal toilet and chairs for standing up in. To improve access to almost any place, an astonishing variety of ramps are available too.

Because a paraplegic still have the use of his upper body, he can also become fully mobile with a specially adapted auto that needs only the use of the hands in order to operate. These vehicles can also be fitted with special hoists and racks to load and transport the wheelchair. Unfortunately, these conversions are incredibly expensive but the ability to travel truly frees paraplegia patients.

There is also an amazing range of devices that are specially designed to help a paraplegic to live an independent life. There are special devices that help the patient to get into and out of a bath. Hoists can help them move from one location, such as a bed, to another, such as a wheelchair. There are products that will allow a paraplegic to control lights, and other devices without having to move from his wheelchair.

Paraplegia patients even have a large choice of devices specially designed to keep them fit, to increase the flexibility of their bodies and to strengthen the muscles. These patients are especially prone to conditions that can develop if the muscles are not used or stimulated. If a paraplegic cannot afford these devices, there are always many gymnasiums that make provision for people with special needs.

Because a paraplegic has no feeling in or control over his lower body functions, he needs to pay special attention to matters such as toilet. For this purpose there are special adult nappies, catheters and other devices that will help them stay clean. There are also special pillows and beds to help them maintain a comfortable posture and special cushions designed to prevent complications from sitting down for long periods of time.

It is a sad fact that many of the products and devices that can make life so much easier for a paraplegic so is expensive. Medical insurance will only cover the cost of the most basic items. It may be a good idea to look for second hand products and devices and if there is no other way out, it may even be possible to obtain help from charities that try to help paralysed people to live better lives.

Most paraplegia patients require a lot of time to come to grips with the fact that they will have to live within certain limits. There can be no doubt, however, that the many devices and products on the market today can go a long way in improving the quality of life of a paraplegic. One can just hope that they will become more affordable in the future.




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