How Equipment For Paraplegics Can Improve The Quality Of Life

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.

Mobility is the highest priority for the majority of paraplegia patients. Luckily, there are numerous types of wheelchairs designed for just about every possible situation. There are electric models, hand propelled ones, special chairs designed to be used for toilet purposes and even chairs that can help the patient to stand. There are also many different types of ramps that will allow a patient to access most places.

There are also many companies that specialize in adapting existing motor vehicles so that they can be operated by people that are paralysed in the lower body. With these conversions special lifts that can load the wheelchair aboard or on the roof of the auto mobile is normally also supplied. Just about every paraplegic will agree that the ability to drive has given them back an enormous degree of freedom.

There are also numerous devices specially designed to allow any paraplegic to live fully independent. Lights, televisions, stereo systems and, in fact, almost every other household appliance, can be controlled remotely. There are plenty of aids to help in the bathroom. Special winches can help the patient to hoist himself into and out of the bath or from the wheelchair into bed, for example.

All paraplegia patients are strongly advised to make sure that they do not allow the unused muscles of their lower bodies to deteriorate. The upper body also need to be strengthened because it has to perform all the work. This this end a large selection of devices designed to help paralysed patients to exercise is available. Patients that cannot afford these devices should consider finding a gym that offers these services.

Paraplegia patients do not have control over the functions of the lower body. This means that simple matters such as urinating can become a problem. Luckily there are many products such as catheters and other personal devices that can help to avoid embarrassment and to give the paraplegic some measure of control over his own toilet routine. Most medical insurance companies will cover the cost of these products.

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.

It is a challenge to live life as a paraplegic. Fortunately, much can be done to help these patients to live independent lives, to keep working and to adapt to their circumstances. Hopefully, these products and devices will become more affordable in order to improve the lives of many more unfortunate people.




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