6 replies to this topic

[jorema]

My elderly father, paralised down one side by stroke, needs new electric wheelchair as his present one gives him backache and leg ache and generally gets him down after a couple of hours; so he is constantly asking to go to bed just to relieve the pain. He lives in a residential home so doesn't need speed ( he only mows down the other residents if given too much power!) He must have a joy stick control and could do with a leg raiser as well if possible. I know nothing about these things but guess with todays technology there must be an animal out there that will give my Dad a better quality of life - anyone got any suggestions?

Jill

[KimAndSophie]

jorema, on Oct 1 2007, 11:49 AM, said:

My elderly father, paralised down one side by stroke, needs new electric wheelchair as his present one gives him backache and leg ache and generally gets him down after a couple of hours; so he is constantly asking to go to bed just to relieve the pain. He lives in a residential home so doesn't need speed ( he only mows down the other residents if given too much power!) He must have a joy stick control and could do with a leg raiser as well if possible. I know nothing about these things but guess with todays technology there must be an animal out there that will give my Dad a better quality of life - anyone got any suggestions?

Jill

If he gets backaches and leg aches then maybe you should try getting him a new cushion and backrest before getting a new wheelchair. It will be a lot cheaper, he can get it faster, and maybe that will fix the problem. Maybe you should go to a medical supply store, or talk to an OT about what they suggest. A lot of people, including myself use Roho cushions. They are filled with air, and are very comfortable (from what I've been told). If his back is not supported like it should be (if he is slumped etc.) this could be caused by the backrest. Usually you can get backrests and cushions on loan to try out before you buy them. If none of these things work, then you should find out what he needs in a new chair. Good luck.

[nomis]

I'd agree with KimAndSophie. Check out he has the right supports in the chair.

On the little info here I assume he's hemiplegic in which case it's common for that affected side which is no longer supported by its muscles to be uncomfortable. You really need a seating/wheelchair therapist to assess the situation - you'll probably need to try a number of variations before finding what works best. Contact an occupational therapist.

[jorema]

nomis, on Oct 1 2007, 11:36 PM, said:

I'd agree with KimAndSophie. Check out he has the right supports in the chair.

On the little info here I assume he's hemiplegic in which case it's common for that affected side which is no longer supported by its muscles to be uncomfortable. You really need a seating/wheelchair therapist to assess the situation - you'll probably need to try a number of variations before finding what works best. Contact an occupational therapist.

Thanks for your suggestions; and you are right, he does get pain from the paralised limbs. He has seen an OT at the home but due to his inability to communicate as his speech is affected, it is difficult for anyone to understand his needs. I have learnt over the years to ascertain what he is trying to say. He doesn't slump in his chair at all but it is a very basic construction and I don't think it gives him any support at all. He spends many hours in the chair, which is why I would like to get him one with a greater degree of comfort and support - I don't really care what it costs; within reason. He is quite strong in the limbs that arn't affected by the stroke, in fact he often gets into trouble from trying to lift himself out of the chair.

[nomis]

It's good to hear you're willing to go into bat for your dad. It's gotta be hard for you to know he is not feeling comfortable all that time. Hey, I'm even feeling upset for him. All the best in your endeavors.

[edlee]

I'm afraid that if you can't find a way to make him comfortable in his present chair, a new one won't help. It is always a matter of fitting. Once you know what it takes with the old chair you will know what to look for in the new one.

It's the same for us in manual chairs.
ed

[rolling J]

jorema, on Oct 1 2007, 11:49 AM, said:

My elderly father, paralised down one side by stroke, needs new electric wheelchair as his present one gives him backache and leg ache and generally gets him down after a couple of hours; so he is constantly asking to go to bed just to relieve the pain. He lives in a residential home so doesn't need speed ( he only mows down the other residents if given too much power!) He must have a joy stick control and could do with a leg raiser as well if possible. I know nothing about these things but guess with todays technology there must be an animal out there that will give my Dad a better quality of life - anyone got any suggestions?

Jill

Jill,
See if you can get him set up in a seating clinic where they have many different wheelchairs there that he can try out. The therapists can work with you and your father to see if they can figure out what makes him comfortable by assessing which muscles are weak and what contoured back supports would give the best support in lumbar and lateral and also in the seating cushion by evaluatin his pelvis to see if he rotates or has anterior tilt or other issues to accomodate for his weaknesses. Let the therapist know before the eval that he is limited in communication and that you want to be able to try out different wheelchairs before the actual eval date so that they are prepared. I hope this is helpful. They also may be able to fit contoured back or seating devices in his current chair. Give it a shot. Be persistent. Let me know how it turns out and if I can be of any further assistance.
Judy