Wheelchair to Car Transfers - Getting your patient AND the wheelchair in the car: Wheelchair to car transfers and wheelchair management is not exactly what most people think of when they think of home safety or independence ... but...
One of the toughest obstacles patients and caregivers alike face is that of getting in and out of a vehicle and accomplishing this safely for both patient and caregiver. No doubt this IS part of a wise home safety checklist. If attempted without any forethought, disaster can lurk at any point in this sometimes tricky transfer.
Yet, mastering this wheelchair to car transfer can spell freedom and excitement for years to come for those otherwise "stuck" at home. It is my theory that those disabled by stroke or any any other means live longer lives when they can go out with a caregiver. And getting out means getting in the car, going, and getting back out of the car.
Of great importance next to seat belt use and the like is your planning for this essential ability.
You may master the car transfers without a hitch until you turn and see that ole wheelchair. Unless it's truly a window shopping ride, that wheelchair needs to come along too. With so many moving parts, though, it can be tougher than getting mom or dad to get in the car!
Do-It-Yourself Home Health Physical Therapy is a free e-zine that is sent to you when something happens here worth notifying you about. In the future, we will be sending this out on a monthly (and possible weekly) basis. Either way, your Do-It-Yourself Home Health Physical Therapy newsletter keeps you up to date on hot home health care topics that affect your rehabilitation at home.
