Assistive Devices for Spinal Cord Injury: Difference between revisions
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This is very important especially when considering skin care and protection. When choosing a bed, height is a very important factor considering turning, positioning, transfers and getting dressed. | This is very important especially when considering skin care and protection. When choosing a bed, height is a very important factor considering turning, positioning, transfers and getting dressed. | ||
There are three types of bed based on the mode of mode of control; full-electric, semi-electric and manual beds. The levels of care to consider when choosing mattresses include pressure reduction, pressure relief and fluid. | There are three types of bed based on the mode of mode of control; full-electric, semi-electric and manual beds. The levels of care to consider when choosing mattresses include pressure reduction, pressure relief and fluid. <ref>Craig Hospital. Beds for Spinal Cord Injuries. Available from: https://craighospital.org/resources/skin-care-bed-and-mattress (accessed 26/12/2020)</ref> | ||
== Transfer Equipment == | == Transfer Equipment == | ||
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== Home Modifications == | == Home Modifications == | ||
Home modifications are generally measures taken to ensure assistive technology fits into the structure of the home to ensure independence as much as possible. It also help to improve mobility, access and safety while preventing accidents too. Some common modifications are below; | Home modifications are generally measures taken to ensure assistive technology fits into the structure of the home to ensure independence as much as possible. It also help to improve mobility, access and safety while preventing accidents too. Some common modifications are below; <ref>Living to the Max Occupational Therapy. Home Modifications. Available from: https://livingtothemax.com.au/our-services/home-modifications/ (Accessed 26/12/2020)</ref> | ||
* Changing existing floor pattern | * Changing existing floor pattern | ||
* Building additional structures | * Building additional structures | ||
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== References == | == References == | ||
<references /> | <references /> | ||
Revision as of 03:14, 26 December 2020
Original Editor - User:Kehinde Fatola
Top Contributors - Kehinde Fatola, Vidya Acharya, Admin, Naomi O'Reilly, Kim Jackson and Angeliki Chorti
Individuals suffering spinal cord injury, just like patients suffering any other conditions have a right to lead good quality and independent lifes. However, due to the limitations presented by this condition. It is almost impossible to live a good life without some orthotic devices. These devices include mobility devices, hospital beds, transfer equipment, positioning devices, respiratory devices,self-care equipment, environmental control devices, sports equipment, etc. [1]
Mobility Devices[edit | edit source]
These are set of equipment that are used in moving patients with spinal cord injury, they include wheelchairs (manual, power, sport, power assisted, tractor), walking frames, crutches, handbike, canes and adapted shoes. It also include adapted vehicles which can be used indoors, most times within the family. The essence of mobility devices is to give patients the maximum mobility possible rather than being confined to bed at a spot. [2]
Hospital Beds[edit | edit source]
This is very important especially when considering skin care and protection. When choosing a bed, height is a very important factor considering turning, positioning, transfers and getting dressed.
There are three types of bed based on the mode of mode of control; full-electric, semi-electric and manual beds. The levels of care to consider when choosing mattresses include pressure reduction, pressure relief and fluid. [3]
Transfer Equipment[edit | edit source]
These enable patients and caregivers move the patients about. It includes transfer boards, lifts, slings and benches. The purpose of transfer equipment is to drastically reduce the support a patient is needed from caregivers.
Positioning Devices[edit | edit source]
Positioning devices help to keep body parts safe and as comfortable as possible while maintaining adequate functionality. They also help to keep the musculoskeletal body parts in good shape. They include splints, braces, backrests and cushions.
Respiratory Equipment[edit | edit source]
These are used in patients with breathing problems and for suctioning. They include ventilators and Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines.
Self-care Tools[edit | edit source]
They are essentially used for accomplishing self-care and personal routine tasks like menstrual, bowel and bladder care, eating, personal grooming and dressing. Self-care tools include shower bench or commode, dressing stick, reaching devices, adapted silverware, etc.
Environmental Control Devices[edit | edit source]
They are needed to control things in the immediate environment of the patients such as putting light on, answering the telephone, opening and closing doors and windows, etc.
Sports Equipment[edit | edit source]
They may include equipment used for various types of sports and recreational activities. It also include physical activity and exercising implements.
Home Modifications[edit | edit source]
Home modifications are generally measures taken to ensure assistive technology fits into the structure of the home to ensure independence as much as possible. It also help to improve mobility, access and safety while preventing accidents too. Some common modifications are below; [4]
- Changing existing floor pattern
- Building additional structures
- Converting existing rooms to suit purpose
- Buying a new home
- Enlargement of doorways and use of automatic doors
- Installation of a ceiling hoist to assist transfers
- Stair lifts
- Dimensions for door handles, thresholds, hallways, floors, outlets and switches, telephones, furniture, bathroom toilet, sink, etc should be based on appropriate guidelines.
It is also important to keep the tools well and in good working order to ensure safety and maintain independence.
Resources[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ StayWell K. Spinal Cord Injury (SCI): Adaptive Equipment. Available from: https://www.mhealth.org/Patient-Education/Articles/English/s/p/i/n/a/Spinal_Cord_Injury_SCI_Adaptive_Equipment_41175 (accessed 26/12/2020)
- ↑ Florio J, Arnet U, Gemperli A, Hinrichs T. Need and use of assistive devices for personal mobility by individuals with spinal cord injury. Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine. 2016; 39(4): 461–470.
- ↑ Craig Hospital. Beds for Spinal Cord Injuries. Available from: https://craighospital.org/resources/skin-care-bed-and-mattress (accessed 26/12/2020)
- ↑ Living to the Max Occupational Therapy. Home Modifications. Available from: https://livingtothemax.com.au/our-services/home-modifications/ (Accessed 26/12/2020)
