4 Ways to Accommodate a Loved One in a Wheelchair

by Kevin Smith Author

If you have a loved one who is confined to a wheelchair, you should do all you can to accommodate their needs. Even someone who is temporarily in a wheelchair, including people recovering from his injuries, can feel left out or uncared for if they're not accommodated. Businesses around the country are required to provide easy access to those who must rely on wheelchair transportation, but what can you do for them? Here are 4 ideas to help your parent, spouse, child, friend, or other loved one.

Take them on "Walks"

Being confined to the indoors is terrible for your health. Breathing the same recycled air conditioning can have a very negative effect on your moods, too, especially if you're in a wheelchair and can't choose to walk outside. Take your loved one around the neighborhood to breathe some fresh air and see nature. Even better, take them to a local park to see wildlife. Most parks, zoos, and nature centers have paved pathways that are wheelchair-accessible.

Provide Plenty of Entertainment

Media like TV and movies can make a loved in a wheelchair feel less idle and bored. Feelings of boredom can make body pain and mental health problems seem worse. Don't let someone who's in a wheelchair search for their own entertainment. Give them reading the material, video games, movies, and other entertainment so they stay occupied.

Make Their Home Wheelchair Accessible

While businesses must provide ramps and handicapped parking for the disabled, your home isn't required to have heightened accessibility. Make their home as wheelchair accessible as possible, with handlebars in their restroom and a wheelchair lift for a home in Louisana. Wheelchair lifts allow your loved one to traverse multiple stories of their homes via a safety mechanism. Also, try to avoid keeping valuables in high cabinets where they can't reach them. They should be able to navigate their kitchens and bathrooms easily.

Pay Attention

And finally, one of the best ways to accommodate a loved one confined to a wheelchair is to listen to their needs. Do they want privacy? Do they want company? Would they like your help or do they want to practice independence? Some individuals feel infantilized if you try to fulfill all of their needs for them. Yet they try to prepare their own meal if they want. Avoid smothering them with attention if they would prefer to rest alone. All it takes is an open ear.

These are just 4 of the best ways to accommodate loved ones who must use a wheelchair. Remember that a wheelchair lift for a home in Louisiana may be their most urgent need, as they should be able to navigate their homes safely and independently.