How to Care for People in Wheelchairs

Caring for an individual in a wheelchair is a task which requires patience and training. No two scenarios in providing this kind of care are the same, and the needs of the person being cared for will vary from case to case. The person being cared for may require only minimal assistance such as needing help dressing and being driven around, or their condition may require that you attend to nearly all of their needs.

Instructions

• 1

  Approach the person with respect at all times. Disabilities can originate from a variety of causes such as injuries, accidents or diseases. Some people have been disabled all of their lives and for others it is a more recent occurrence. It is rude and condescending to treat the person in the wheelchair as if his life is worthy of pity. Speak to and interact with him just as you would someone who is able to walk.

• 2

  Ask him what he needs help with. It can be tempting to treat people with disabilities as though they are completely helpless, but many disabled folks find this insulting. When caring for someone who is confined to a wheelchair, a frank and open conversation about what he would like you to help him with and what tasks he prefer to do independently can avoid confusion and unintentional insult. Ask what assistance is needed and then follow the instructions provided.

• 3

  Familiarize yourself with the functions and parts of the person's wheelchair. This step is more for caretakers and those who will be providing personal assistance to the wheelchair bound person. If you are a health care provider, it is important to understand how to maneuver the chair in order to help the person in and out of the chair or to provide help in the case of a part malfunctioning. Electric wheelchairs are more complicated to learn about than manual ones, but both require training and familiarizing in order to provide the best possible care. If the manual for the chair is available, this is an ideal resource. If not, the person in the chair can provide you with detailed information on foot rests, brakes, wheel locks, and electrical controls.

• 4

  Make as many things around the house, workplace and vehicles as wheelchair-accessible as possible. This includes installing ramps outside of buildings for easy entry and exit, adjusting desks and tables to a usable height and widening doorways.