Information Centre for Seniors

We often hear these phrases; “Why do they behave like kids? They are so stubborn like children!”  As our parents grow older, we play the dual roles of being parents to our children and caregivers to our parents. Is caring for our parents the same as caring for our children?

Having experienced both roles, I can say categorically that it is completely different caring for our parents.  Children require us to walk the talk. We as parents need to guide them through tough choices, be supportive through tough situations and help them navigate through life. Until they grow up and become independent, we support them through the phases of childhood, teenage years and adulthood. We can see them bloom and grow into strong, independent adults.

Our parents have been there and done that with us. In their twilight years, they face a different future. They see themselves becoming weaker. It takes longer to walk the stairs. They require more visits to the doctors, more medicines, and different diets. They find it so difficult to ask for help. A walking stick is a symbol of their growing old and is often resented.

The biggest difference in caring for our parents as compared to caring for our children is our attitude. We are used to looking at our parents for help, guidance and support.  They were so strong, could carry us on their shoulders and were there in our universe forever. And now, to see them grey, weak and ill often moves us to anger and frustration. We are not ready for them to become old. But it creeps up on them and on us. And one day, we find ourselves changing diapers, giving them medicines, taking them to the doctors, making special food. We feel panicked when dementia, Alzheimer’s, or just old age diminishes their physical and mental capabilities until they don’t resemble the parents we know.

Acceptance

It is acceptance that changes the way we care for our parents – acceptance of their old age, their infirmities, their helplessness, and their need for independence. Once we accept, we can move past our feelings. The anger and frustration dies away replaced by empathy and love. It becomes easier to give your Dad a bath without being embarrassed.

Parents in their twilight years face the prospect of illness, loss of independence and death. We need to create an environment where they feel safe, well cared for and inclusive. We need to treat them with dignity, help them face their illnesses and fears.

Seniors falling and injuring themselves is every caregiver’s nightmare. Many older adults want to be independent as long as possible, yet they are at risk of falling. Balance exercises is essentially for seniors who want to retain their independence.

We found a free 12 minute video by Physical Therapists Bob Schrupp and Brad Heineck that helps seniors improve their balance with 10 useful balance exercises for seniors to do at home.

If your older adult practice these simple exercises at home, they can increase balance and reduce fall risk. This is important to seniors because falls can lead to several complication, including hospitalisation.

This product from Karma is extremely light-weight and highly durable. This ultra-light transport chair weighs only – 9.2kg can take up to 100Kg weight and provides a more stable ride. Can move in very narrow space and allows easy storage and transport.

AVAILABLE AT OLD IS GOLD STORE

Doorways

• The safest way to operate the wheelchair is on level floors that are free of obstacles. Whenever possible use a ramp to enter or exit a facility. Keeping your hands on the push rims will allow you to maintain maximum balance. Do not try to force yourself over an obstruction by propulsion and never use the sides of a doorway to pull yourself through a passageway.

Negotiating Inclines

• Never turn on a hill due to the danger of tipping.
• When assisting, go straight up a slope. If user needs to go down midway, walk backwards until user is on level ground. (See Figures 2.2 and 2.3.)
• Do not drive up to 7 degrees of incline to avoid danger. When negotiating inclines, don’t propel up to 3 degrees of incline.
• Avoid stopping on an incline, it can potentially cause you to lose control of the wheelchair.
• Do not use the brakes to slow down or stop the wheelchair, this could cause it to seize up, causing you to lose control or fall out of the wheelchair.
• Whenever possible, utilize help from an assistant/attendant while negotiating inclines.

Figure 2.2

Figure2.3

Kerbs

• Whenever possible get help from an assistant/attendant (if you have assistance make sure that your chair is equipped with push handles)
• Avoid hard impacts when descending a kerb. A hard impact could adversely affect the wheelchair.
• Never try to scale or descend kerbs that exceed a normal height.
• Always take care when climbing kerbs or turning on slopes and never move in reverse without an assistant.

Stairs

• Always use two or more assistants. Tilt the wheelchair to its point of equilibrium. One assistant (at the back) holds the wheelchair up against the first step, gripping the handles firmly to lift. The second assistant, holding firmly a fixed part of the front frame, lifts the wheelchair above the stairs and holds it while the first attendant places one foot on the following step and repeat the operation (See below Figure)
• Never go down the steps forwards.
• Never use an escalator for transport, use an elevator.

Streets

• Always use extreme caution when crossing streets. Reflective tape on the wheelchair and/or your clothing will make you more visible to drivers.
• Please comply with traffic safety code.
• Avoid potholes and rough terrain that might cause the casters to become stuck. (See Figure 2.4)

Figure 2.4

General

• Always make sure BOTH brakes are applied before getting in or out of the wheelchair.
• Never stand on the footplates when getting in or out of the wheelchair.
• Never carry more than one passenger. KARMA wheelchairs are limited to one user.
• Use caution to assure your clothing doesn’t get tangled with the wheels.
• When the user is operating the wheelchair using the push rim, please push the wheelchair gently. DO NOT apply a sudden huge force on the push rim. It could cause the chair to tip over. Please refer to the figure below for the best grip points for using the push rim.

Upholstery

• When cleaning the upholstery, use warm water and a mild soap.
• Upholstery cleaner/foam can also be used, but avoid other cleaning solvents.
• Do be far away of flame, it might injury user and damage the wheelchair.

Anti-tippers

• Please strongly consider purchasing anti-tippers and always use them to avoid personal injury. The distance between anti-tipper and wheels is at least 5cm; the height to floor doesn’t exceed 5 cm.

 Maximum User Weight Limit

• Loads exceeding maximum capacity can damage your wheelchair and cause malfunctions yielding a safety hazard.

Avoid General Misuse

• Any vehicle can cause injury if misused and with reasonable care and your safety will be ensured.
• Your wheelchair will give years of safe use if used sensibly and be aware that careless use endangers your own safety as well as that of user.
  • Do not let children stand or play on the wheelchair. (See Figure 2.5)

Figure 2.5