• Sitting
• Independence and Mobility in the Home
• Bathing
• Getting Dressed
• Eating and Drinking

Sitting

It is advisable to sit on a stable chair or armchair with a backrest and armrests. The recommended seat height is 45-50 cm from the floor.

Seat cushion (for wheelchairs or in general)

There are different types of seat cushions available, in a range of heights. The cushions serve for comfort as well as protection. The cushion’s effectiveness is also affected by body weight — this should be taken into consideration when choosing the cushion — and ensure an equal distribution of body weight.

Types of cushion:

• Springy cushion — facilitates standing up. Requires consulting with a professional.
• Cushion insert — adapted to body type.
• ROHO Cushion — with inflatable bubbles that can be adjusted to minimize pressure sores.
• Air cushion — with a valve covered in a waterproof and washable material.
• Silicone or silicone-like cushion — filled with jelly or soft cotton-like material.
• Styrofoam cushion — easy-to-carry cushion of variable thickness by special order.
• Foam cushion — with marked vertical and horizontal grooves.

Wheelchairs

The patient’s medical condition and physical limitations will determine which wheelchair to choose:

• Body size and weight.
• Purpose of the chair: Who will push the chair — the patient or a companion? Is it intended for home use only or will it also be used outside?
• Structure of the home, width of its doorways, stairs inside or at the entrance to the house, and use of a vehicle suitable for a folding wheelchair.

Independence and Mobility in the Home

Ambulatory patients should be given as much independence as possible and careful movement should be facilitated by installing railings/supports on exposed walls on the way to the bathroom, kitchen, guest room or TV room. Supports can be purchased at any hardware store.

Bedroom

• Small rugs should be avoided in the bedroom. A large rug can be affixed to the floor with a special rubber pad.
• A nightlight should be installed near the bed.
• A dresser or nightstand should be placed next to the bed for the patient to place their watch, medications, phone, glass of water, etc.
• Clothing should be stored at a convenient height that does not require efforts such as bending over or climbing.

Beds

In many cases, a regular bed can be used with specific modifications as needed (elevation, mattresses, accessories). There are also special beds with various mechanisms to assist with mobility in bed.
Assistive accessories can be added to any bed, regular or special, to increase comfort and enhance function.

Accessories for the bed

• Rope or handhold affixed to the wall — to facilitate getting out of bed.
• Railing — to prevent falling out of bed.
• Handhold in the shape of an upside-down U, which serves as a handrail.
• Elbow and heel protectors — to prevent bed sores.
• Over-bed table to facilitate eating, writing and reading in bed.

Mattresses

For regular beds, two types of mattress are recommended: a foam mattress and a “Gumavir” mattress.

There are additional types of mattress to help prevent bed sores, which may be placed on top of a regular mattress on any type of bed:

• Water mattress.
• Silicone mattress.
• Egg crate foam mattress.
• Air mattress with electric pump.

Bathing

Accessories for the bathroom

• Rubber mat with suction cups to prevent slipping in the bathtub and when getting out of it.
• Board installed on the edge of the bathtub, which facilitates getting in and out in a seated position.
• Plastic chair for the bathtub/shower.
• Stainless steel handhold installed on the wall of the bathtub.
• Curtain — to prevent water spray and slipping.
• If necessary and possible — it is best to replace a bathtub with a standing shower (and handheld shower arm) with a wider entrance to facilitate comfortable sitting and accommodate an assistant if needed.

Accessories for the toilet

• Handhold affixed to the toilet or wall next to the toilet.
• Retractable handholds.
• Elongated handle for flushing the toilet.
• Raised toilet seat.

• GGetting Dressed
• TThe task of getting dressed should be performed while sitting or lying down, because the body is less stable while standing. Prepare the clothing in advance and place it within easy reach.

• Loose clothing made out of soft material is especially suitable for people who have trouble getting dressed.
• If you get dressed with only one hand — put your impaired hand through the sleeve first, with your body tilted slightly forward.
• For undressing, grip the collar of your shirt and pull it over your head.

Eating and Drinking

• It is very important to sit correctly at the table, on a stable chair of suitable height.
• A drinking glass is best held with both hands.

Assistive accessories for eating and drinking

• Tray beneath the plate — helpful for catching dropped food. It is recommended to place a damp sponge cloth or special rubber mat underneath the tray to prevent it from slipping while eating or drinking.
• Guard for the edges of the plate — prevents the food from slipping to the sides. A bowl may also be used.
• Plastic mug — lighter than a ceramic mug and less liable to break. Additionally, it is recommended to use a mug with a large handle that helps with lifting, and a straw or lid with a hole.
• Rubber or foam tubing to make cutlery handles thicker.
• Bent cutlery — preferably a spoon for all types of food. It is best to affix cutlery to the hand with one of various means.