What does a caregiver do?

Unlike a registered nurse who has to be formally trained and has a license to perform certain tasks, a caregiver will only help with day to day activities and tasks. Caregivers do not perform medical care like a nurse, who typically only visit a patient’s home for just a few hours a day. However, a caregiver (who is often a close family member or someone who has been hired by the family) may spend all day with the patient to help them with anything from bathing, grocery shopping, and accompanying them on outdoor trips. 

Unlike a nurse who will monitor a patient recovering from an illness, a caregiver is more like a companion for the patient. A caregiver could be the answer for seniors or handicapped people who can no longer safely live alone, but still want their independence.

What are the different types of caregivers?

There are different types of caregivers, from those who are hired professionally to family members who volunteer to take on the role. The following types of caregivers are referring mostly to caregivers for the elderly, rather than people who are physically disabled and require full time care. 

• Privately hired caregiver: This type of caregiver is typically found through an agent, possible even recommended by a therapist or hospital. They have often been background checked and have previous experience as a caregiver. Usually they are hired on a schedule to assist families who cannot give 24 hour care. 
• Family caregiver: A family caregiver is a family member that has chosen to take on the role. These could be a spouse, children, or other family member. Frequently, they have another job in addition to their caregiver responsibilities and don’t receive compensation for their caregiving duties. 
• Respite caregiver: A respite caregiver is typically used to cover a family’s duties for a break. They can be found through an agency or independently, and it is implied that it is short-term. 

No matter the type of caregiver that your loved one needs, it’s helpful to also know the signs to look out for surrounding your loved one that it might be time to hire a caregiver. There are also many economical and social benefits that come with hiring a caregiver that you can learn here. And lastly, if you are looking to hire a caregiver for your loved one, and they are also a wheelchair user, check out KARMA’s top wheelchair picks.

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The post What Does a Caregiver Do for the Elderly? first appeared on Karma Mobility Thailand.

Ultra lightweight adjustable manual wheelchair

Ergo Lite weighs a total of just 8.6 KG which is perfect for travelling with an elderly wheelchair user. The Ergo Lite series has proven a firm favourite amongst KARMA customers with hundreds of positive reviews on Amazon as well as winning Thiis Magazine’s 2020 Retailers’ Choice Award.

This ultra lightweight wheelchair can be easily folded for convenient storage in the trunk of a car or at home when not in use. The Ergo Lite 2 has the option for large rear wheels if the user prefers the option to self propel when out and about. This wheelchair also comes with handy removable swing away footrests to make transferring in and out of the chair safe and easy.

The Ergo Lite series wheelchairs have been crash tested in accordance with international safety standard ISO 7176-19, which means it is suitable to be used as a seat in a motor vehicle for transportation. No matter where or how you are travelling to your destination, the Ergo Lite is a great companion for your trip!

Lightweight manual wheelchairs designed for everyday use

Choose comfort every day when travelling from a wide range of S-Ergo lightweight manual wheelchairs. This series of manual wheelchairs includes the S-Ergo 125 that is equipped with flip back armrests and removable footrests for safe and easy wheelchair transfers. The foldable frames make S-Ergo 125 a great companion when travelling for easy storage. The S-Ergo lightweight manual wheelchairs are all equipped with KARMA’s patented S-Ergo Seating System to provide basic pressure relief when sitting for long stretches of time.

Adaptable on the go

The Flexx series is KARMA’s range of adaptable chairs for a wide range of users. Flexx has a complete range of accessories that can be used during rehabilitation and to increase comfort. Flexx is an ideal wheelchair for travelling for its lightweight and foldable frame. Not only this but the backrest angle, height, seat depth, and rear axle can all be adjusted. If the user needs adjustments to their wheelchair made whilst traveling, this can all be done on Flexx.

Affordable travel companion

For a more affordable wheelchair option whilst travelling, wheelchair users can choose Agile. The Agile is the latest innovation from the SOMA wheelchair range. Agile is lightweight and highly configurable; perfect for travelling! The quick release rear wheels make it convenient to store along with its foldable frame. Agile has also been crash tested in accordance with international safety standard ISO 7176-19, which means it is suitable to be used as a seat in a motor vehicle for transportation.

Don’t forget to consider the needs of the user!

Make sure to take into consideration the needs of the user as well as the convenient features of the manual wheelchair! Not every user is suitable for every chair. If you’re not sure which chair to choose, you could also try a KARMA wheelchair at the Karma showroom before your travels. This would give the user a chance to try out a new chair, and get the right one. If you are travelling with an elderly user, you can take a look at our previous blog, travelling with an elderly wheelchair user, for our top travel tips!

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The post Best Lightweight Manual KARMA Wheelchairs for Travelling first appeared on Karma Mobility Thailand.

Increases your independence

Wheelchair users can sometimes feel like a burden, which results in them in wanting to be more independent. To go wherever they want, whenever they want. Sometimes a manual wheelchair may feel restricting however, a folding power wheelchair or power wheelchairs in general can increase the feeling of independence because you don’t need to rely on anyone to assist you.

A foldable power wheelchair can help you as part of your daily routine to complete tasks as well as socialize with friends and family without the help of a caregiver.

Increases happiness

With increased independence, you (the wheelchair user) will feel happier after completing tasks and activities that would otherwise not have been possible without a folding power wheelchair. This will boost your mood and those around you.

Saves space

A folding power wheelchair can be easily stored. As the name suggests, it can be folded to be more compact and often accessories removed to save even more space. They are perfect for individuals who don’t have a lot of living space. A foldable wheelchair also makes the chair easier to fit in the trunk of a car. This makes travelling a breeze, and you can save money by not needing to purchase a specialized car.

Convenient, lightweight, and foldable

KARMA has a wide range of lightweight folding power wheelchairs such eFlexx which can be easily transported or stored away when not in use. Being foldable and with removable parts also makes it easier to be transported by a caregiver. A lightweight foldable power wheelchair is a great option for users looking for a wheelchair for everyday use.

Increased comfort

KARMA wheelchairs have been carefully crafted with the wheelchair user in mind. We understand that there are a wide range of wheelchair users with individual needs, which is why KARMA wheelchairs can be modified with a wide range of accessories and adjustments to ensure the utmost comfort of the user. The user should not only be comfortable sitting in the chair, but also be able to comfortably control the wheelchair.

Safe to use and travel

Amongst the wide range of KARMA folding power wheelchair, a lot of models have been safety crash tested in accordance with international standard ISO 7176-19, which means that the wheelchair can be used as a seat in a motor vehicle.

KARMA Fit

When choosing a wheelchair, it’s important to consider all the needs of the user. This includes their body measurements, prognosis, lifestyle, and budget; this is what we call the KARMA Fit. If you are still unsure or have questions about which wheelchair to choose, you can contact your local KARMA dealer or contact HQ.

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The post The Benefits of A Folding Power Wheelchair first appeared on Karma Mobility Thailand.

The role of the rear wheel is to offer stability to the wheelchair, and also the ability for the user to self propel. In order to be able to manually self propel, the user must choose the large rear wheels. This offers the user independence as they don’t need to rely on another person to get around. Typically, more active wheelchair users will opt for the larger rear wheels. 

If the user has someone, for example a caregiver or family, who is going to push the wheelchair from behind all the time, then a smaller rear wheel is more suitable. Typically, elderly users will opt for a wheelchair with a smaller rear wheels as it makes the wheelchair more lightweight and ideal for day trips. 

+ Advantages of a LARGE rear wheels

Choose the right wheelchair

It’s important to choose the right wheelchair to prevent secondary injuries like pressure sores, scoliosis, muscle tightness, tendonitis, or thoracic kyphosis. In the next blog, we will talk about the checklist that KARMA uses to help every wheelchair user find the right wheelchair for them. You can check out the full range of KARMA wheelchairs on the KARMA website.

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The post What Is the Difference Between Small Versus Large Rear Wheels? first appeared on Karma Mobility Thailand.

Possible secondary wheelchair injuries

Pressure Sores

A pressure sore or pressure ulcer is skin damage caused to an area of the body. They can start off as superficial skin redness but develop into tissue loss with exposed bone, tendon, or muscle. You can get these pressure sores when you lie in bed or sit in a wheelchair for too long. The constant pressure blocks the blood supply to your skin and eventually kills the cells to create a sore.

Scoliosis

Idiopathic Scoliosis is one of the three different types of scoliosis that causes the spine to develop a curve, with no definite cause.

Neuromuscular Scoliosis is associated with neuromuscular conditions such as cerebral palsy, myopathy or spina bifida.

Functional Scoliosis occurs when poor posture or a leg length difference makes the spine appear curved.

Deltoid Tightness

The triceps brachii, the pectoralis major, and the deltoid anterior are believed to be the prime movers during wheelchair propulsion. Often muscle tightness is the result of repetitive movement patterns from daily life or sports and exercise. This kind of injury can leave the user feeling tight or achey for several days and left with a limited range of movement.

Tendinitis

Tendinitis is often caused by repetitive activities and can be extremely painful. Often people begin a new activity or exercise that causes the tendons to become inflamed and irritated. If the tendon does not have a smooth path to glide along, it will be more likely to become irritated and inflamed.

Thoracic Kyphosis

Thoracic kyphosis is a condition in which the upper portion of the back becomes rounded. A condition of this type is beyond the amount of rounding that some people experience due to poor posture. Stiffness or tenderness in the spinal column is very common. This kind of spinal curvature can only be corrected with surgery in extreme cases, and with a high risk of complications.

Choose the right wheelchair

It’s important to choose the right wheelchair to prevent secondary injuries like pressure sores, scoliosis, muscle tightness, tendonitis, or thoracic kyphosis. In the next blog, we will talk about the checklist that KARMA uses to help every wheelchair user find the right wheelchair for them. You can check out the full range of KARMA wheelchairs on the KARMA website.

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The post Wheelchair Related Injuries From Choosing the Wrong Wheelchair first appeared on Karma Mobility Thailand.

The post Why Lightweight Folding Electric Wheelchair (Power Wheelchair) Can Meet All Needs first appeared on Karma Mobility Thailand.

In the previous blog, we explored the different types of wheelchair chassis and seats a power wheelchair user could choose based on their daily activities and seating support needs. In this blog, we are going to discuss the power seat functions available for Karma power wheelchairs (Electric Wheelchair).

The next question to ask about the user is “Does the user need any power seat functions for position change?” Each power function has its advantages which will be explored here.

The different types of power functions that can be equipped to Power Wheelchairs.Source: Karma Medical

Power Recline + Elevating Leg Rests

The Power Standing function has a long list of both physical and mental health benefits! All of which can be read about in more detail here. In short, standing for just 30 minutes every day can improve a person’s blood pressure and circulation, digestive and urinary system, and bone and muscle density. The option to stand gives the user a sense of independence which in turn improves their mental health.

Power Tilt

The Power Tilt function is great at offering pressure relief, trunk stability, and increased comfort. The tilt functions also allow the users to stabilize their seating position when going down a slope.

[ Read about the full benefits of a reclining and tilting wheelchair here]

Power Standing

The Power Standing function has a long list of both physical and mental health benefits! All of which can be read about in more detail here. In short, standing for just 30 minutes every day can improve a person’s blood pressure and circulation, digestive and urinary system, and bone and muscle density. The option to stand gives the user a sense of independence which in turn improves their mental health.

Power Seat Elevation

The Power Seat Elevation not only has functional benefits such as improving the reaching range of the user and making transferring in and out of the wheelchair safer. The Power Seat Elevation also has the medical benefit of decreasing the hyper-lordotic position of the neck which means that the user decreases their risk of a neck injury from constantly having to overreach for objects.

Being able to elevate the seat to match the height of the surface the user is transferring to is safer and costs less effort on the user’s part. All of these functions add up to the user;

• Improving their independence,
• Enhancing their line-of-sight,
• And engaging more socially therefore improving their self-esteem.

Summary

The user can choose a combination of these features, however not every wheelchair has all of the features. It is important to discuss with a doctor or therapist whether it is safe for the user to employ these functions so as not to risk secondary injuries. In the next blog, we will discuss the different types of power wheelchair wheel configurations and which will suit what users.

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The post How to Choose Power Seat Functions For Power Wheelchair (Electric Wheelchair) first appeared on Karma Mobility Thailand.

 

Choosing the right walking aids or manual or electric wheelchair for your client should always start with discussing the client’s needs with a Physical, Occupational Therapist or doctor. From a rehabilitation point of view, we want to maximize the mobile function of a client. This means, for example, if the client can stand-up, we don’t want them to remain seated all day.

However, some clients in Thailand don’t have access to these kinds of resources so it is our job to try and determine the user’s abilities and needs. Go through the following steps to find your best mobility device.

 

1. Who Benefits from a Walking Stick?

The walking stick is good for giving the user better balance so that they can transfer weight from one leg to another without the fear of losing their balance. For example, elderly with weak knee or patients recovering from surgery.  By using a walking stick ON THE STRONGER SIDE of the body, it can relieve pressure off of the injured side as well assist balance and mobility.

There are three main walking stick types:

• Single Tip: The most common option that is light and aids easier movement.
• Quad Cane: The Quad Cane is designed to add more support to the user. The larger base provides more support, reducing the risk of slips and falls. Stroke patients often opt for this cane however the base is bulkier than the single tip and therefore more awkward to navigate.
• Forearm Canes: The Forearm canes assist predominantly users who have problems transferring weight on their legs but have strong-arm strength.

2. Who Benefits from a Walker?

The walker is designed for someone who needs both of their hands to balance, the user may feel easily fatigued or they need more stability. If your client finds it difficult to sit steadily at the end of the bed then they could often benefit from using a walker.

There are walkers to suit every user’s abilities. Image Source: Karma Website

There are a variety of different walkers:

• Walking Frame: The most basic walker (WK 80) requires some upper body strength as it needs to be picked up when walking which is why the WK 80 is made with lightweight aluminum.
• R-Shaped Walker: The R-Shaped Walker (WK 600) allows the user to stand up in two movements. It is designed specifically for those with weak legs and weak upper body control.

• Wheeled Walker: The wheeled walker (WK 320) is easier and faster to move. The wheeled walker doesn’t need to be picked up so the user doesn’t need a lot of upper body strength. The rubber tips also mean the user can still put their weight on the walker safely.
• Rollators: The rollator has wheels on all four legs unlike the wheeled walker that has two stoppers. The rollator is great for people who don’t need the support of the stoppers and want to walk for longer.

3. When is the Best Time to Recommend a Wheelchair?

If your client is unable to walk for long stretches, sit up independently, or are at high risks of falls, then it’s probably time for a wheelchair. There are a lot of different types of wheelchair from self-propelled to motorized that you can recommend and read more about here: Guide to Choosing a Manual Wheelchair in Thailand.

The most common types of wheelchairs are: 

• Lightweight: A lightweight wheelchair is a great option if the user can still walk a little, but need transportation for short-time outdoor traveling. It is easy to carry and store.
• Adjustable: An adjustable wheelchair is predominantly designed for users who cannot walk but can still sit up independently. The adjustable wheelchair has a unique detachable arm and footrests to make transferring in and out of the chair easier.
• Tilting or Reclining: The reclining or “Tilt-in-Space” chairs are for users who can not sit up independently and need extra support sitting up with extra head and back support. These features make it easier for the caregiver to reposition the user with ease.
• Power Wheelchair: A power wheelchair can help users with a larger range of daily movements to protect their arms from propelling a manual chair. It is also suitable for those with little arm and hand function. It gives the user the feeling of being mobile and independent without needing a caregiver to push them.

Power wheelchairs can give wheelchair users independence. Source: Karma Medical YouTube: Blazer Series Power Wheelchair

The User Already has Wheelchair Mobility but is it the Best Wheelchair?

Just because someone already has a wheelchair, it doesn’t necessarily mean it is the right one. When someone is being fit for wheelchair mobility; seat width, seat depth, user’s trunk control etc. will all be taken into account. Wheelchair users should consider the following:

• Is the user’s posture correct in their current wheelchair?
• Are they sitting comfortably in their current wheelchair, with no pain?
• Has the user been properly fitted to be able to propel effectively?
• Is the user carrying out everyday tasks (ADLs) independently?
• Is the user’s current wheelchair ordered for them or given to them from another wheelchair user?

If the answer to any of these is ‘no’ then your client needs to change to the wheelchair that fits their body. Every client will be different so take your time to choose the right mobility device.

Summary

Recommending the best wheelchair mobility is dependent on the user’s lifestyle and how they carry out ADLs. If a manual or even electric wheelchair will improve a user’s life then it is something they can consider however, if they only need a walker then this is the best mobility to recommend to the user.

The post How to Recommend the Best Wheelchair or Walker first appeared on Karma Mobility Thailand.

The core strength of the wheelchair user will determine the method in which they are transferred to a wheelchair. The methods described are suitable for those with elderly caregivers as they adhere to a “no-lift policy” which means there is strictly no lifting the wheelchair user for wheelchair transfers.

To help categorise the elderly you are working with, you can check out our blog on “Choosing a Folding Wheelchair for a Stroke Patient” which describes each level of physical ability.

How to move elderly who can’t walk from a bed to wheelchair

Using a shift belt to help transfer the elderly into a wheelchair means they can save their strength from not having to walk. Source: Karma Medical Taiwan; Karma Academy

1. Make sure that the brakes are activated and the footrests are flipped up and swung away.

2, Angle the wheelchair at 45° from the bed on the strongest side (left or right) of the wheelchair user.

3. Assist the user off of the bed by asking them to lean forward, with the help of a shift belt. Have the elderly use their stronger side to support themselves on the wheelchair armrest.

4. Once sat in the wheelchair, use the shift belt to adjust their position.

How to move elderly who can’t stand from bed to wheelchair

When transferring a person who cannot walk from a bed to a wheelchair, it is essential to use a shifting board and a wheelchair with armrests that can be flipped back.

A shifting board will allow elderly wheelchair users who can’t stand to transfer to the wheelchair with ease. Source: Karma Medical Taiwan; Karma Academy

1. Ideally, the bed and the wheelchair should be the same height.

2. Have the elderly’s stronger side close to the side of the wheelchair so they can support themselves whilst shuffling toward the wheelchair.

3. The carer should be there to support the elderly in case they fall, their dominant leg closest to the wheelchair. If it’s necessary the elderly can also lean on the carer when transferring.

Summary

The methods described in this blog are designed to accommodate the different levels of the wheelchair user. We don’t want to encourage those who cannot stand to stand-up in order to transfer into a wheelchair. Instead, we designed wheelchairs with features that will aid wheelchair transfer and a method suitable for users and carers alike.

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The post How to Transfer the Elderly into a Manual Wheelchair first appeared on Karma Mobility Thailand.

Determining how far the user needs to travel, how adjustable the user needs the wheelchair to be, and what kind of positioning changing functions the user needs are all important things to consider to choose the right power wheelchair. This series of blogs will break down each component of the power wheelchair to achieve a better understanding of which option to choose.

Step 1. Select Driving Range

The reason we want to ask “How far does the user need to travel during day-to-day activities?” is directly related to the size of the wheelchair chassis (wheelchair base).

If a user needs to travel up to 25 KM per charge, an outdoor/indoor power wheelchair is the one. Outdoor/indoor wheelchairs have;

Saber is a prime example of an outdoor/indoor power wheelchair as it has been road-tested for over 1000 KM.

For 20 KM per charge, then an indoor/outdoor wheelchair is recommended. Blazer is a great example of an indoor/outdoor wheelchair because the chassis balances the driving range and small turning radius. Indoor/outdoor wheelchairs typically have;

For just 10-15 KM per charge, then an indoor-use chassis is adequate. Indoor wheelchairs typically have;

Asking the user how far they need to travel on a daily basis is a good start to understanding what type of power wheelchair they need. Source: Karma Medical

Step 2. Choose the seating system

After choosing a chassis, the user now needs to choose a seat. Depending on the type of support the user needs will determine the type of seat they can choose. To answer this, we can ask the user “What kind of support does the user need from the wheelchair?”

The adjustability of the seat depends on what type of support the user needs. Source: Karma Medical

The basic seat support available for Karma power wheelchairs is the Captain Seat. The Captain Seat is comfortable and absorbs shock. The Captain Seat is also available with a manual recline so the user can reposition themselves however they need enough trunk control to return themselves to the upright position.

If a user needs a seat with minimal adjustments then the Sling Seat is a good option. The Sling Seat has the option to add off-the-self cushions and backrests. The Sling Seat also has the option to recline or Tilt-in-Space.  These features can help reduce pressure ulcers and reposition the user without the help of a caregiver.

The Rehab Seat is highly configurable and therefore ideal for users who need all the positioning features as well as maximum support. The Rehab Seat can be fit for pediatric users with special needs or progressive diseases.

Step 3. Select power function

The next question to ask about the user is “Does the user need any power seat functions for position change?” Each power function has its advantages which will be further explored in the next blog.

The different types of power functions that can be equipped to Power Wheelchairs. Source: Karma Medical

Summary

Something to keep in mind when choosing a wheelchair seat is that they can be expensive in Thailand. Every country has its own reimbursement system, which may limit the user to which kind of power wheelchair a user can choose. However, knowledge about the user and each power wheelchair, the user will hopefully be able to choose a wheelchair that fits their needs and budget.

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The post How to Choose a Power Wheelchair (Electric Wheelchair) first appeared on Karma Mobility Thailand.