Transferring Between Rooms with Independent Living Aids

Special Living Magazine
www.SpeciaLiving.com

Bathing can be a problem for a paralyzed individual and the caregiver. While bed baths are o.k. sometimes, getting into a tub or shower is preferred by most people. Also, pressure sores and skin irritations are minimized with regular bathing, as well as increased circulation.

Last year, a client of Accessible Design’s became a quadriplegic from a rare, debilitating disease. He needed a full-time caregiver. The family had the home completely remodeled to accommodate his comfort and care and to fit their lifestyle.

Accessible Design & Consulting installed an elevator to transport him between the ground floor and the upstairs bedroom. The bathroom which adjoined the bedroom was outfitted with a large bathtub and the doorway was widened.

Adam Fine checks measurements for accuracy

“The installation began with taking precise measurements of the bedroom and bathroom,” Adam of Accessible Design said. “The bathtub was already in place and once we knew the permanent placement of the bed would be in the center of the room, we outlined the track placement on the ceiling and measured for three straight segments and two curves.

The track was ordered to fit our measurements. “We then sampled various configurations for proper fit and also checked the ceiling for proper reinforcement. Once the track arrived from the manufacturer, it was mounted in the ceiling and the motor was fastened to the track. Finally, the carrier was attached to the motorized unit.”

The completed ceiling lift allows the individual to be placed in the carrier while in the bed.

At the push of a button, the system lifts the person up and out of the bed and automatically carries him along the wall of the bedroom, making a 90-degree turn through the doorway and then another 90-degree turn into the bathroom.

The lift continues to move through the bathroom and stops directly over the tub and lowers the person into the tub.

A ceiling lift not only provides a safe and comfortable way of transporting an individual from the bedroom to the bathroom, but it also makes the process safer and more comfortable for the caregiver.

For more information about making your home wheelchair accessible and safer for people with disabilities contact:

Adam Fine
Accessible Design & Consulting
866-902-9800 Phone

Adam@AccessibleConstruction.com E-mail