Learn more about CFSS in Minnesota
Quadriplegia involves paralysis in all four limbs. Typically caused by a spinal cord injury, this condition leaves individuals needing to rely on a wheelchair for the rest of their lives. Performing everyday activities can be frustrating, tiring and depressing. Home care services for people with this condition can make life easier in a variety of ways. Good caregivers will develop a family-like relationship that puts you at ease.
People with quadriplegia may need home care providers that offer personal care services. A personal care assistant, also known as a PCA, can help you with grooming duties like brushing and styling your hair, positioning you in your wheelchair, running errands such as driving you to the doctors and personal hygiene. These professionals can also help you get dressed, pick up and read you your mail, read the paper to you, prepare you for bed, organize your finances and do laundry.
Everyone needs to eat a healthy diet to keep the body properly fueled, and this includes people with quadriplegia. Some home care programs may provide professional nutritionists that help you develop a healthy eating menu plan so you stay properly nourished. Nutritionists have insight into how food affects your body and can take your budget into consideration when developing a meal plan. Once you have your grocery list, personal care assistants can help you with the grocery shopping process.
Quadriplegics in all states, including Minnesota, can benefit by having social workers as part of their home care team. Social workers can connect you with resources that concentrate solely with the quadriplegic population such as funding sources, support groups and nonprofits that offer a wealth of needed information. Staying in contact with others going through what you are reduces your feelings of isolation. In fact, prevention of isolation is one of the major benefits of having home care services. Having someone come into your home to help with your cares can decrease any isolation you may be feeling.
Like everyone else, wheelchair-bound people need to exercise. Home care for people with quadriplegia typically will include physical therapists. Physical therapists know a variety of stretching and strengthening exercises intent on reducing any stiffness or pain you may be experiencing. These professionals can help you perform recommended exercises. Your treatment is ultimately up to you.
Home care for people with quadriplegia will also probably include skilled nursing. Nurses can help with medical areas such as getting injections, checking your vital signs, taking your temperature, keeping you on your medical schedule and any number of other medically-related duties.
Companionship is needed by everyone, but can be especially crucial for people with quadriplegia. Home care in Minnesota, and other states, can include companionship services. When you contract for these services, a professional comes into your home and keeps you company for a set amount of time. It is all scheduled through the home care company. Companions can play board games with you, sit and chat about whatever you want and, mainly, form a friendship with you.
Being confined to a wheelchair due to quadriplegia can be trying, but it is doesn't have to stop you from enjoying life. Check into having home care services to make your life more manageable.
