26.
An effective transfer board can be fashioned from a length of hardwood which is sanded, waxed and highly polished. Both ends should be beveled. This is a project for someone at your house who likes to work with wood.
27.
Transfers and gait can be assisted by using a wide, securely buckled belt around the patient's waist, which is then grasped to support him/her during transfer or steady him/her while walking. However, special gait belts are often inexpensive, usually under $10 at a medical supply store.
28.
A king-size satin pillow case is an excellent aid to use as a drawsheet for transfer or turning in bed.
29.
Because of its height, a bar stool is a good seat for the patient with weak hip and/or knee extensors. Look for one with a wide leg base. You might also want one with a back and armrests. When rising from a chair with arm covers, the covers can be kept from slipping by laying a sheet of art foam (available at art supply stores) between the cover and the arm rest of the chair. A terry cloth washcloth will also work.
30.
Leverage can be increased when moving in bed by using arm elevators constructed with lightweight, wide-based wooded blocks to which dowel handles have been fixed.
31.
Football receiver gloves afford a better grip on the handrail when climbing or descending stairs. Baseball or biking gloves are not quite as good.
32.
When traveling, an airline wheelchair can be rented for negotiating narrow doors and passageways.
33.
Radio waves can cause unintended motion of power wheelchairs or scooters. Take caution using CB radios or cellular phones when your wheelchair power is on. Also be aware of the location of radio transmitters such as radio or TV stations and two-way radios. Try to avoid driving near them.
34.
A heavy rope, knotted at 12-inch intervals and slung from a secure tree branch, can be used for support to help a child with weak legs practice walking outside in the back yard.
35.
Low-cut pile carpeting without padding is safer to walk on than heavy shag or throw rugs and makes wheelchair mobility at home easier to manage.
36.
A lightweight bicycle helmet is comfortable for head protection with children prone to falling. A homemade head protector made of cloth strips filled with closed-cell foam padding sewn to circle and cross the top of the head is also effective.
