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  • #182931
    Becker Muscular Dystrophy and daily living needs.

    I care for my adult son who suffers from Beckers.He has been struggling to get off the bed ,raised chair and car seat.

    He already has a profiling bed raised chair and the car seat is reasonably high.

    I am waiting for the O.T. assessment, but do not know how long the wait would be.

    Does anyone know what cars would be suitable to adapt to his needs,I am planning to apply for a mobility car.Any advice as to how to get him up from seating position would be helpful ?

    ESTHER VASANTH
    Participant
    Posts: 0
    Joined: 28/03/2017
    #183516
    Reply To: Becker Muscular Dystrophy and daily living needs.

    Hello and welcome Esther. It seems you have done the right thing by calling in the OTs, as they are clearly the experts in these matters, and can see him whilst he is in his own home and thus make a better assessment. I could not advise on cars as this will be very personal to you. Again the OT or even Motorbility could advise you better. Raising from seating I can only tell you what I have which is a rising and reclining chair. One of the few things the Social Services have ever done for me. Press the button and it raises almost the standing so I can then use my sticks to go. Once again I would stress that you should wait for the OTs.They will be able to advise on your son’s personal situation which is so much better in the long run.

    Mike

    So many love songs, so little love.

    embayweather embayweather
    Moderator
    Posts: 8
    Joined: 02/11/2015
    #183522
    Reply To: Becker Muscular Dystrophy and daily living needs.

    Hi Esther and welcome to forum.

    Sounds like you both got a good idea into securing the right equipment. OT is a good way to go but its good to know what to ask for and whats available. Happy to try and brainstorm a few ideas.

    Bed:- Does his bed rise and lower?

    I have profiling bed that lowers to make siting easier and rises very high to talk the struggle from standing. I then use a high lean walker to safely depart bed and weight bear.

    Would a bed pole help with transfer?
    Your OT when you get one will be able to assess your son and his bed for a range of grab rails or poles to give a little support when standing, transferring or turning in bed.

    Riser recliner
    You can also get a supportive pole for risers that securely fits under the riser itself to support once chair is risen and its time to stand unaided. not all OT will agree to supply this type though.

    Walker frame. The right supportive walker frame might do just the trick. I use a Days high lean walker.
    https://www.livingmadeeasy.org.uk/mobility/wheeled-forearm-walkers-p/folding-three-wheel-walker-0101755-1944-information.htm

    Car seat.
    Ie your renewing your mobility car you could as for a turning seat in either driver or passenger seat.

    https://www.motability.co.uk/products/adaptations/adaptations-available/

    or perhaps a person hoist if required for front seats

    https://www.motability.co.uk/products/adaptations/adaptations-available/

    or a transfer plate

    https://www.motability.co.uk/products/adaptations/adaptations-available/

    Motability may also help fund the above and a boot hoist system for stowing a chair or scooter.

    https://www.motability.co.uk/products/adaptations/adaptations-available/

    All the above can be fitted to standard mid size cars. I personally have had boot hoists in Ford Focus estate. Ford CMAx a Citreon C3 and a Mazda five. Likewise the swivel turning seat can be put in majority of mid size cars. I also have had hand controls fitted in above cars.

    The “What car” will depend on his transfer style. When I walked I couldnt manage a bucket seat or low down car. I found it easier to ease off a mid height car. It would be best to go to a garage and try getting in and out different models before selecting the adaptations. Door size and weight is also key. Especially if your son is the driver. If your son is a driver, an automatic boot as standard would be beneficial but can be fitted as an adaptation but may reduce your boot store capacity.

    A-Hatch Automatic Boot Opener

    I know have a VW caddy which I drive direct from my powerchair. No more unsafe transfers for myself or my carers. I press a button boot opens via remote sensors, ramp deploys and im away. I no longer need assistance.

    Cat
    Moderator
    Posts: 1,002
    Joined: 20/09/2010
    #183523
    Reply To: Becker Muscular Dystrophy and daily living needs.

    “Getting up from a seated position”

    This is a very personal thing for both the lifter and the person being lifted. Myself like many of my friends are lifted under arms by family in a manual sit to stand lift which professionals just wouldn’t agree or sanction. For this reason I changed my car to the drive to type I could stay in my wheelchair to reduce lifts as my stability and that of my elderly mothers has deteriorated.

    Its hard to advise on this as what is ok for one not another. Only thing I can think of is maybe a passenger chair that would swivel and half exit the car to make this sit to transfer a little easier on you both. If your son uses any type of scooter to chair he may be able to transfer via a board.

    Ask your OT what is available in the line of portable support slings or transfer plates that might help.

    Cat
    Moderator
    Posts: 1,002
    Joined: 20/09/2010
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