When a spouse or elderly parent suffers a stroke and the stroke causes paralysis, the family's dynamics can change. One of the first decisions to be made is whether or not the patient should go to a nursing home or be taken care of by their family and/or friends in the comfort of their home. Of course, this decision should be made based on input from the patient's medical team and social worker. However, try not to feel overwhelmed at the idea of being a caregiver. Yes, caregiving for someone with paralysis can be a lot more tedious and physically enduring for you than you are accustomed to. However, technological advances can help. Here are two devices to consider.

Electric Patient Lift

There will be times that your loved one will need to be transferred from the bed to a wheelchair. When someone is paralyzed, it can be more difficult to lift and carry them without help. It can also be quite dangerous for both of you if you don't have the physical strength. Fortunately, there are electric patient lifts available that can help with this necessary task. 

These lifts comfortable raise and cradle patients so they can be moved from the bed to a wheelchair or another bed. Some are also designed to lift a patient from the floor. These devices come in varying sizes and have different weight capabilities. If you are unsure which one would be most appropriate, you can ask your loved one's medical social worker for guidance.

Pressure Sore Treatment Rotation Mattress

One problem that you and your loved one will want to avoid is the development of pressure sores. Since your loved one is unable to move and reposition themselves in bed, he or she will need assistance in doing so or they will be at risk of developing pressure sores. According to experts, bed bound patients should be turned at least every two hours. 

However, physically moving and repositioning your loved one as often as it is necessary to prevent pressure sores can be a difficult task for you and put you at risk of injury, such as pulling a muscle in your back. Thankfully, there are rotation mattresses that are designed specifically to prevent pressure sores in bed bound patients. A pressure sore treatment rotation mattress offers automatic patient positioning by inflating and deflating air cells within the mattress while in turning mode. When not in turning mode, the mattress provides a comfortable cushion of air to support.