Products to Help You

Sufferers of strokes often are left with varying degrees of disability. One of the more common is hemiplegia which is a paralysis of one side of the body. Below is a list of products that will benefit anyone who suffers from partial or full hemiplegia.

1. Canes are probably the most common and basic assistive mobility product. For mild cases of hemiplegia a cane may be sufficient for safe mobility.
   
   
2. Walkers (also known as rollators) are the answer for people with balance and leg strength issues including mild cases of hemiplegia. Most walkers these days have four wheels (although non-wheeled and two-wheeled walkers are still available), a seat and a basket. Indoor walkers are generally lighter and smaller while outdoor walkers typically have larger wheels, a seat, a basket and hand brakes.
   
   
3. Mobility Scooters can be helpful to those who have lost the ability to walk longer distances due to hemiplegia. It is important that a person who has had a stroke is assessed for ability and safety when choosing a scooter as a mobility device.
   
   
4. Manual Wheelchairs can also be helpful for mobility although, with hemiplegia, propelling a manual wheelchair is always an issue. Often low seat heights will be prescribed so the user can propel using one foot and one hand.
   
   
5. Transport Chairs are smaller, lighter versions of manual wheelchairs. They cannot be propelled by the user because of their small rear wheel size. Because they are lighter, easier to fold and easier to load into a vehicle by a caregiver, they have transportation advantages over a standard wheelchair.
   
   
6. Power Wheelchairs can provide independent mobility for people who have suffered a stroke but the user must be assessed for safety. Power wheelchairs can be used both indoors and out and provide a level of freedom that other mobility devices don't. With the visual and cognitive deficit that often results from a stroke, power wheelchair use may be contraindicated.
   
   
7. Stairlifts can be an excellent solution for hemiplegics to manage stairs. Both straight models and custom curved designs are available.
   
   
8. Bathroom Aids will likely be required for hemiplegics. Bath seats, transfer benches, bath boards, hand-held showers, raised toilet seats and toilet safety frames will all make bathroom activities safer for people with mobility impairment.
   
   
9. Grab Bars are essential for anyone with balance or strength issues and a good idea for everyone else. They are most often seen in bathrooms but can be installed anywhere it might be important to have a solid handhold available.
   
   
10. Lift Chairs are excellent devices for those who have trouble standing from a seated position. When the user is standing, the chair will gently lower them into a seated position and even into a reclined position. When they are seated, the chair will safely, securely and easily raise them to a standing position.
    
    
11. Commodes and Shower Commodes are available with wheels or without.Models without wheels are typically positioned beside the bed. Those with wheels can be rolled into the bathroom for over-toilet use. Wheeled models are also available with large rear wheels for self propelling. These can also be used in a roll-in shower.
    
    
12. ADLs are “aids to daily living” devices. Because of the partial or full paralysis of one side of the body, many routine daily tasks become huge challenges. ADLs make these daily tasks much easier.

THIS MATERIAL DOES NOT CONSTITUTE MEDICAL ADVICE. IT IS INTENDED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. PLEASE CONSULT A PHYSICIAN FOR SPECIFIC TREATMENT RECOMMENDATIONS.