COVID 19 Tips For Portable Electric Wheelchair Users
The covid-19 virus has caused a sense of concern among people all over the world. It left the world in a crippled state. The pandemic is one of those moments where we valued health over everything else. With the ongoing global crisis, maintaining a safe distance from people is one of the best ways to keep covid at bay. Such tough times are giving us mental, physical, and emotional stress.
But, what about those who are physically disabled? There are a huge number of individuals who dependent on wheelchairs due to a physical injury. The current pandemic scenario doubles the risks and threats. Coronavirus is a dangerous virus that can last on surfaces for many hours at a stretch.
Thus, it is a no brainer that wheelchairs should be disinfected on a regular basis. Besides, the virus is lethal to individuals with low immunity. Physically disabled naturally have compared to healthy individuals. In such cases, developing covid-19 can be risky.
Not to forget, with the ongoing pandemic, the cold and flu season is also around the corner. The flu season is one of those times of the year that report the maximum number of deaths all over the world. This is why it is more than important to take care of ourselves. So, even if you are susceptible or not, it is best to indulge in hygienic practices.
This will keep you safe from viral infections during the winter season. Some of the ways you can follow the safety measures are by wearing a protective mask in the public. Furthermore, maintain social distancing and wash your hands regularly to eliminate the virus. At the same time, ensure to disinfect your wheelchair while in public
How This Pandemic Made The Disable People Even More Vulnerable
Individuals with disabilities have a lower immune system. For this reason, they are prone to different ailments and diseases. Comparing a healthy individual to a physically disabled person would be a huge mistake. difference. Their healthcare needs are not the same and needs special care. At the same time, there is a stark contrast between the present health status of both individuals.
A physically disabled individual has poor health and is more likely to depend on medicines for optimal health. On the other hand, a healthy individual may or may not require medicines at all. With the current Covid-19 scenario, people with disabilities face 10 times the struggle. They have a huge negative impact not only on their health. Not to mention their mental, emotional and physical well-being.
Additionally, their weak immune system puts them at a higher risk. Thus, they have the high probability
of contracting the deadly coronavirus. This disrupts them from getting proper medical aid too. With the pandemic still looming over our heads, it is essential for as well as disabled people to take top-notch care about their well-being. Below, we will have a look at the various impacts the pandemic has on disabled people along with tips to stay safe.
The Struggle Of Disable People During This Pandemic
The pandemic has disrupted the normal lives of the physically disabled. Also, it has made it difficult to get access to medical health care unlike before. The rate of deaths is especially higher among people with weaker immune systems or vulnerable health conditions. In other words, coronavirus is dangerous for elderly people. And for those with underlying medical health conditions. Here we will discuss some of the unique challenges faced by physically disabled individuals. These are the problems they are undergoing amidst the covid-19 pandemic.
Facing Problems To Wear Masks
Some physically disabled people are unable to wear protective masks due to their underlying health reasons. For instance, wearing a mask can disrupt the breathing process. Some even have breathing difficulties because of it. Then, others feel a sense of panic or anxiety due to the suffocating nature of the masks. Moreover, wearing a protective mask can also cause a communication barrier among people.
Inconsistent Policies
At the initial stage of the pandemic, there were many unclear policies. These includes inconsistent rules about the presence of support people with the physically disabled. This left them without any help or support. That’s why people are suffering adverse health conditions and neglect. It increases their level of vulnerability.
Problems With Telehealth Apparatuses
Blind or visually impaired people's suffering is different too. The available telehealth tools are not compatible with screen readers. At the same time, not all individuals can navigate easily through these tools. Not everyone has the same amount of efficiency when it comes to operating these tools. Furthermore, people who are hard on hearing or speaking, find it troublesome to communicate if their interprets or systems are not arranged in advance.
Inadequate Healthcare Facilities
With the dangers of covid-19 lurking around, people who are bedridden or find it hard to travel, don't have access to covid testing. Finding transportation for such people is no less than a hassle.
Cleaning And Disinfecting Tips For Your Portable Electric Wheelchair
To increase the shelf life of a wheelchair, it is essential that you clean and disinfect it regularly. This is not only to boost its life but also to prevent the spread of the deadly coronavirus.
Regularly disinfection of the wheelchair will keep you safe and sound from the virus. According to the statements released by WHO, the coronavirus is a potent virus that is capable of spreading faster than any other virus.
Thus, there are some safety precautions that you need to follow to prevent catching the disease. Firstly, you must maintain social distancing while in public. Secondly, ensure to wash your hands at regular intervals.
Finally, disinfect and clean surfaces that you regularly touch and use. Now that the world is slowly getting back to normal, it is crucial to ensure that the wheelchairs are properly cleaned well.
Cleaning vs. Disinfection
Do you know what is the difference between cleaning and disinfection? Are they the same or are they any different? Let us explain. While cleaning is simply wiping down surfaces to eliminate dirt and dust, disinfection is the eradication of germs.
Disinfection offers a deeper cleaning experience while cleaning doesn't. Removing germs, bacteria, and viruses from the surface reduces the spread and prevent diseases. Now that we are aware of the stark difference between them both, we need to practice both.
Make sure to clean the wheelchair. Follow it by disinfecting with a powerful product to eliminate existing germs on the surfaces. It is best to use popular sanitizers for this purpose. Before using these products, ensure to read the label along with the directions for use.
How Should You Clean Your Portable Electric Wheelchair?
Every time you are out in public, ensure to clean your wheelchair along with disinfect as well. All surfaces that have direct contact must be disinfected using a quality sanitizer. You can find sanitizer wipes that are easy to use with 70% alcohol.
Moreover, you can also find other solutions for disinfecting. Make sure that the sanitizer stays on the surfaces for at least 5 mins. Finally, clean with a cloth and rinse with an antiseptic cloth. Do not forget the joystick that is on the wheelchair.
You can easily clean it off with a damp cloth. Use a diluted sanitizer for this purpose. After cleaning and disinfecting, ensure all surfaces are rinsed and dried properly. Lack of rinsing or excess moisture can cause damage to the wheelchair.
Thus, it is vital to clean the wheelchair surface well and let it dry. Also, avoid the use of dangerous chemicals or products that will only harm the wheelchair. Last but not the least, do not forget to clean the armrests, footrests, handles, and other parts that are constantly touched.
Where Should You Focus More
Any time you are out at a public place, it is essential that you perform a deep cleaning of the entire wheelchair frame. In addition, there are other components in the wheelchair like the joystick, armrests, footrest, and handles that have more chances of being contaminated. This is because these are the parts that are always exposed to the outside.
The front and the back
The wheels of your wheelchair carry the maximum number of germs and bacteria as they are in direct contact with the ground. This is why it is recommended that you clean and disinfect the front and rear wheels every time you come home outside. Make sure to use a quality sanitizer on the wheelchair. Also, never use water directly on an electric wheelchair.
Handle
The handles are one of the most exposed parts of the wheelchair. Additionally, it is one of those components that are frequently touched by many people. This can cause the transmission of the virus. So, you need to clean and disinfect the handles with a sanitizer.
Armrests
The next component on the list is the armrests. This is again an exposed component of the wheelchair that needs regular cleaning.
Joystick and Hand rims
While cleaning, we usually forget the joysticks found in electric wheelchairs and hand rims found in manual wheelchairs. These are the parts of the wheelchair that we constantly are in contact with which is why they can carry the greatest number of germs.
Cushion
Both the seat cushion and back cushion are in constant touch with our bodies. Thus, we need to clean and disinfect the cushion with quality sanitizer. Rubbing and sweat from our bodies can spread the accumulation of germs and bacteria. To eliminate these deadly viruses, you need to make sure to disinfect the surfaces well. Also, let it dry out completely.
In addition to these, if you use other support elements like cranes or walking sticks, follow the same safety measures as described above. Clean and disinfect the areas that are the most exposed.
The Bottom Line
As a society, it is our moral responsibility to take care of ourselves and others. Wheelchair users need to be extra careful and act by the safety precautionary measures as directed. This way, we can limit the spread of the dangerous coronavirus. We hope that this piece of advice comforts wheelchair ATS users. At the same time, we wish to give you hope that there is light at the end of the tunnel.
Through these trying times, we must adapt ourselves to practice proper hygiene. Life doesn't stop because of a virus. It goes on and we shouldn't stop giving life our best. If you are alive and living through such a pandemic, it simply means that you are strong enough to pull through this. All it takes is some patience and perseverance. Use your power and push forward with all your might, no matter what!
