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Tips and tricks from people with spinal cord injuries (SCI).

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Looking after ones health: all 102 tips and ideas

102 tips and ideas 
Hydration system hanging at the edge of the bed'Camelbak' hydration system
With the 'camelbak' water is always accessible when lying in bed - suitable for persons with compromised arm/hand function
Accessible saunaAccessible sauna
Sauna increases well-being of person with quadriplegia
Accessible sauna with hinged bench Accessible sauna
Large sauna planned for electric wheelchair access
Sauna with glass doorAccessible sauna
Accessible sauna - suitable for persons who drive a wheelchair and who easily freeze
Sauna – part of the upper and lower benches removedAccessible sauna
Simple adaptation in sauna – suitable for wheelchair users
Wall-mounted arm cycle with extended wall bracketAdaptation of arm cycle
Wall-mounted exercise bike, adapted with extended wall bracket
Emergency equipment cartAdapted baggage cart
Emergency equipment cart for ventilator user
Adapted calf strap, from behindAdapted calf strap
A broad padded calf strap makes sitting in Panthera wheelchair more comfortable
Adapted dosetteAdapted dosette
The dosette is useful for persons with impaired hand function
Air-to-air heat pump, indoor unitAir-to-air heat pump maintains even temperature
Since persons with high spinal cord injuries frequently do not tolerate excessively high or low temperatures it is important to maintain a constant temperature indoors
Arm cycle with customized handlebarsArm cycle with customized handlebars
Arm cycle with customized handlebars suitable as home exercise machine for wheelchair users who have impaired hand function.
Bag valve maskBag valve mask (Ambu bag)
Convenient bag valve mask - an important assistive device for ventilator users
Latte frother in a glassBattery-operated frother
Frother suitable for persons with impaired hand function; useful for functions such as mixing medications
ShawlCamel hair shawl to keep shoulders and upper arms warm
Holds heat - appropriate for persons who easily freeze
User with capCap with built-in cooling or heating elements
Custom-designed cap for persons with problems regulating body temperature
Ceiling fanCeiling fan
Ceiling fan helps persons who have problems regulating body heat to sleep on hot summer nights.
Combined ceiling fan and lightCeiling fan
The ceiling fan helps when it gets too hot in the summer; appropriate for persons who have problems with temperature regulation.
Ceiling lift track with ceiling liftCeiling lift between bed and bathtub
By opening up the wall above the bathroom door Anders can transfer from the bed directly to the bathtub using a ceiling lift
Chaps, lying on the floorChaps-style trousers for wheelchair users
Chaps-style trousers that can be put on without having to move from the wheelchair
Chaps lying on floorChaps-style trousers for wheelchair users
Chaps are easy to put on and take off while sitting in a wheelchair.
User with cooling vestCooling and heating vest
Vest with built-in hot or cold pads, suitable for persons with problems regulating body temperature
Table fanCooling fan
Cooling fan for persons who have problems with temperature control.
Spray bottle, photo: Clas OhlsonCooling off when it gets too hot
Simple tips for cooling off - suitable for persons who are sensitive to heat
User with assistive device for coughing.Coughing aid
Assistive device provides support for coughing; suitable for persons who are unable to cough by themselves
Cranberry juiceCranberry juice
Cranberry juice is used to prevent urinary tract infections.
BathtubCustom-built bathtub in larch wood
Larch wood bathtub with broad edge to help with transfers and stops for the feet; suitable for people with disabilities.
H-shaped wooden stand Custom-designed scale
Scale for person who sits in wheelchair
Dodger on sailboatDodger on adapted sailboat
Custom easy-to-use dodger keeps user warm and dry on boat; extremely suitable for persons with physical disabilities.
Medication dosetteDosette for medications
Dosettes make it easier for persons with impaired hand function to take medicine
User bends forwardEasing strain on buttocks
Technique for persons with poor balance and impaired arm/hand function to ease strain on buttocks
Electric heating padElectric heating pad
Electric heating pad, practical for persons who have problems regulating body temperature
Electric juicerElectric juicer
Electric juicer - fast, easy way to make fresh juice to stay healthy
Electric space heaterElectric space heater
Provides extra heat for persons who freeze easily.
User with feet on footrestEngblom comfort footrest
Padded footrest on wheelchair prevents pressure ulcers when barefoot
User engages in strength training with the rubber band installed at shoulder heightExercise equipment in living room
Rubber band in living room – simple exercise equipment that is always accessible
Using hand cycle with the help of an exercise gloveExercise gloves
Exercise gloves make it possible to keep a steady grip on exercise equipment for persons with compromised or no dexterity
FireplaceFireplace
Fireplace provides extra heat for persons who have a hard time staying warm.
User with feet on foot restFoot rest on wheelchair
The foot rest helps position feet properly and prevents pressure ulcers when the user does not wear shoes
User with soft footrestFootrest
A soft footrest on the wheelchair makes shoes unnecessary indoors
User with fur on legsFur
Fur keeps legs warm - suitable for wheelchair users who easily freeze
User opens sliding door to enclosed patioGlassed-in patio with infrared heating
A glassed-in patio allows people who freeze easily to be outdoors on chilly days and evenings – suitable for wheelchair users
Guitar control for video gameGuitar Hero – video game controlled with guitar
Video game provides good hand training
User with heated gloves and battery pack onHeated gloves
Thermostat-controlled heated gloves
User wearing heated sock (close-up)Heated socks
Battery-heated socks for outdoor activities – appropriate for people who freeze easily
Heating fanHeating fan
Used for extra heat in work room, appropriate for persons who get cold easily.
Heating fan at work tableHeating fan
Heating fan suitable for persons who find it difficult to regulate body temperature.
User sitting by heating fanHeating fan
Freestanding heating fan is a good source of supplemental heating for persons who easily become cold
Heating fanHeating fan with built-in thermostat
A heating fan by the workplace helps persons with impaired hand and/or arm function to avoid tension in their shoulders.
User with heating pad on lapHeating pad for microwave oven
Heating pad – a good assistive device for people who freeze easily
Heating pad lying on bedHeating pad with timer
Heating pad with timer warms the bed
Aquatec Laguna hygienic chair with ROHO hygiene cushionHygienic chair
Shower and hygienic chair with customized armrest, suitable for persons with extensive disabilities
User with lap cushionLap and hand cushions
Cushions in colors that match clothing on which to place arms and hands when sitting in the wheelchair - a possibility for persons with extensive disabilities
User relieves pressure on seat by leaning forward on trayLap tray that stays on lap
Tray with many applications for people who drive a wheelchair
Liniment LinexLiniment Linex
A liniment that helps against muscle pain
Massage device - handle with moving rollersMassage device
For massages, to increase circulation and warm the body
Massage rollerMassage roller with flexible joints
Massager that reduces muscle tension in the body
MassagerMassage rollers in various designs
Massage rollers help relieve muscle tension
Different models of massagersMassager
Used to treat tight muscles and as sex aid – suitable for persons with spinal cord injury
Carital mattressMattress for pressure ulcer prevention
Mattress that prevents pressure sores; works with or without motor.
Mattress for pressure ulcer preventionMattress for pressure ulcer prevention, with compressor
Hanging the compressor on a string can reduce vibrations.
Mirror hanging on bed handleMirror to check ulcers
It is important for people with impaired sensation to check their skin regularly
The user uses the mobile coughing assistive deviceMobile assistive device for coughing
An assistive device that provides support for coughing even when traveling – suitable for persons who cannot cough on their own
User with arm cycleModified exercise bike
A quiet exercise bike modified into an arm cycle – suitable for wheelchair users
Nasal irrigatorNasal irrigator
The nasal irrigator can prevent colds
Move with lift and neck roll (person in the picture is not the user)Neck roll cushion
The neck roll supports and helps to relax the neck during moves - suitable for persons with extensive disabilities who use a personal lift
Oven gloveOven glove
Oven glove protects hands when handling hot baking sheets – suitable for persons with impaired sensation
User lying on side in bed with kinesthetic rollPositioning cushion that can support the entire body
– provides firm support and reduces shoulder pain
User lies on back with legs on psoas cushionPositioning cushions in bed
Positioning cushions to lie comfortably, improve circulation and prevent decubitus ulcers - suitable for persons with extensive disabilities
Pressure relieving mattress picture 1Pressure relieving mattress
Mattress for pressure ulcer prevention with quiet motor – suitable for persons with ulcer problems
ROHO-MINI-MAX cushion on shower chairPressure relieving shower cushion
Used successfully in many contexts, such as the shower, airplane trips, the car, etc.
Roho Uno shower cushionPressure relieving shower cushion
Roho cushion provides good pressure relief on hard shower chair.
Pressure-relieving mattress lying on bedPressure-relieving mattress
Solution for persons with spinal cord injuries
User with rain capeRain cape
Rain cape appropriate for wheelchair users
Rain cover on ventilatorRain cover for ventilator
Rain cover for ventilator - an important aid for persons who have their ventilator on the wheelchair
User with rain poncho from the frontRain poncho for bicyclists
A rain poncho for bicyclists works as rain gear for wheelchair users.
Programmable unitReminder to take medicine at the right time
Assistive device reminds user to take his medicine on time
Roho cushion on driver’s seatRoho cushion in motorboat
Cushions with many applications – suitable for persons with impaired sensation
picture missingRosemary oil for swollen feet
Susanne uses rosemary oil and avoids wearing support hose for swollen legs.
Suspended scaleScale
A suspended scale with a ceiling lift is appropriate for persons who transfer with ceiling lift
Gel cushion on seat in boat
Seat cushion in boat
Pressure-relieving seat cushion
User with Back on Track shirtShirt that stays warm
Appropriate clothing for people with disabilities
Shower chair TrippShower chair with holder for ventilator tube
Small tilting shower chair - suitable for persons with compromised balance
ETAC Mobil with pressure relieving cushions (Roho Clean Protect on a soft plastic-covered foam cushion with standard opening)Shower chair with pressure-relieving cushion
Shower chair and cushion appropriate for persons who are sensitive to pressure and for those who have a high spinal cord injury.
User transfers to bed using sliding mat.Sliding mat for transfers
The sliding mat prevents chafing and requires less strength during transfers to the bed or shower chair
Tablet containerSmall tablet container
Small tablet container - practical to bring along in handbag
Sitting area in living roomSpacious living room
Spacious living room with glass walls on two sides – suitable for wheelchair users
Spray bottle and userSpray bottle with pump
A water spray bottle works well for cooling off on hot days.
Stand for ventilator tubeStand for ventilator tube by the bed
Stand with ventilator tube holder - assistive device for persons who use a ventilator
Suction deviceSuction device and suction bottle
Suction device, an important assistive device for ventilator users with tracheotomy
User takes medicine with damp thumbTaking medicine
A person without dexterity can dampen a thumb to remove medicine from a dish
User with tube heaterTube heater
The tube heater reduces condensation in the ventilator tube when the user is out in the cold
Peppermint oilVarious types of tea
Refreshing tea instead of coffee
Ventilator in metal box on wheelchairVentilator
Ventilator and its placement on the wheelchair
Vibrating foot bathVibrating foot bath
Vibrating foot bath can accelerate healing of wounds and improve circulation
User in bathtubWatch TV from bathtub
Being able to watch TV while lying in the bathtub is relaxing and distracts from pain
User watches movie on laptop while lying in bedWatching DVDs in bed
User can watch DVDs in bed on a laptop
User places wood in wood stoveWelding glove for building fire in the stove
Welding glove protects against burns – suitable for persons with impaired sensation
Wheat cushion on user’s headWheat cushion provides extra heat
Wheat cushion appropriate for persons who freeze easily.
Sauna entrance with on/off button on the wallWheelchair accessible sauna
An accessible sauna that can be used while sitting on a shower chair on casters
User sitting on the Stimulite cushionWheelchair cushion Stimulite
A wheelchair cushion that prevents decubitus ulcers - suitable for persons who lack sensation
Whirlpool tub with ceiling liftWhirlpool tub
A hot bath can help persons who find it difficult to stay warm and have problems with spasticity
User with work glovesWork gloves
Assembly gloves protect hands during work on a farm – suitable for persons with impaired sensation