Being a Caregiver to a Quadriplegic Family Member

Taking care of a quadriplegic parent or other family member at home can be physically and emotionally challenging. Quadriplegia, sometimes called tetraplegia, is paralysis of both legs and both arms. Quadriplegia and paraplegia are most often caused by spinal cord injuries but can also be caused by nerve diseases such as multiple sclerosis and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis ( Lou Gehrig's Disease ). Many individuals may find it difficult to handle this type of physical disability. But, for those who want to attempt it, there are a couple of things to keep in mind.

On the Physical Side:

The physical aspect of caring for a quadriplegic individual is the obvious. The patient must be lifted and rolled over so he is not lying on the same body parts for too long a period. The importance of this is to prevent bedsores, or at least keep them to a minimum. These sores, if not treated properly, can become ulcerated and dangerous. And, he must be lifted and rolled over to bathe, and sat up to eat. Be sure you have a hospital bed for the patient; it will make your life a little easier and his a little more comfortable.

Along with this, the patient will periodically need to be lifted into a wheelchair to change the bed or for other occasions that may arise. For a male caregiver this may not be as difficult as it will be for a female caregiver. A technique to use is:

1. Sit the patient up and facing you with his legs over the bed
2. Put your knees on the outsides (toward the front) of the patient's knees
3. Put your arms under the patient's armpits
4. Lift the patient up and toward you, and turn/swivel him in the direction of the wheelchair
5. Gently lower him into the wheelchair and make sure his head and neck are supported.

Before you start this procedure make sure the wheelchair is right next to you with enough clearance to swing the patient into it, and make sure the wheels are locked.

Having neck and leg braces would be a good idea. It will help in keeping the patient from collapsing and help you when lifting the patient.

While I am not a professional caregiver, this is the technique my sister and I used for our mother who was quadriplegic for a number of years. But, please check with your doctor before administering any type of care. I found it very interesting when researching quadriplegia and care giving that there isn't any information on how-tos for certain necessary duties as a caregiver--at least none that I could find.

If you are taking care of someone with paraplegia or quadriplegia you must have the patient under the care of a qualified specialist. This specialist will certainly be able to provide you with any needed information on care giving.

On the Emotional Side:

The emotional aspect of being the caregiver for a quadriplegic family member can be overwhelming and much more difficult than the physical aspect. To watch a loved one in this condition is heartbreaking and at the same time you need to be both physically and emotionally strong to handle it. It would be a good idea to join a support group of others who are in your situation. It's always beneficial to learn from those with more experience and/or coping techniques. Along with this, it may come to the point where you cannot give the patient the care needed; the patient may worsen and be unable to eat and/or have difficulty breathing. At this point, a professional team will be needed.

You can contact one of the following national organizations for more information on paraplegia and quadriplegia:

National Spinal Cord Injury Association

6701 Democracy Blvd, Ste 300-9
Bethesda, MD 20817
Phone: 1-800-962-9629
Web Address: www.spinalcord.org

American Spinal Cord Association

2020 Peachtree Road, NW
Atlanta, Georgia, 30309-1402
Phone: 1-404-355-9772
Web Address: www.asia-spinalinjury.org

Paralyzed Veterans of American

801 Eighteenth Street NW
Washington, DC, 20006
Phone: 1-800-424-8200
Web Address: www.pva.org

Here are additional sites for information and support:

http://www.nationalmssociety.org/

The Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Resource Center
http://www.paralysis.org

http://www.myelin.org

ttp://www.women-health-guide.com/health/multiple-sclerosis.htm

ww.mult-sclerosis.org

American Muscular Dystrophy Association
http://www.mdausa.org