Wheelchair-bound residents in nursing facilities: the basics

Consult Pharm. 2007 Feb;22(2):119-22, 132-4, 137-9. doi: 10.4140/tcp.n.2007.119.

Abstract

More than 70% of nursing home residents spend at least part of their day in wheelchairs. Ideally, each resident would be fitted for his or her own wheelchair. A well-fitted chair can improve mobility, safety, and comfort. Wheelchairs that are ill fitting, however, can cause or exacerbate medical problems. These include posture-related complications like poor breathing or dysphagia, falls, pressure sores, and several other conditions. Pharmacists who are involved with quality improvement activities can make wheelchair use and selection a priority, improving care for wheelchair-bound residents.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Consultants
  • Disabled Persons / statistics & numerical data*
  • Humans
  • Nursing Homes / statistics & numerical data*
  • Pharmacists
  • Professional Role
  • Wheelchairs / adverse effects
  • Wheelchairs / standards*
  • Wounds and Injuries / classification
  • Wounds and Injuries / etiology
  • Wounds and Injuries / prevention & control