Children in Wheelchairs: Educational Guide for Safe Transfer
When a child is going through treatment or facing the effects of pediatric cancer, wheelchairs are often part of the equation. And while wheelchairs are helpful, car transfers present significant physical and emotional challenges for caregivers. This educational guide examines the physical and emotional strain caregivers face, highlights the benefits of wheelchair-accessible vans for easing these challenges, and discusses options for applying for vans.
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- Increase physical Strain and injury
- Repetitive action, coupled with the weight of the child, can lead to physical strain on the caregiver's back, shoulders, and other muscles. Overtime, this strain can result in musculoskeletal injuries such as sprains, strains or chronic pain.
- Fatigue and exhaustion
- Car transfers are physically demanding, especially if you have to perform them multiple times a day.
- Emotional and Mental Stress
- The responsibility of ensuring the safety and comfort of the child during the transfer can create anxiety and worry.
- The caregiver may feel pressure to perform the transfer correctly and fear the possibility of accidents or injury.
- The constant need of being on high alert can contribute to mental stress and exhaustion.
- Time and Energy Demands
- Preparing the vehicle, positioning the child, and ensuring their safety all takes considerable effort and time. This can leave the caregiver with limited time for self-care and rest.
Educational Resource: The Benefits of Wheelchair Accessible Vans
- Greater convenience
- Ease in transportation for both the child and caregiver.
- It typically features a ramp that allows the wheelchair user to enter and exit the vehicle without needing to transfer to a seat.
- More space and improved accessibility.
- Eliminates the needs of complex transfers in and out of a vehicle.
- Spaciousness
- Wheelchair accessible vans offer more interior space. The extra room provides ample space for the child, their wheelchair, and any necessary medical equipment or supplies.
- Greater comfort during travel and eliminates the needs for the child to be cramped or uncomfortable during traveling
- Reduced Physical Strain
- Lower physical demand.
- Lower risk of injury and decreased physical strain on caregiver's back, arms, and other muscles.
- Decreased workload.
- Decreased mental and emotional strain.
- Family Inclusion
- Promotes family inclusion by enabling everyone to travel together. Traveling together can foster a sense of togetherness and create opportunities for shared experiences and memories.
- Improved Caregiver’s Experience
- Less physically demanding and exhausting.
- Reduced risk of injury can lead to better overall health and well- being for the caregiver.
Resources to Apply for Wheelchair Accessible Van
- Magic Mobility
- Apply for a w/c accessible van free of charge.
- https://specialkidsfund.org/request-a-van/
- Help Hope Live
- Assist with fundraising to help cover the cost of uncovered medical expenses.
- https://helphopelive.org/about/mission-values/
- Signal Centers
- Family forward program can help provide funding and resources.
- https://signalcenters.org/
The Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing a lifetime of free essential services to children and families affected by pediatric cancer. Through its various programs, the Foundation offers support, education, and hope to children battling cancer and their families, helping them navigate the challenges of diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. For more information about the organization, visit www.HatcherFoundation.org.
