How to Assess Wheelchair Skills

Underdeveloped wheelchair skills can lead to unforeseen secondary conditions or isolation due to not being able to negotiate the environment, it is imperative to periodically assess skill set, and continually work toward maintaining a high level of competency.


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Assessing Wheelchair Skills

Rising healthcare costs can lead to limitations on services, including shorter hospital and rehabilitation stays. Unfortunately, the allotted length of an individual’s stay in a healthcare facility may not allow enough time to learn important wheelchair skills.  In addition, as we age or our equipment changes, we may need to refresh our skills, or even learn new ones to remain independent. And because lacking wheelchair skills can lead to unforeseen secondary conditions or isolation because we cannot negotiate the environment, it is imperative to maintain a high level of competency.  

Symbius Medical, in partnership with Banner Wheelchair Suns Basketball, Banner Health Arizona, and AZ Spinal Cord Injury Association, recently presented a series of workshops designed to help those in wheelchairs hone existing, or develop new wheelchair skills.  It’s important to periodically assess your own level of skill in the following areas, and improve as necessary:  

Transferring from chair to furniture or bed, from chair to floor or from floor to chair, and bathroom transfers.  Transfers require strength and foresight, as well as attention to detail.  Making a transfer when you’re tired, in a steamy bathroom or in an unfamiliar place, for example, all have the potential for mishaps.  Take stock of your surroundings before you find yourself in a dicey situation!  

Managing Your Environment comes in the form of opening and closing doors, operating elevators, performing wheelies, and negotiating curbs, ramps, and other types of terrain. It’s easy to navigate our own homes and work environments, but how do you manage going somewhere new?  Take your time in a new environment and, when possible, ask questions prior to arriving on site to mitigate possible frustration.  

Traveling with your chair requires thinking about the logistics not only of transfers, but also of your experience in the terminal and on the plane, as well as other aspects of travel.  Once again, learn as much as possible in advance to avoid potential delays and frustration.  

The mechanics of your chair may not be something you think about regularly, but making adjustments to and general maintenance of your wheelchair will help you be more comfortable, and make your chair last longer.  For basic maintenance and adjustments, refer to the user’s guide or owner’s manual.  Additionally, check in with your Symbius rep if you have questions not covered in those materials.  

At Symbius Medical, we believe the right thing for you is the right thing for us.  Contact us today to learn more about our services and resources.

Source: http://www.symbiusmedical.com/assessing-wheelchair-skills/

Latex Free Medical Devices and Products

At Symbius, we pride ourselves on providing our customers with the best products on the market.  Cost and convenience are important factors; however, the continued health and safety of our customers is paramount.  For catheter users with a known allergy or sensitivity to Latex, we offer Cure Catheters and Cure Catheter Closed Systems, which are always latex free. 

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Regional and National Medical Supplies

Symbius Medical provides medical supplies both nationally, and regionally, with branch locations in Arizona, California, Nevada and Utah.  We strive to meet the growing needs of our home health care customers not only by providing top-of-the-line products and fast delivery options, we also pride ourselves on our top-notch customer service.

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Symbius Works with Insurance Providers

When managing illness or disability, dealing with insurance guidelines and filling out paperwork can be an ongoing challenge.  At Symbius Medical we work with many insurance providers, and our customer service department will gladly verify your insurance, obtain any necessary authorizations and we will even take care of processing your insurance claim with your primary or secondary insurance provider. 

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Latex in Medical Devices and Products

At Symbius, we pride ourselves on providing our customers with the best products on the market.  Cost and convenience are important factors; however, the continued health and safety of our customers is paramount – from product design to how they’re manufactured and what materials they contain.  

Many medical products and devices necessitate sealing against the body, which can raise concerns for those with sensitive skin or who experience an allergic reaction to certain materials. Latex sensitivity is becoming more common, and how severely a person reacts can worsen with repeated exposure.    

Latex is the raw material from which rubber is made. Those with this allergy may experience a reaction after being in contact with, for example, the latex in rubber gloves or by inhaling airborne latex particles.  It is an irritant to many individuals and for some, even the slightest exposure to latex (such as from elastic in clothing and rubber bands), can cause an immediate, life-threatening allergic reaction.  According to the Mayo Clinic, mild latex allergy symptoms include:

• Itching 


• Skin redness


• Hives or rash   

While more severe symptoms include:

• Sneezing 


• Runny nose 


• Itchy, watery eyes 


• Scratchy throat 


• Difficulty breathing 


• Wheezing 


• Cough   

Medical devices and associated products, such as catheters and ostomy bags, come into direct and repeated contact with the body in areas where the skin can be extra sensitive.  Skin in these areas should be kept clean and routinely monitored for signs of irritation.  Because latex sensitivity can develop after repeated exposure, this is imperative even for those who do not initially display the symptoms of allergic reaction or sensitivity.   

For catheter users with a known allergy or sensitivity to Latex, Symbius Medical offers Cure Catheters and Cure Catheter Closed Systems, which are always latex free.  We also offer latex-free gloves (e.g. sterile catheter kits). For more information about this or other products, talk with a knowledgeable customer service representatives today, or visit us online at http://www.symbiusmedical.com.

Source: http://www.symbiusmedical.com/latex-in-medical-devices-and-products/

Getting the Right Ostomy Products

Becoming accustomed to life with an ostomy can be difficult and it takes time to find the supplies that are appropriate to the individual’s needs. At Symbius Medical, we can supply you with the ostomy products you need to improve the quality of your life.

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