The New York Subway: Why it’s Inaccessible for People in Wheelchairs

 

Getting around New York is a challenge everyone in a wheelchair has to face. Using a portable aluminum wheelchair ramp is helpful, but there’s a great need for the city to become accessible for all.

 

Inaccessibility: The Subway Challenge

 

There are many accessible spots in New York. But the subway is one of the culprits for challenging accessibility in the city. Subways in other states are accessible; all stations in Washington are wheelchair-friendly, in Boston, it’s 74 percent of the stations and 67 percent in Chicago.

 

The New York Times reports that it’s not just New Yorkers in wheelchairs who struggle with using the mass public transportation system. Other commuters, like parents with strollers and travelers with luggage, find the subway difficult to navigate.

 

The main problem: the elevators in the subway stations. Only about a quarter of the 472 subway stations in New York are wheelchair accessible. It’s a low percentage for any major transit system across the globe.

 

The small number of elevators isn’t the only problem because many of them don’t work. Every subway elevator malfunctions on an average of 53.2 times a year. Although some of the elevators work, commuters then have to deal with the issue of foul odor and the inaccessible location of the elevators, typically at the far end of a narrow platform.

 

The Hope of a Wheelchair-Friendly City

 

Access is one of the defining issues that many persons with disabilities (PWDs) across the world face. It’s either a shop has too large steps or raised doorframes, or worse, has no wheelchair ramp.

 

Small wonder then that PWDs are less likely to mingle with other people or worked. Of course, the law requires cities and any establishment or property to provide wheelchair accessibility. The mandate doesn’t only benefit PWDs; it’s good for the economy, too.

 

With wheelchair-friendly transportation, people in New York, from residents to tourists, will have more confidence to explore the city. PWD employees will also find it easier to go to work, helping businesses meet their goals.

 

New York, however, is still on its way to becoming one of the most accessible cities for those with disabilities. Funding is hard to come by for the city’s transportation system, and when it does, it is usually diverted to new cars or signal improvements. Gabriel Amari, supervisor for the Brooklyn Center for Independence of the Disabled, also points out that money for the subway is usually insufficient.

 

Although mass transportation needs further improvements to be wheelchair-friendly, you don’t have to be limited when traveling.

 

 

A Portable Wheelchair Ramp Can Help

 

At 1800wheelchair.com, we have a variety of portable wheelchair ramps. Our products can make it easier and better for people in wheelchairs to get around the city. The ramp system offers a semi-permanent yet durable solution to inaccessible places, including homes without wheelchair access.

 

Choose from our selection and find the right length and weight you need. Some will come with their own bag, allowing for further convenience.

Contact us today for more information.

 

Alzheimer’s Care: Assisting Seniors in the Bath

Alzheimer’s disease affects more than five million Americans, and this number may continue to grow over time. An American develops this degenerative brain disorder every 65 seconds. This health condition takes a toll on patients lives as well as to their family. It limits them from performing daily tasks, like bathing and dressing.

 

As a caregiver, whether you’re a professional or a family member, it’s important to understand how to assist a patient in their daily life. Bathing, for instance, can be one of the challenging tasks for them. They can get into an accident without proper assistance.

 

Preventing Seniors from Performing Daily Tasks

 

Alzheimer’s symptoms include memory loss, which makes it difficult for patients to complete simple tasks. They may also suffer from other challenges like difficulty in concentrating and thinking. The disease can limit their ability to multitask, too.

 

Since Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease, you may notice significant changes in the patient’s personality and behavior. Patients may experience depression, irritability and aggressiveness, and delusions, among others.

 

It may become more challenging to provide care to patients during the late stage of Alzheimer’s. You need to be patient and gentle to help them live a comfortable life despite their condition.

 

A Caregivers Guide for Bathing Alzheimer’s Patients

 

Bathing can be a confusing task for patients with Alzheimer’s. Some patients may guard their privacy and not want to get help. As a caregiver, you need to make the patient feel comfortable during the process. You may play soft music to help them relax.

 

Investing in bathroom assistive devices can enhance the safety of a patient. For example, the bathroom must have sturdy shower chairs, rubber bath mat, and safety bars in the tub. Even with these devices, you’ll still need to practice safety precautions:

  • Never leave a frail person alone in the shower
  • Before the patient gets to the bathroom, the temperature of the water should be right for the patient
  • The soap, shampoo, washcloth, and towels should be ready, so you don’t have to go out and get them in the middle of the bath
  • As much as possible, don’t use bath oil because it can make the tub slippery
  • When you’re bathing the patient, put a towel over the person’s shoulders or lap to make them feel less exposed
  • Talk to the patient about other things to distract them, especially when they get upset

 

The bathing process may vary depending on the condition of a patient. Always consider a method that’s comfortable and convenient.

 

Making Your Bathroom Safe for Seniors

 

Your bathroom must be safe for seniors with Alzheimer’s. They should be able to use it comfortably with minimal risks of slip and fall. A variety of devices can make this everyday task easier, even enjoyable for your loved one.

 

Here at 1800wheelchair.com, you can find different devices that can improve the safety in your bathroom. We offer commodes, bathroom wheelchair, shower accessories, and more. We design our products to address the needs of people who struggle to bathe or use the toilet on their own.

 

These devices also reduce the stress that caregivers and family members may experience.

To know more about our products, contact us today or explore our online store.