Nearly 70 per cent of the residents of the Mustard Seed Communities are bedridden. The recent gift of 30 custom fitted wheelchairs, presented by the Food for the Poor organisation, was therefore very much appreciated.
Food for the Poor has distributed thousands of wheelchairs across the island, and their latest gift cost about J$10.6 million. The organisation has joined forces with Metal Craft Industries, a US-based wheelchair specialist manufacturer, to provide wheelchairs that can eliminate or lessen problems associated with fixed deformities.
Wheelchairs that are specially customised for the recipients will lessen the possibility for such side effects as pressure ulcers, skin tears, bruising, impaired respiration and digestion, discomfort and falls or injuries to both the patient and caregiver.
In a release, Susan Moore, director of Medical Services at the Food for the Poor, said the provision of these wheelchairs would make life more comfortable and bearable for the residents, most of whom are abandoned children.