Disability Equipment

jackie1955

Hi all, I've been catching up on some threads, and have noticed a few remarks about people not wanting to use aids/equipment....

Among some there seems to be the idea that if you do use them you are 'giving in' or 'giving up'. Please don't think like that! I am a firm believer in using anything to make my life easier and to retain my independance

Years ago I thought dishwashers were a wanton waste of money and couldn't understand why people bought them - and I'm talking about fit and healthy peeps here! Eventually, whilst having the kitchen refitted, we bought a small one. Oh boy, did I grow to love it when I think of all the hours I must have stood washing pots and pans :shock: My point is, we think nothing of using everyday labour-saving devices, so when our health is declining why on earth should we not use what can make life easier?

Regarding using a walking stick/wheelchair/mobility scooter especially, if it helps you to get around easier then use it Maybe, like me, you don't need one all the time - but don't fall into the trap of thinking it 'ages' you or makes you 'look disabled' - its to HELP you! And my little scooter has enabled me to get out and about so much - thats far preferable to me than being limited to what I can do because I refuse to use it.......

Last summer I didn't know what was the matter with me, why walking was so painful, and everything ached! Now I do as much as I can myself, but I don't make life harder than it has to be.

So folks, use your common sense - have the help and use the aids when you really need them, and manage without them when you can.

Simples

Jackie x

debatat

Jackie, thats a lovely way of looking at it. I must admit my view has changed. I used to hate the aids such as crutches etc but now I see them as energy saving devices they enable me to keep going for longer! I think someone on here once said don't see them as disabled, see yourself as enabled. A good perspective!

Deb

harleyd14

hi jackie
i really understand this as i purchased a pretty walking stick off of ebay about 3 weeks ago, one of those floral ones, lovely real wood handle, clicks down to about 8 inches long to fit into a handbag....... and thats where it still is......i do struggle to overcome that line of looking ableboddied and looking (and being) disabled.
i am really quite independant, something that grinds at my husband and he really wants to help me, not belittle me in any way, he just wants to help so that i dont over do it, every time we go out he says get you stick out, but i cling on to his arm, ohhhh-ing and ahhhh-ing in pain!! where as if i just were to think "s*d it" i could have his arm AND the stick !! maybe next time :roll: !!
take care
Sally.xx

woodbon

Hello, You are right. I use a stick and I have grab rails around the bath, so I could use the bath again, as I'd given up and always used the shower. I have a collection of sticks and poles, all of which I use for different things. I keep at least one in the car. Its not just that these things help us keep independant, though of course they do, they make us safer, less likely to have bad falls. I totally agree about the use of equipment. I am old enough to remember my Mum doing the weekly wash by hand, taking all day! :shock: Not many people would have the time let alone the energy to do that! We need to live and have a life, thats the important thing. Love Sue

jackie1955

debatat wrote:

I think someone on here once said don't see them as disabled, see yourself as enabled. A good perspective! Deb

ENABLED - I like that

oooh, and I know a trendy, thirty-something lady who is very much larger-than-life and uses her eye-catching 'cane' with such style and flourish, its more like a fashion statement! You would never look at her and think 'shame, shes disabled' - I think thats because she doesn't see herself like that either

Yikes, "designer canes" the next must-have accessory - we only need one celeb to be seen using one and then everyone will be having them :shock:

Jackie x[/b]

dachshund

Hello wveryone.
My sister and i have mobility scoota's (we have cerebral palsy)take the dogs for a walk.
my sister is in a wheelchair and i cannot walk a long way so the scoota's get us where we want to go. as you get older you still need a life and you want to enjoy it has much as you can what does it matter what you use as long as you can get where you want to get and your happy. joan xx

kathbee

Jackie, you are so right about the mobility.

I have a selection of walking sticks, one being
a lovely spotty blue one, crutches including a pair
of again, blue. A mobility scooter oh, again blue,
and a wheelchair in black which replaced my bright
red one which was dropping to bits.

Without these I'm afraid I just cant get around.

So I have accepted it and at least I can get to places
that I wouldnt without them, yes, the pain is still there
but they do help quite a lot.

Mind you I am not so young so I suppose its ok for me to say
yes to help in the form of these aids.

Kath xx

sharmaine

Jackie

You are so right. I'm slowing building up aids to help me in and outside the home! I now have an automatic tin opener; a picker upper thingy; jar openers etc. A dishwasher is a godsend! I get about with my stick at first I was a bit self-conscious about using it but it really is a grand aid! We went to a bbq (husband's work colleagues were there) and I hadn't seen them for a year - I was a bit self-conscious about seeing them but thought to hell with it.
I bought myself a new top; put on some slap and my husband told me I looked yummy (he's blind !) We had a great time and it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be.

I would certainly use a wheelchair if I had too.

Sharmaine

jackie1955 wrote:

Hi all, I've been catching up on some threads, and have noticed a few remarks about people not wanting to use aids/equipment....

Among some there seems to be the idea that if you do use them you are 'giving in' or 'giving up'. Please don't think like that! I am a firm believer in using anything to make my life easier and to retain my independance

Years ago I thought dishwashers were a wanton waste of money and couldn't understand why people bought them - and I'm talking about fit and healthy peeps here! Eventually, whilst having the kitchen refitted, we bought a small one. Oh boy, did I grow to love it when I think of all the hours I must have stood washing pots and pans :shock: My point is, we think nothing of using everyday labour-saving devices, so when our health is declining why on earth should we not use what can make life easier?

Regarding using a walking stick/wheelchair/mobility scooter especially, if it helps you to get around easier then use it Maybe, like me, you don't need one all the time - but don't fall into the trap of thinking it 'ages' you or makes you 'look disabled' - its to HELP you! And my little scooter has enabled me to get out and about so much - thats far preferable to me than being limited to what I can do because I refuse to use it.......

Last summer I didn't know what was the matter with me, why walking was so painful, and everything ached! Now I do as much as I can myself, but I don't make life harder than it has to be.

So folks, use your common sense - have the help and use the aids when you really need them, and manage without them when you can.

Simples

Jackie x

jaspercat

Hi, I must admit that when I was first diagnosed 13 years ago, I didn't want to admit it and so wouldn't even apply for a blue badge, my occupational therapist finally made me see sense and now I get anything that might help me. The piece of equipment that helps me above all other is the perching stool in the kitchen, it is really useful to me and means that I can do my own washing up etc love Jaspercatxx

suzster

i'm 35 now and i have many gadgets in the kitchen mainly that help so much.
from chunky can openers, chunky potato peeler's, angled and chunky handled cutlery, which my husband bought for me in a local charity shop, even though the shop lady said "you know those are for disabled people don't you?!" yes he said and oh what a god send they are!! i could hardly manage to eat before and cutting food was impossible!
grab rails in the bathroom and a ramp in front of the door, i struggled so much getting the pram in before, so oh it's great!
so yes the aids are great, it's just being brave enough to walk in the shops and buy them!!
i to bought a switch stick from ebay and love it!!

woodbon

Its not just disabled people who benifit from gadgets, they can help everyone!!! Love Sue

lindalegs

I always say if there's a gadget out there Bring It Out and I'll give it a go - if it doesn't buzz, tick, whirr, click or glow then it's no use to this gal...........I think we may need a bigger kitchen soon to house all my goodies :oops:

Luv from Legs the great gadet gal

jackie1955

lindalegs wrote:

if it doesn't buzz, tick, whirr, click or glow then it's no use to this gal"

oooh Linda.... you are awful :oops: :oops: :oops: lol

lindalegs

jackie1955 wrote:

lindalegs wrote:

if it doesn't buzz, tick, whirr, click or glow then it's no use to this gal"

oooh Linda.... you are awful :oops: :oops: :oops: lol

Yes, I must admit I am ..... sorry :oops: XX

woodbon

Hey, I LOVE the term 'enabled' its so much more positive than disabled. Disabled is broken deliberatlly to stop it being used by others or just a worn out old crock. Enabled is working, repaired, has new parts and ready for use!! Love Sue