Before buying a car (set of wheels :-)), most of us dive into research, looking for speed, style, versatility, looks, that elusive X factor, and of course, price, deals, and features. We each have our individual systems.
I’ve always loved speed, but my condition has forced me to slow down. Still, I half-agree with Jeremy Clarkson’s quip:
“Speed has never killed anyone. Suddenly becoming stationary, that’s what gets you.”
I totally agree with the second part: becoming stationary is exactly what I’m trying to avoid. I need to keep moving!
This week, my wife and I are shopping for mobility aids, and I’m approaching it with the same research-driven mindset I’d use for a car. But what should we prioritize?
Key Questions for Choosing Mobility Aids
Here are some questions we’re grappling with:
- How easy is the mobility aid to use for both me and my wife, especially when navigating our home or public spaces?
- Will the aid provide enough comfort for long-term use, like during extended outings or events?
- How will the aid impact my self-esteem, helping me feel confident and independent in social settings?
These questions feel overwhelming, but they’re critical to maintaining my independence and quality of life.
Insights from Research
At 4 a.m., I stumbled upon a research paper titled: “Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Technologies for Mobility and Their Implications for Active Ageing” by Anabela Correia Martins, João Pinheiro, Beatriz Farias, and Jeffrey Jutai. Though the sample size is small, its insights are invaluable – thank you to the authors! One data table stood out, based on a 26-question standard rating scale. It covers categories I hadn’t considered 10 or 20 years ago, but they make perfect sense today.
Psychosocial Impact Categories
Here’s a visual breakdown of the categories from the study:
The first image shows a table listing psychosocial factors like independence, confidence, and social participation, rated by users of mobility aids. The second image graphs how these aids impact quality of life, highlighting emotional and social benefits.
These categories reflect a thoughtful, human-centered way of thinking about mobility and independence. They resonate deeply with me.
My Journey with PSP
As someone living with PSP (Progressive Supranuclear Palsy), my condition is changing rapidly. The walker no longer offers the support I need. The wheelchair, especially an electric one, seems like the best option to keep me mobile.
So, I’m ready to add new wheels to my garage. I’ll continue using the walker as much as I can, as it promotes exercise and supports my short-term goal of leading prayers while standing (still possible with a walker) on Jewish New Year’s Day.
But alternatives are crucial. This week, I’m attending two weddings and want to be as unobtrusive as possible—unlike my last wedding, where I fell spectacularly using a cane. I’m considering a wheelchair or electric wheelchair as a safer option, as my walker isn’t enough.
Your Insights Matter
If you’ve gone through this journey or have feedback from your own experience, I’d love to hear it. I know I’m not the first to navigate this, but it can feel isolating. Your stories and tips could make a big difference – please share in the comments or reach out!
As always, immense thanks to my wife and her friends for their tireless support in preparing for this moment. I’m so grateful!
One Response
We recently had some days away in a hotel with our good friends. He is now completely wheelchair dependent and has invested in a very expensive model, sort of all singing-all dancing computerised chair which enables him to get around, raise himself high etc. At home in London, he can get out of his house, onto the bus, into Central London and have a few hours out independently. They have a van now instead of the car,. His wife drives it, and the wheelchair is secured in the back, and there was still room for us two friends to sit comfortably there and enjoy our trips out. The hotel was one of the few around the country that have hoists in the room. The trip was successful (mostly, apart from a mini drama one day with an unexpected malfunction while trying to reverse the chair out of the van – we had to call out a rescue man) but that is not the norm, and our friends have been encouraged enough now to plan a visit to Israel next Spring.
I can, I think, forward your post to him to see if he has anything to add. He’s currently away again though, staying in a similar hotel in Manchester while visiting family. I suppose it just depends on what is available for you, and how much you can afford to spend. But anything that gives you more opportunity to move, even simply, from A to B, will be an advantage.
As getting to the Synagogue is a priority for you, I suppose an electric chair would be more of a hindrance than a help? Unless there are some with ‘shabbat mode’, if that exists (wheelchair version of a shabbos kettle?). And the building needs to be wheelchair friendly.