Question:
What can I expect when I am out and about in a wheelchair?
Life in a Wheelchair
Living in a wheelchair seems like it should not be a problem—until you have to do it. What is second nature to a person not in a wheelchair can be problematic for someone in a wheelchair. Curb cutaways are not always in the right place, and trying to get over a curb with no cutaways can be difficult. Simple things like getting something from a top shelf or approaching a bar are more difficult. Things such as potholes tend to pose a major difficulty.
Ambulatory people tend not to think of these things, so when a person becomes non-ambulatory, it can become difficult to cope with life in a wheelchair. Life in a wheelchair does not have to be difficult. Have someone help to arrange your home so that things are low enough to reach from a seated position, or if the person in the wheelchair has the ability to stand, keep things in upper cabinets on the lower shelves.
Do strength training exercises for the upper body so that it is easier to maneuver through tougher areas, such as curbs, potholes and other tough places. Strength training exercises will also help the overall health—keeping weight in check, which in turn helps with heart disease and diabetes.
Disability Frequently Asked Questions
Should I be ashamed of being depressed because of my amputation?
Can a person with an amputation live a normal, healthy lifestyle?
Do I have to have someone living with me if I am an amputee?
I have an amputation—is there a sport I can compete in?
Where do I meet others like me?
What are the ages of baby boomers?
Where can I find more information on baby boomer topics?
Are there special resources just for baby boomers?
Are there specific health issues I should be aware of?
Should I make the time to seek caregiver assistance and support?
Should a cancer patient caregiver enlist the help of outside resources?
What are some of the things I should do as a caregiver?
Can I get financial help if I am an elderly caregiver caring for an elderly spouse?
How can I make living with a child with a disability easier for me and the child?
Just because a child has a mental disability, does that mean he or she cannot learn?
Should children with physical disabilities be allowed to participate in sporting activities?
Can my child learn from sites on the internet?
What is the leading cause of blindness?
Where can a visually impaired or blind person find information and services?
Are there books that are printed for the blind or visually impaired?
Does an employer have to make accommodations for a deaf person?
Where can specific information on deafness and hearing impairments be found?
Is there assistance for hearing impaired workers?
Does a hearing impaired disability hold a person back?
Where can a hearing impaired person look for jobs?
Does a deaf or hearing impaired child have the right to attend public school?
Does a veteran get VA disability if the disability is not service connected?
Can a disabled veteran get employment?
Where can a disabled veteran get assistance?
Where can a disabled veteran find other disabled veterans to communicate with?
Where can a disabled veteran find information on local organizations?
What should I do if I notice symptoms of hyperreflexia?
Are there other issues a spinal cord injury patient must be aware of?
Does physical therapy help a spinal cord injury patient?
Is joining a support group for me?
Should I exercise to help with arthritis pain management?
Does arthritis affect other health concerns?
How does one cope with arthrits pain limitations?
What can I expect when I am out and about in a wheelchair?
What types of disabilities require the use of a wheelchair?
How can pressure sores be averted?
Do people with a short-term disability need a wheelchair?
Can cancer patients suffer from depression?
Are there anonymous ways of coping with cancer?
Does a cancer patient have to go to the doctor every day for medication?
Are there treatments to ease cancer symptoms?
What is a good way to relieve the stress of a terminal cancer patient's remaining time?
Is it possible to not be able to find the cause of chronic pain?
Should a person with chronic pain start an exercise program?
Can online chronic pain support groups help me?
Are there ways to control chronic pain?
What is involved in stroke recovery?
Do stroke patients recover completely?
Are online support groups helpful?
Are there drugs to help restore blood flow to the brain?
Does exercise help patients with multiple sclerosis?
Is multiple sclerosis curable?
Should I attend support group meetings?
Can Parkinson's Disease psychologically affect a person?
Can exercise help with Parkinson's Disease?
There are drugs to cope with the symptoms of Parkinson's--are there drugs to stop the progression?
Is there surgery for Parkinson's Disease?
Are there things a patient can do at home to help minimize the effects of Parkinson's?
| Guru Spotlight |
| Sherril Steele-Carlin |
