You may be using a wheelchair temporarily to recover from an injury or surgery, or perhaps you're using a wheelchair permanently. In either case, using a wheelchair to get around can take some getting used to. In addition to mobility issues, there can be big lifestyle changes surrounding new wheelchair use. Among them are changes in employment, changes in your ability to drive or participate in leisure activities and changes in your peer group. In this article, we discuss ways of coping with these changes and also provide good tips for adjusting to life using a wheelchair. Read on to learn more.
Learn to Be Assertive
You may suddenly find that when you're sitting in a wheelchair, people seem not see you. You may be talking with a clerk in a store or some other situation and find that the person does not direct their comments to you but instead talks to whoever may be accompanying you.
Learn to speak up and ask the person to speak directly to you. You may also wish to request that the person sit down to be at eye level with you instead of talking over you.
You don’t have to be rude or demanding to do this. You also should not beg. In a pleasant, but firm voice, say something along the lines of “Excuse me, but it is me making this request (or purchase or whatever). I need for you to speak directly to me. I would really appreciate it if you would sit down and talk with me face-to-face.”
Don't Settle for a Wheelchair That You Don't Like
Your wheelchair should be practical, comfortable, affordable and easy on the eyes. It’s your ride, and you should be proud of the way it looks and happy with the way it feels. Having a chair that you actively dislike can wreak havoc with your confidence. Be sure to assert your preferences when choosing your wheelchair.
Put Your Best Wheel Forward
Get the best wheelchair you can. Having a chair that fits you properly and is capable of doing the things you need to do can make your life a lot easier. With a well fitted, correctly selected wheelchair, you will be able to move about more quickly and easily, turn well and even reach things more easily.
In some instances, you may want to get a standing wheelchair. This is a fairly new technology that lets you stand while securely strapped in. This is very helpful if your doctor tells you that you can stand, but you need to have extra support.
For example, perhaps injuries to your feet prevent you from being able to put your full weight on your feet. Having a standing wheelchair can help you with this problem.
Modify Your Home for Easier Use
If you have a stack of medical bills tying you down, you may believe that forgoing home remodeling is a smart choice. Unfortunately, this is not the case. There are some basic modifications that you probably must do to make your home wheelchair accessible.
One very important modification is bathroom modification. You must be able to easily get to and into your bathroom. Once there, you need to be able to move around, enter the shower, transfer to the toilet, use the sink and all of the things that you could do if were standing and walking.
If you only have an upstairs bathroom, you may need to install a downstairs bathroom or at the very least install a stair lift to carry you upstairs.
You'll need to have doorways widened to accommodate your wheelchair and your hands and fingers as you turn the wheels.
Ramps must be installed over stairs, even very short flights. You'll also want to install threshold ramps over the thresholds in doorways, which could stop you in your tracks.
Fortunately, very often your homeowners insurance might pay for some of these modifications. Additionally, there are usually grants and/or low interest loans available to help people make wheelchair modifications to their homes.
In addition to structural modifications, you may want to make simple changes such as rearranging the furniture to make it easier to get around. Make sure that there's no clutter on the floor to tangle up in your in your wheels, block your way or trip you up.
Learn to Be Brave
You may initially feel like rejecting adaptive devices, tools and technology that could make your life easier. Don’t make life harder for yourself. Learn to be brave and creative like this young woman. Make the most of assistive devices that are available to you.
Develop a Regular Exercise Routine
There are many ways that people who use wheelchairs can get good exercise, which is extremely important when you sit all day. Sitting has been said to be as bad for you smoking, so be sure to establish a work out or an exercise routine that will help strengthen your muscles, improve your circulation and keep your weight under control.
You can do almost any seated exercise while in your chair (strength permitting) and you can also do quite a few range of motion exercises while lying down. Talk with your doctor and/or physical therapist to get a good routine in place.
Check with your local community college to see if they have an adaptive physical education program. This is a good place to start, and taking regular exercise classes is a great way to stay motivated and on track.
There are also lots of fun and challenging chair (and specifically wheelchair) exercise videos offered on YouTube. Just search “wheelchair exercise video” to find the perfect ones to match with your needs and abilities.
Take Laugh Breaks
In addition to establishing an exercise routine, establish a laughing routine. Laughter is actually physically good for you, and making sure that you take time to enjoy lighthearted pursuits every day can help stave off problems such as depression.
Laughter actually helps build your immune system, so it can keep you healthy. Take time to watch funny movies and videos, spend time talking and laughing with friends, playing with your pet or enjoying any other pursuits that bring a smile to your face.
TIP: Short seated exercise videos for kids can help you exercise and smile at the same time!
Work on Building Your Ability to be Patient
Time heals all wounds, at least to some extent. While you may be experiencing a permanent disability, this does not mean that things cannot get better. You will become stronger, you will recover some old abilities, and you will develop new abilities. You will gradually adjust to life in a wheelchair.
Be patient with yourself and give yourself time to become stronger and more capable. Keep in mind that performing tasks while using a wheelchair is likely to take longer than performing them while ambulatory. Give yourself time, and be patient with yourself as you learn.
Keep an Open Mind
Learning to live life using a wheelchair is a big challenge. It’s important to stay open to meeting and associating with new people, doing things differently and becoming your best self in your current situation.
If you are engaging in physical therapy or taking classes to learn how to cope with life as a wheelchair user, you may find that your peers are suddenly people you would never have met or known otherwise. It may be difficult, but strive to make the most of the situation by looking at it as an opportunity to learn and grow and make new friends.
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