For me, portable power wheelchairs equal independence. Having a wheelchair that I can easily transport from place to place has made my quality of life very good. Before I had the chair, almost everything I did was more difficult and definitely painful.
I was born with cerebral palsy. Since I was raised to become as independent as possible, if I wanted to do something, I generally figure out a way to get it accomplished. For over 40 years, I have walked with forearm crutches and I definitely was not going to digress. But, as I got older, it also became more difficult to get around safely.
Going shopping became a real chore. By the time I walked the distance between my car and the store front, I was already exhausted. Then, I did not care if I bought anything or not. I simply wanted to sit down and stay put, before I fell down. Additionally, my husband did not like it when I used a chair for trips to a mall or someplace where walking is too hard, even under the best of circumstances. So, I avoided using a wheelchair like it was equal to the plague!
The Safety Choice
Then, one day, after I was compelled to become a single parent, I was told to sit down, or I would eventually fall down and break myself. Then, who would take care of my children. So, I swallowed my pride and convictions and began using a portable wheelchair 6 years ago.
Wow! What a difference in my quality of life! In truth, I wish I had done it sooner! Now, I can take my kids shopping, and we can stay there until we get done. Sure, I still get tired from wheeling from place to place, and I probably tend to rest more than individuals who are not physically challenged. But, I can actually do more than I ever could, standing on crutches.
Independent
As a matter of fact, I can go places by myself. I do not have to depend on anyone to get my wheelchair out of the trunk. My portable wheelchair folds and is lightweight. I can actually pull it in the car over my lap, and roll it on/behind the folded down passenger seat. It may not look ladylike, but I can take myself anywhere I want to go, as long as the destination is wheelchair accessible.
So, now you know about me. What about you? Do you struggle with mobility issues that adversely affect your quality of life? Do you wish you could be a little more independent? Then, maybe you should consider a portable wheelchair. For the disabled who are not capable of lifting anything too heavy, portable wheelchairs have been streamlined to weigh as little as possible, while providing safety and support.
How can you be Independent
In fact, you can now find models that are 30 pounds or less, without the attachments. Using the car itself for leverage, you will not actually have to lift that much weight. If you have never had to accept using a portable wheelchair before now, your doctor may recommend physical therapy to help you learn how to safely transport yourself from the sofa to the wheelchair, or teach you how it is possible to pack up the car and go on a road trip, if you so desire.
Life is so much easier and safer since I sat down in my portable wheelchair. I should have done it sooner. But, even if you only need a rolling seat once in a while, or all of the time, a folding wheelchair can give you back the independence you have been missing for a long time. I know.