Caretakers, Family and Friends: Taking Care of a Loved One in Need of Wheelchair Accessibility

When a loved one’s ability to move freely changes, whether as the result of a stroke, disease or accident, it takes some getting used to – both for them and for you.  It will be a stressful time, sometimes filled with hospital visits, physical therapy, and unfamiliar adjustments in daily lifestyle, chores and capabilities.

It can be easy to lose sight of the fact that what was once “normal life” has changed but the person in your life is the same one they’ve always been, regardless of a new need for wheelchair accessibility or mobility aid.  The changes to lifestyle can be abrupt, particularly in the case where mobility impairment came with no warning; however, remember to treat each other the same way as you always have.  Acknowledge the possibility and do your best to avoid having your relationship change to an impersonal care-giver and patient relationship, as this is a time when you both need your loved ones.  Over time mobility impairment can be overcome, returning you to a sense of stability, using aids such as wheelchair accessible vans and mobility vans, but now is the time to accept that patience is a virtue.

Your loved one will need your support, encouragement and care in addition to that extra measure of patience.  They will want to know that you are not under too much stress and that you can work together to live a fulfilling life, just as you always did.  You may find that your schedule will need to change, as some elements of life will inevitably take longer to perform when making them handicapped accessible.  Learning and understanding your loved one’s needs at this point is essential for helping them cope and recover.

At Van Products, we can assist you with choosing from a number of wheelchair accessible vans, lifts, mobility aids, and driving supports.  We offer new and used wheelchair vans, as well as our personal attention and expertise, having over 17 years experience of helping people gain mobility and independence.   Get in touch with us to learn more, we’d love to help you too!