I recently got a new aid, I have an electric wheelchair. She is amazing. She gives me so many more freedoms compared to my manual chair but equally it makes me feel more disabled as I have realised how much I need the support.
I have had a manual wheelchair since 2016 and that was a big adjustment to make but it allowed me to be part of the family again. I got to participate in days out and holidays instead of just sitting on the sidelines.
I also had a mobility scooter, which I used around town and to collect the children from school (when they attended). The problem with the scooter was although it broke down into several parts to fit in the car I couldn’t lift the pieces or reassemble it, it was just too heavy. I also felt because of the size of it, it always separated me from the rest of the family, I felt ‘off to the side’.
My manual wheelchair was good for these times. Rich would push me and I didn’t feel separate from the family. My biggest issue was I had to rely on others to push me around, although it is a self propelled wheelchair, I can only push myself a few metres before the fatigue and pain sets in, it really makes me feel pathetic.
Onto our current journey and my needs have changed. Now the children are home educating and we are out exploring a lot more, I needed something that I could use by myself, I could get in and out of the car myself and something that gave me a lot more freedom and independence.
After a lot of research I found Liberty (MobilityPlus+ Ultra-Light Instant Folding Electric Wheelchair £879.99), with adjustments she suits my needs perfectly. The ultra light is relative, yes compared to most chairs she is ultra light however not light enough for me to lift, which was a challenge when it came to getting it in and out of the car. Another quick search on their website and I found ramps (5ft telescopic ramps). An afternoon outside with Rich, tantrums and cross words and we had it figured out as to how on my own I could get Liberty in and out of the car.
I have used her on several journeys and days out and she has been a dream, so comfortable and allows me to be part of the family whilst still having my independence.
I will link all the products I have mentioned in this blog below. I do not receive any money for links, purchases, etc. I am not sponsored in any way, I just want people to be able to find products that have helped me with ease.
