How To Make Life Easier With Mobility Issues

How To Make Life Easier With Mobility Issues

Mobility issues can make everyday tasks such as shopping or even going to the toilet more challenging. Many people start to experience mobility issues later in life and may at first refuse to accept that there is a problem. However, by accepting these issues, you can take steps to make life easier and less stressful. Here are just several ways to cope more easily with mobility issues.

Invest in the Right Equipment

There are all kinds of equipment that could help to make getting around easier. This includes wheelchairs, electric scooters and electric bicycles. Such equipment could help you get from A to B more quickly rather than relying on walking – and it will likely be a lot more comfortable experience.

Make Modifications to Your Home

If you have trouble getting around your home, consider whether there are modifications that you can make to the building to make it easier to get around. Such modifications could be an alternative to having to move. Examples include walk-in showers to make showering easier, ramps in replacement of steps and stairlifts to help get up staircases. There may be grants you can apply to that pay for these modifications.

Handle Tasks Remotely Online

When it comes to tasks like shopping or visiting the bank, consider whether there are options to do this remotely using the internet. On days when you don’t feel like trekking into town, the internet could be a convenient alternative. Nowadays, you can buy your groceries online, cash cheques and even carry out virtual appointments with doctors. It’s worth looking into your options so that you’re not as restricted.

Accept Help from Friends and Loved Ones

Many of us stubbornly try to hold onto our independence as we start to develop mobility issues, but there are times when this can hold us back. If you are no longer able to drive for instance and you need to travel to another town, don’t be afraid to ask friends and relatives for a lift rather than having to negotiate public transport. Friends and family may even be able to drive you to social events so that you’re still getting to spend time with people. On top of this, there could be times when friends and family can pick up items for you or help you do your shopping. There could even be jobs around the house that they can help you with. 

 

It’s so important to remember that mobility issues aren’t just something that affects the elderly; far from it. Regardless of your age, you can make life easier with mobility issues if you get creative.

You don’t have a driving licence?!

You’ll need to have a driving licence when you have the baby you know!

I remember being told this when I was pregnant with Kieran. Yes folks, I am a non-driver. I always meant to learn and probably could have afforded it when I was 17, despite Roy & I getting our first house together then. It just didn’t seem a priority then, and as time went on, bills went up and spare time grew shorter.  So here I am, a mum of two who doesn’t drive. Goodness, how do I cope?! Some people are aghast that I’ve never learned to drive. I did take lessons when Kieran was younger but then Christmas came along and I vowed to pick them up again.. but didn’t! Besides, I love walking and fresh air certainly hasn’t done the kids any harm so far!

How do you manage” is the common  question. Well public transport isn’t my favourite means of traveling but it’s there and it’s to be used. If you are savvy you can get about quite easily, even in a rural-ish areas such as Thirsk. I have a weekly shop delivered most weeks which is convenient and saves me a fortune (apart from my meat which I get on the market). We have a good range of independent shops in Thirsk so can get most things we need here but for bigger items and christmas shopping (etc) I do most of my shopping online and would do even if I could drive, it’s easier and cheaper for these things.

The insinuation that the kids miss out or that I must find it “difficult to cope” annoys the hell out of me to be honest. Roy drives so we do get out and about, but on a daily basis we do just fine! My Mum raised six of us without a driving licence, we didn’t miss out, and she didn’t have a breakdown as a result of it.  I don’t drive because at this stage, having never had a licence, it no longer interests me. Am I bad Mum, lazy? Perhaps as some kindhearted people have hinted, I’m too used to being “looked after” by Roy (THIS DOESN’T PISS ME OFF AT ALL). Clearly it is impossible to be a strong independent person without the ability to drive?

Perhaps I should be grateful that people seem to care so much about my mobility?