My wife is doing ok after her slight stroke, in early April…she does not however walk very well, and I am currently taking her everywhere in a wheelchair, I am thinking of getting her a small mobility scooter, to give her back some independence, however, she insists that she will soon be walking unaided…the thing is, do I pursue the idea of a scooter ? or encourage her to walk on her own ?..she is very stubborn, and can be quite “difficult” so just wondering what the best thing to do is…
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Both.
Can you suggest that using the wheelchair is causing you problems and the scooter is a short term solution until she is back on her feet. I now have a power chair but I put off getting it for a long time as I saw it as something that disabled people had which was not me. it was the best thing I could do,
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Thank you…that is exactly her attitude regarding a scooter, and I don’t want to discourage her from walking…I don’t walk too good myself, after losing a toe to Diabetes, and am trying to think long term in case I can’t push her in the wheelchair…
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Immediately after having a stroke there is a lot to deal with in unfamiliar territory. Over time changes will occur and no-one professional or otherwise can predict how things will turn out.
As someone who, after three years, has bit the bullet and recognised that some help would be good I would say that a mobility aid will if nothing else open up possibilities. I am really glad I got mine and wish I had it earlier.
The folk who sell these things are pleased to give demonstration runs. Take advantage and get your wife to a dealer so she gets the chance to try one out.
If you can get to a stroke group talk to others there about the specifics of mobility devices, people who have been affected by stroke are a helpful bunch and you both might learn something.
Talk with an O.T. who can give practical help and advice.
Mobility device? I would say yes!! (but watch out - she’ll leave you standing)
If you have time take a look at my blog where I tell my story about mobility.
There is support, encouragement and information in this community. Be sure to use it.
No question is a dumb thing to ask. No difficulty is new. We sympathise. You are not alone. We are here with you. We know the effects of stroke are overwhelming.
keep on keepin’ on
from my YouTube channel:
Here’s a shout out to the guys at https://onlinecommunity.stroke.org.uk/ where all sorts of stuff stroke related happens.
This community is where once out of hospital I first met with others also affected by stroke.
I found I was not alone and soon began the long road to rediscover myself.Stroke is not a wonderful journey but over time it is possible to pull back some of what you once were and begin building who you are going to be.
Mutual support has been big in my journey and I feel, as peers, we have much to offer and a great deal to share.
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Another thought: Is there anywhere your wife would like to go for a day out? - shopping; National Trust property; garden? These places often have scooters available to borrow. It might inspire your wife if she had a taste of the freedom a scooter can give.
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As someone who has fairly recently invested in a scooter I would say they are worth investing in. I just use mine for those longer trips where walking would tire me out completely or is just too far for my current level of mobility. If she is using a wheelchair now then a scooter in essence isn’t much different only she can get herself around & doesn’t have to rely on you. You can probably pick one up 2nd hand if it willbe short term. I, like Bobbi, wish I had bitten the bullet sooner.
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Thank you, Just picked it up today…got new batteries coming tomorrow or Wednesday…here she is actually sitting on it !!..
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When I had a manual chair if I was being pushed I was always desperate to get away on my own. You may find you never see your wife again.
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Brilliant- she’ll be off & no stopping her now.
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This is a great beginning to a fun adventure.
Now get her to the shops so she can pick out a treat for herself. (that of course you will pay for.)
Happy trundling to you both.
Bet you are wishing you had one too.
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Thank You…I’ve had one for quite a while now, and know the freedom it gave me…just got to persuade her to use it now !!..
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I have just purchased a mobility scooter, not for stroke related reasons, although I did have a stroke last September, but my arthritic hip is causing severe la cl of mobility problems, I was initially against having one , because only ‘old’ people used them, (I’m 80 in 2 weeks). Having bought one, I was initially embarrassed to be seen on it, vanity I suppose , but then after a 2 week holiday in Benidorm where I rented one for 2 weeks, I realised how much more freedom it gave me, so I bought my own , I don’t regret it , but wish it wasn’t necessary. It’s a personal thing, and everyone has to make an informed choice.
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Thank You…I was the same, when I had to get mine, but soon discovered that it gave me freedom, without it I wouldn’t have got out of the house for about six months, after blood clot bypass operations in my legs…my wife is/was very independent, but MIGHT just be coming round to the idea…fingers crossed !!..
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