I’ve been in acute rehab twice as well as countless inpatient hospitalizations. In the last two and a half years I have been almost completely paralyzed from the waist down, four times. I’ve become well acquainted with occupational therapy (OT). As I stated in my last post, the world is not created for individuals with disabilities, companies and individuals are creating items to make everyday life a little easier.
This may out me and my Amazon addiction, but I never want to gatekeep a useful product. Whether you or someone you love could use a little help staying safe, getting up from low surfaces, needs a mobility device, or has a love of organization like me, here are some items I’ve purchased, tested, and unequivocally recommend.
Safety
I vividly remember the commercials from my childhood of an elderly person saying, “I’ve fallen, and I can’t get up.” What once I mocked, has now become my reality. Falling is a big issue, a present fear, and something to be extremely cautious about. Living alone, I always carry my cell phone with me which I absolutely despise. For as sophisticated as target marketing has become, I’m surprised the Alexa Emergency Assist subscription was never served up. I learned about this service on a podcast.
I realize that privacy and even the illusion of it is gone. Our TVs, phones, and computers listen to us no matter the setting. But in this instance, it just makes sense. Having never purchased an Alexa before, I now own two. Yes, I do recognize that I am incredibly behind on this trend. I now have one on each floor of my house. As the ad copy says, “No landline, no cellphone, no problem. Be prepared with hands-free, fast, 24/7 help when you need it most.”
During my recent bout of paralysis where it also affected my arms and hands, I was able to use my knuckle to unlock my phone and press the microphone button where I used voice-to-text to message my friends that I needed help. Now I have this service which allows me to set up emergency contacts so when I say “Alexa, call for help” not only am I connected to a person to assist with emergency response needs, but my designated contacts are alerted that there has been a situation via text message.
The process could not have been simpler. I’m glad Jeff Bezos can now listen and learn about my daily habits. This provides safety and assurance and due to my theatre training, I know I can project if needed and get help. The safety and relief it provides far outweighs the ick factor of a listening device.
This is a service and a reasonable price point that I am happy to invest in for peace of mind and independence. Learn more here.
Staying Active
I used to love walking, biking, swimming, and yoga. With decreased mobility it is harder and harder to raise my heartrate. And thanks to chemo, I really don’t sweat. But seated cardio and stretching is very much a thing. I purchased an under desk portable bike that I can rest on a tabletop and get a great arm workout that also pushes me into a cardio space. I’m sure there are fancier items out there, but I just love having a quick workout again.
Mobility Aids
I feel like my love of my two rollators is well known at this point. Rollators provide support, a BYOS (bring your own seat) option, a place to carry things, and the flexibility to walk on uneven surfaces with security and ease. I use my Rollz at home as it allows me to transport coffee and the other items of daily life, but also converts to a push wheelchair if needed. I get asked wherever I go what my mobility aid is and where can it be purchased– in the hospital, on the island of Guernsey, in airports, and everywhere in between.
Also, the lovely folks at ByAcre shared a code for 10% off when I casually messaged them on Instagram and told them how I’m an unofficial ambassador for their outstanding product. I am not an influencer and don’t get any commission but love and adore these mobility devices. So, if you’re in the market for a light, travel-friendly product, check out the options and colors at ByAcre and use the code: FRIEND10.
Recently, I got measured and fitted for a custom wheelchair. It will take several months and insurance approvals. Rather than being embarrassed, I am excited to have a comfortable option that provides independence and also energy conservation in a safe way. Also, I ordered it in bright pink! Until the custom one arrives, I purchased this wheelchair to bridge the gap.
My disability is dynamic and has also progressed over the years. It seems almost comical how embarrassed or ashamed I initially was to carry a cane. Then I started buying different colors and styles and now have them on every floor of my house. When I don’t need my rollators, I have many options at the ready. There are different style handles, bases, and designs. I wanted them to fold up for easy transport (they work great in the side pocket of my carryon backpack for all travel) and be adjustable for height. I prefer the wider base, but I like the one with a flashlight too.
- Umbrella stand turned cane holder
- Fancy sparkle gold foldup cane
- First blue cane with round handle (pictured above)
- Flexible wide base and fold up with flat handle and flashlight
Home adjustments
My mobility fluctuates like crazy, and no two days are the same. So, to make my life just a little bit easier, I’ve added some easy OT fixes like a bedside rail with pockets and an under-cushion couch handle for my sofa to help rise from low surfaces. They just make life easier. I even purchased a car cane which provides a sturdy handle on the inside of the door when getting into and out of a car. It also doubles as a way to break a window should you ever find yourself at the bottom of a lake in a car. You never know.
I have grab bars, bilateral railings, toilet lifts, and a shower seat. I really wish companies would stop saying these items are only for seniors. Diversity in advertising could help them out quite a bit. I wish I didn’t need them, but I’m glad they exist and help conserve energy and maintain independence.
Organization brings me peace
While not necessarily related to disability, anything I can do to streamline my life in preparation for an unpredictable bad day is a good thing. I now take 8,042 medications and supplements so a pill organizer is essential. I didn’t however want to have to fill it up each day because at that point, why bother? So, a three-a-day packet was the perfect solution. I also am always hungry but don’t always have the energy to make and assemble a healthy snack, so meal prep has become an absolute essential. While I’ve always meal prepped, I didn’t really snack prep. I snagged these adorable containers and prep nuts, a hardboiled egg, chips, crackers, and cheese. They are my adult lunchable that reminds me of my childhood.
Cleanliness makes me happy
Last but not least, as I keep referencing my childhood – remember the Jetsons? Having a robot clean your house seemed like a dream. Well, this year for my birthday, I researched robot vacuums and mops and thought I would try one out. Obsessed. My generous parents purchased this for my birthday and the amount of joy I receive each time I use it is probably unhealthy.
I had the exterior of my house painted this year because it needed a glow up and a color change. I’ve never looked at my gutters, garage, or porch railing so much in my life. I am not ashamed. Life in my 40s is very different than previous decades. I now stare at gutters and feel blessed to have a robot vacuum (who I named Rosey for the Jetsons).
Things that make life easier and safer are just a good idea. So, if you can afford it, why not invest in you or make your home more accessible for others?
My Chronic Library 