My Turn to Use AT

I’m a bit late sending out my weekly blog, as I had surgery on my ankle this week.  It will be several weeks of non-weight-bearing on my ankle, and I must say, I am so grateful that my home is already accessible, and has the tools I need to get around independently.  I truly do not know how I would be doing otherwise.

The most helpful item for me has been my knee scooter.  I do not have the arm strength and balance required to manage crutches.  I know this from previous attempts at using them!  Once I knew I was going to have this surgery, I looked on Amazon and ended up with two knee scooters- one for inside, and one for outside.  

Of course, with knee scooters, you need to have a step-free home, with wide enough doors to get around.  Thanks to my son Jon, who uses a power wheelchair, our home has a ramp to get in, wide doorways and hallways, and an accessible bathroom.  

 I am not yet able to take a shower or bath until I get my hard cast on- but I am appreciating the fully accessible bathroom.  The grab bar, placed next to the toilet, has been a true blessing for me for transfers.  Plus, we have a lovely bidet, and we have touch faucets in there as well.  When I can shower, our shower has a hand-held shower and is large enough for me to sit and shower in it.  I can’t wait!  

Many of the items I mentioned can be purchased on Amazon or your local hardware store.  As for the ramp, here in California, we have a program called Ability Tools, that can loan you a temporary ramp if available and needed.  

Someone once said that everyone, at some point in their life, will become disabled, even if temporary.  It is my time now, and I will keep you posted on the tools that were helpful, and any adventures I have once I can start moving around my community.