Author: Pete

Managed decline

Up until I was 20 everything was pretty normal. Then, in 1978 I became paralysed and for the last 42 years have been a wheelchair user.

When I reached 60, a couple of years ago I found that my physical abilities were declining. For example, pushing any distance became harder, as was getting in and out of the car and other transfers. This led to some changes in the way I do things. For example, I began to use a transfer cushion in my car so I no longer have to lift my body weight; and then I began to use a power add on to my wheelchair when outside.

Today there is a third addition to this new arsenal: a bathroom hoist. This helps me get on and off the loo and in and out of the bath without having to transfer. It’s a welcome addition because of that.