This is one of the more difficult challenges I face with my husband. We don’t always agree on which mobility aids might be beneficial. I fully support his drive to do as much as possible for himself while he still can, however, there are aids that could make life easier for both of us if he would only consider using them. He has accepted transfer poles next to his favorite chairs and grab bars in the bathrooms. He reluctantly started using a cane and then a walker on the advice of his physical therapist.

I have been looking into getting a Transport Chair. It is a light weight wheelchair not intended for full time use and would be nice for those rare occasions when we want to do things that stretch his current capabilities. We used to love going for walks along the waterfront. Walking with him when he is using a walker is stressful as I am constantly watching to make sure he is okay. With a transport chair, he could walk until he got tired and then ride to enjoy the rest of our walk.

I wish I didn’t have to think about these things, I sincerely wish he was able to do everything we once did together. That is not possible. So, I am trying to find workarounds, ways we can still enjoy some of our former activities without taking away from his dignity or independence. I know a transport chair is scary but it doesn’t have to be. If I can help him look at it as a tool that can enrich our lives, then perhaps he will be able to accept it. I would really like to be able to go on outings together again.