Did other people with Ataxia find different ways to overcome difficulties? Some things are lost for good but many small things in the house can be done successfully such as banisters on stairs , pillows to make sitting easier and using the part of your body that still has some strength.
Probably people with other handicaps find that too. And there are many aids on the market that can help. No use in refusing them when one needs them.
One of my biggest helps recently has been the addition of grab rails
I also have grabrail, it helps a lot.
Whereabouts Klazien do you locate your grab rails. I'm thinking of installing some more. I already have them in the toilet and the shower but I need to install others around the house. I'd be interested to know where you placed yours.
Beside the toilet and bathroom, I also have one at the beginning of the stairs and at the front and back door. The rollator is used for in between and the banisters for the stairs. Also anti slip strips on every stair and in the shower room. But where ever one needs it most, it is different for everybody. I also have grab-bars with heavy duty suction cups for travel but do not trust them.
I cannot get into a bath so for me a shower is best
Me too .. one on every threshold bought from ebay.
cool, i didn't know they were so easy to buy. i'm looking now.🤗
Indeed my thoughts exactly.. so many younger or not so young 🤔 refuse a stick. Main point is posture whilst maintaining balance and staying safe so two poles best to start with. X
Maybe they try to hold on as long as possible for the illusion of it is not being progressive.
I started with a walking stick, mainly not wanting people to think that I was drunk
Than 2 sticks, than a rollator. Outside a wheelchair but inside not yet. The progression was slow, 17 years.
Yes I remember my first acceptance of advice from ataxia forum was use a Cane so people won't knock you off balance x
Even with a cane I fell. It was just a little knock but from that I learned to stay far away from people
Get properly fitted walking stick(s) so you maintain correct posture and stability, so essential to do this
This was very long ago. At that time is was mainly not to look drunk but I must have leaned on it a lot. Now indoors I use a rollator while leaning forward. A very bad posture but standing straight makes me fall back and take the rollator with me. So I can only stand straight while holding grab-bars.
that was hard for me psychologically in the beginning. i knew i couldn't walk on my own, but my brain kept saying, 'you're young. 20 somethings don't use walkers!' i got over it, though because without it, i would've had to stay home all the time. nope.
i love grabbers. now that i mostly use a chair when out and about, grabbers make life easier. i also started using a shower chair b/c it's terrifying to fall on hard surfaces!
I also have a shower chair
I prefer bath as I feel safer so I use inflatable bath chair which I bought nearly new on ebay 😅
Whatever works.
i miss baths. i also have heat intolerance and i refuse to sit in a cold tub!🙄
Heat intolerance sounds pesky .. my hubby is always cold so I'm always having to tolerate 🙄 Heat. X
Replacing ensuite with a shower room and ground floor living was necessary for me, also grab rails
Handy around the house - Spillnot Cup Holder
When should I explain my Ataxia, or feel self-conscious about it?
Ataxia group meeting, Newcastle upon Tyne
