Mum has CBD and now an electric wheelchair to promote independence but it’s not going well 😕

[MumwithCBD]

Mum now has an electric wheelchair, but her confidence to control it herself doesn’t seem to be getting any easier, is there help out there to train her up in this? To boost her confidence or do you think she’ll never quite get it because her reactions aren’t quick enough? She went off on her own the other day just up the road to the shop and lost control and ended up in the road, thankfully no car were there. She’s reluctant to use again as am I to allow her to go in her own. Which then defeats the objective of having it

[Kevin_1]

Hi

One of the key things which becomes fairly evident early on, with PSP/CBD, is difficulty learning. The mental processing and reviewing which needs to take place to learn are both diminished.

Sorry, this is so not what you want to hear.

[NannaB]

I’m sorry but Kevin is correct. She will know where she wants to go but her brain won’t let the correct messages get through to her eyes and hands to control the chair safely. Can she move her eyes and head freely to see what is to her side? Her reflexes will not be quick enough to avoid accidents either. I applied for an electric wheelchair for my husband but was told he would have to show he can manoeuvre it safely inside and outside the house. I knew he couldn’t. I ended up buying one with the controls moved for me to use. It was a Godsend as it meant we could get out and I have many happy memories of out numerous excursions. You could have the controls moved so she can still get outside but escorted safely. It may defeat the object but will be safer for your mum.

XxxX

[SewBears in reply to NannaB]

Oh wow! I didn’t know that I could get a remote controlled electric wheelchair. Something to plan for down the road. Right now hubby can still operate the one that he has. You should see him ride with myself and two dogs in toe. It’s the only way that I can get a little exercise outside of the home. I wonder how I can walk the dogs and work the remote at the same time. Lol

[NannaB in reply to SewBears]

Unfortunately not remote but I could manoeuvre the chair and my, at that time, heavy husband with one finger 😁 XxxX

[SewBears in reply to NannaB]

Oh, I see. That’s what I’m doing already. Lol

[Hidden]

I thought about getting an electric chair for Larry then realized he wouldn’t be able to use it. He can’t work the TV remote.

[MumwithCBD]

I thought this might be the case, thank you guys xx

[AliBee1]

Hi.

I agree with Kevin sadly. Nigel had a small mobility scooter in the early stages of CBD but he used to press the forward and reverse buttons randomly so went all over the place or no where at all.

Love AliBee xx

[SewBears]

I don’t blame you or your mum for being afraid to try again. It doesn’t sound like a good idea at all. I only let my husband drive his when I’m right by his side. The purpose that it serves is to let him feel like he has some freedom even though he really doesn’t, since I’m right there telling him exactly what to do and sometimes even taking over the controls for him. At first I was annoyed but now I enjoy getting outside with him. I’m not sure if you want to risk it again though. It sounds pretty frightening and I’m sorry that it didn’t work out better.

[messier]

My mother kept the electric scooter that my dad had used but when she got to realising she was struggling to walk and needed something more we discovered that she could barely get in the seat. And with only one arm working because of the CBD she couldn't steer it.

Agree with the comment about TV remotes - I keep getting phone calls from her because she's pressed the wrong buttons and is convinced she's done it right! Anyone found a big button remote that you can use with a TV and set top box?

[Katiebow]

Ben had to give up driving fairly soon after diagnosis because his special awareness and thoght processing were compromised. He had an electric wheelchair but with me at the controls, he just would not have been safe to operate himself. Xx

[Birdlover415]

Hello, I have CBD and have 2 electric wheelchairs. The first thing I had to learn is to stop using the joystick when I am headed where I don’t want to go and want to stop. Seems basic but when you drive you don’t take your hands off the wheel to stop, you brake. But with the wheelchair, just stop moving by releasing the joystick.

Secondly, my wheelchairs are a little different-one is rear wheel drive which is much easier to learn to maneuver. The second is front wheel drive which makes the back swing out in the opposite direction. I had to practice for awhile at the very lowest speed.

Good luck.

[Hidden]

Mom had PSP & tried one but failed miserably. A dear friend's daughter recently bought one for her mom. They went to tour our State's Capital & my friend fell over... luckily she was not hurt. Later she told me she was so embarrassed when 6 State Police Officers help set her up right. I laughed & said, "That's a great way to make new freinds but please don't do it again." Saftey First! Sending Hugs... Granni B

[Bargiepat]

Mine is very safe but not designed for roads................

youtu.be/9Iwq_lY8Vts(Not working as expected?)

[Dance1955]

Hi My husband wasn’t any good with the electric wheelchair he struggled with it the controls were too sensitive for him fell out of it then that was it !

He is so much better with the gofer there are lots out there to try but because he has the steering in front of him I think he feels safer I won’t let him go out alone though or where there is lots of people I think it’s too stressful for both of us but I still let him ride around the park where it’s quieter Just to give him some independence 😐👍x

[aliciamq]

My husband drives the Amigos in the grocery store and I chew my nails off every time😬 I need to constantly remind him to keep space btwn himself and others. He does not look before he leaps either. I used to let him take off on his own with half the grocery list, but, have stopped doing that worried he will just not stop in time and knock someone over🤕 He has bumped into displays many times. I would hear the sound of packages falling to the floor and know where he was - if no blood was apparent, I would just pretend I didn't know him.