Visiting family and friends

[ann]

My husband will be home on the 28th after a 8 months hospital stay. Our home is ready and equipped with the ramp, chair lift for the stairs in the home etc. However my concern is we have a lot of family and friends and the summer is coming so i'm sure we will be going going going  , but what do you do when the visiting homes have stairs to get inside the house? I'm trying to think of ways of how we can still visit family and friends with him and his wheel chair, do anyone have any advice on this or suggestions of what you do. thanks!

[Gary Anderson]

The choice in the poll is strange - stairs or stairs 

I have a spinal nerve injury together with a collection of other crippling injuries as a result of a car acciden a few years ago. Although able to walk, I still at times struggle.

I use a stairlift, however, would have thought if your hubby is a para or a quad that he would have found it difficult to balance on one as normally you need a wheelchair at both ends.

However, when visiting I manage  by using a portable ramp which allows me access to anyone's house. I manage on the stairs by having someone assist me or that is not available, then I go up on my bum using my one good hand to hold the rail.

I made friends online with a guy from USA who is a severe quad and he gets into family and friends houses with a group of them lifting the chair over the doorstep.

I really don't need to bother with the inside stairs - always assuming there's a downstairs toilet. If staying over, then I try to make sure that they can accommodate me on a lower level.

It's a case of where there's a will there's a way. Best of luck Ann I am sure you will find your family and friends will accommodate your hubby as best they can.

[Apparelyzed]

The choice in the poll is strange - stairs or stairs

Yes, but very realistic in most circumstances, as those are the options presented!

We usually check before we visit, and if there are enough hands, and more than 1 step, we usually get in somehow, unless the doors are too narrow, then we're stuffed!

Simon

[Catucci]

Hi Ann

My hubby Nico is T6 complete in a wheelchair.  We've never had a problem yet, there's always been enough hands on helpers to help him over stairs and steps into friends houses.  Our local authority have given Nico a pair of extendable steel type ramps and we put in the boot and take them with us if we know there's going to be steps to negotiate. 

Well done on his forthcoming homecoming!

xx Cat xx

[ann]

thanks!!! yeah i'm sure family and friends will help him, i'm just i guess thinking ahead, and don't want no embarrassment to him , you know how men ego's get  .  as for the  poll  question I didn't know what i was doing really didn't want it LOL....but we do have a lift in our home for the stairs, and the ramp. so i'm sure he'll be fine in our home just us going out.

[Gary Anderson]

I don't know whether you are in UK or USA Ann.

However, I am in Glasgow, Scotland and I find that going out there is not a lot of access problems. On the most part, wherever I want to go is accessible. If not, as everyone says, there is no end of willing helpers. Your hubby will soon get over any embarrassment - better to be lifted up stairs than left out in the cold - that would be more embarrassing!!

If you are in USA, I have heard tell that they are more "accessibl" for the disabled. So, as Cat says, may be worth asking your State or COuncil equivalent if they provide portable ramps.

Good luck.

[ann]

thanks Gary.. yes I am in the USA and I was thinking about the portable ramps. It is handicap accessible everywhere you go for the most part, i'm just mainly talking going to family and friends house who don't have to be accessible for handicaps, but i will look into that portable ramp, and you're right if he needs to be lifted up and carry that do beat the embarrassment of staying outside 

[ann]

BTW: if there is anyone from USA on do you know what's the best and reasonable place to contact for portable ramps. And for everyone i'm on line looking at some portable and it goes by inches of stairs etc.. don't know the different steps we may encounter, so do it matter what type of portable ramp you get?? If it do matter how should i go about getting the correct ramp? thanks

[Gary Anderson]

Ann

I have got a portable ramp which I use, although I walk, due to leg injuries I find stairs a bit of a you know what. I shall try to find a leaflet I had for my ramp and send you the basics.

My own ramp does not matter what stairs I am trying to go up. I just place it on the stairs and up I go. Instead of two single ramps like Cat was talking about this is a solid stainless steel plate that folds in half.

I guess you could try your USA equivalent of a mobility store. Or type portable ramp into your computer search engine and see what comes up for your area.

I shall dig around over here and if I come up with anything shall let you know.

[wheels5894]

I don't know, but I think 'stairs' are going to be elected US President!

OK, having been T6 for years (since 1983) I have found that the ability to jump out of the chair, well, OK slip onto the floor, and drag the chair up a couple of steps is a vital way of getting around. On the bum I do climb stairs with someone else to bring the chair. I have found this the only way ointo some places.

Nowadays, the public buildings are getting better and access is heaps better than in the past but of course homes are not. Many houses have steps at the front but sometimes only one step at the back and one step is just a flip up and over so to speak. I think visiting can be tough but the will to make it in, on the bottom is necessary is something I have found vital.

[Gary Anderson]

I wholeheartedly agree.
I have a padded cushion for my bum just for this purpose