It can be easy to under-estimate the difference a set of wheels makes to independence and mobility.
We’ve had two examples of this recently in Wrexham.
A new car
Helen* enjoys a good road trip as much as any of us. But that can be difficult to plan when vehicles are shared between several people. There’s a lot of waiting around and agreeing on where to go, which can be a challenge.
So when a motability scheme meant Helen could have her own car, she was so delighted she kissed it when it was delivered. Now she can be supported to go for a drive independently of others.
An electronic wheelchair
Janey* hadn’t used a wheelchair for over four years. Once she decided she wanted one, had to wait 12 long months for the delivery of her new electronic wheelchair.
When it arrived, she took to it confidently. She had to learn the steering mechanism and used the pathways in her large garden to practice. Reversing was a bit tricky to begin with but it wasn’t long at all before she could manoeuvre confidently both indoors and outdoors.
What does this mean for Janey? She can now go to people easily instead of waiting for them to come to her.
Independence is a word that’s tossed around all the time, but these are great examples of how it means different things for different people.
*names changed for privacy
