As if life isn't already tough enough, now you're expected to act like
Baryshnikov every time you want to move from the bed, sofa, or car seat.
You know what we mean. Simple, everyday maneuvers that you once performed
without a second thought--now require planning, calculation and contortions like
a game of Twister.
Arthritics, people with injuries, or simply others who have trouble moving
around have for years been "making do" with out aids to assist them in moving
around. If you don't have these issues, you may still be fostering the
illusion that everyone walks, rises, twists, and sits with zero pain and
discomfort--all because the world is designed around you.
Mobility aids must be permanent, safe, and designed exactly for the
purpose of helping you move around. No ad hoc mobility aids anymore,
please. So let's put an end to those
not-so-graceful dance moves that cause pain and discomfort:
The "Out of Bed" Ballet
You're in bed but you don't want to be. The bed seems to have a mind of
its own. Time was, you would practically leap out of bed. Now moving
out of bed consists of well-laid plans involving hands and legs moving in
coordinated patterns. Bed manufacturers only seem to consider
highly-mobile persons when they design their beds. Naturally, because this
is a bed, surfaces are smooth and soft--no grip bar, nothing solid!
Instead, use mobility devices for
beds, such as wide-handled bed canes, transfer handles, or easy-grip bed
caddies to ease yourself out of bed--without any crazy moves.
The Bedside Twirl
Now out of bed, you may want to transfer to a wheelchair? Not so easy
if you have hip or leg troubles. A transfer pivot is just what you need to
avoid having to perform The Bedside Twirl.
The Easy Chair Can-Can Kick
Find it nearly impossible to get out of the easy chair or sofa because there
is nothing solid to grip onto? Instead of grabbing thin air or
over-exerting painful legs, grip onto a sturdy transfer
bar or use furniture risers to raise your chair just enough to make it
easier.
The Car Seat Twist and Shout
Shout of pain, we should add. That aching twist and shift out of
car seats is best performed with car mobility
aids such as a swivel seat cushion.
The Sofa Glissade
A ballet glissade--or glide--is best performed in a theater. Not in
your house. Slide smoothly between soft, uneven surfaces with flat transfer boards made especially for this maneuver.
Finale: The Overhead Lift
You may be performing with a dance partner--that is, a helpful spouse or
caregiver. Instead of taxing their aching backs, gait belts and transfer
slings help them to assist you in moving from place to place.
