The desire for independence is a fundamental aspect of human nature. We all strive for the freedom to make choices, manage our lives, and pursue our dreams. For individuals with disabilities or mobility challenges, achieving independence may require the use of assistive devices. In this blog post, we’ll explore the empowering journey of living independently with the support of aids, and I’ll tell you about how they helped my brother following his motorbike accident last year.
The Day Of The Accident
My brother, Ian, was merrily on his way to work in Lyme Regis last year, driving along the coast road from Weymouth on his motorbike when a car, turning right, wiped him out. He was going around 60 miles per hour. He ended up on the side of the road in pieces and had to be air lifted to hosital. It was a scary experience for him, as you can imagine. Ian had to be air lifted to hospital as time was of the essence. His leg was badly damaged in the accident and there was talk of removal on the roadside.
I recieved a call to tell me my brother had been in a serious accident and was being assessed at hospital and my whole, close knit family, were awaiting news.
The Damage
Ian had sustained a lot of serious injuries in his accident, including a broken leg in several places, a punctured lung, broken ribs and some brain trauma. This would mean, following his release from hospital, some adaptations to his daily living were going to have to be made.
The Power of Assistive Devices
Assistive devices encompass a wide range of tools and technologies designed to enhance the quality of life for people with disabilities. These devices can be physical, electronic, or digital, and they serve as invaluable companions on the path to independence. Ian had to use various different devices to enable him to live his day to day life, such as a wheelchair, a walking stick and aids in the bathroom.
A Wheelchair
As Ian could barely walk, following his accident, he needed to use wheelchairs for many months. This enabled him to have a small amount of independence and meant he could go out whilst he was unable to walk very far. Using a wheelchair was transformative and empowering for Ian whilst he had mobility challenges. It provided newfound freedom and independence, allowing him to engage more fully in his daily life and participate in activities he might otherwise be unable to enjoy.
Walking Sticks
After some months, Ian was able to progress from a wheelchair to walking sticks. He still uses one, to this day, because his knee was very badly damaged and he’s not supposed to walk long distances without using one. Ian finds using a walking stick really convenient. He has one that folds up super small and is very portable.
Conclusion
I’m so very grateful to the NHS and the air ambulance, the level of care they provided and their expertise. Had it not been for their incredible work, Ian very probably wouldn’t be with us today. He has resumed his normal life within the last couple of months and has finally been given a full bill of health, following his accident.
Living independently with assistive devices is a testament to the resilience and determination of individuals with disabilities. While there are challenges to overcome, the rewards—greater self-sufficiency, improved quality of life, and increased confidence—are worth the effort. As society becomes more inclusive and technology advances, the path to independence becomes more accessible to everyone. Embracing the power of assistive devices can lead to a life filled with freedom, possibilities, and self-fulfilment.
Disclaimer: This post is in conjunction with Complete Care Shop, but all thoughts
and opinions are my own.
