Abracadabra - It’s a Multi-Purpose Vehicle!

(Some Basic Physical Disability Information)

Braces are NOT just for your teeth- 

People who happen to have a physical disability, have to be magicians regarding their own care, more often than not. 

Every person’s basic needs may look like those of others, but when it comes to specifics, what is needed for you, me or your friend down the block can be altogether different,  just like fingerprints 

If you have difficulties with balance and are a fall risk, a physical rehabilitation physician (known as a physiatrist), or orthopedic physician,  in collaboration with a physical therapist may recommend some type of high tech lightweight leg braces.

These are typically prescribed as a child, but are also used by adults, particularly as they age or have certain neurological conditions.

There are several types of AFO’s-

Ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs), sometimes called AFO braces, are devices designed to support and improve the function of your child's foot and ankle.These  conditions  cause joint instability, irregular walking patterns and muscle weakness or stiffness.

Gone are the days of the 1950’s and  60’s when I wore full length braces from the waist down,  made of steel and leather straps with little handles that released my legs to bend or locked them in a straight position…  Gone also is the use of heavy plaster casting. 

An orthotist ( Robert Lin, 2nd photo above, left) is a healthcare professional who designs and fits braces, splints, and other orthopedic devices to help patients with movement difficulties.

His or her duties include assessing a patient's needs, taking measurements, and designing  custom devices to support and protect a patient's musculoskeletal system. They also teach patients and their families how to use and care for the bracing systems. 

Think of them as a modern day ‘Geppetto’ working in his workshop designing a custom fit for each person. 

After several years of orthopedic surgeries and braces as a child, I went brace and assistive device free for many years. However, as I aged I was in need of the carbon fiber 1lb  knee braces which provided much needed stability. 

Daily Needs-  When navigating several landscapes whether it be indoors or outside, the terrain can throw off my balance at any time and cause me to potentially fall. 

Some people have custom closets filled with clothes for every occasion. 

I chose to remain as active as possible, (versus sedentary) therefore requiring a variety of devices at hand. 

I wear my AFO braces daily for everything but the shower and sleeping. However, I also have a unique rollator that is portable, relatively lightweight, and provides me stability and freedom of movement.

Did you know that traditional crutches have remained the same in design for nearly a century? Yes! But I was fortunate to locate a cutting edge company. 

I also use these state of the art crutches ( Company - Millennial Medical / InMotion) which are designed to reduce the impact on the wrist and underarm areas while also giving energy back to the user for improved mobility. The in-Motion Pro boasts various features, including a true ergonomic hand grip and a lower post-Spring-Assist Feature. As a result, this patented technology helps reduce the risks of harmful effects of carpal tunnel syndrome and nerve damage while also helping to reduce user fatigue while using crutches. They are the best crutches for walking when you need assistance!

Most people do not know the difference ….

Walkers vs Rollators- Rollators include wheels on all legs (three or four, depending on the model), whereas walkers come without wheels or with wheels on the front two legs. A standard walker without wheels offers the most support but requires you to lift it with every step you take. I use these when grocery shopping as they give me support for walking into the store and I can easily store them in most grocery carriages.  In fact, I start out each day figuring out where I have to go and what I will be doing and try to pick the best assistive device for the places I need to go.

Utility Cart- (See below)

Last... but not least. - Abracadabra! - It’s a ‘Multipurpose Vehicle’

A trusty utility cart ( One similar to those used  by maintenance or dietary or nursing is my ‘trusty sidekick’ every day. 

It truly is a multi-purpose vehicle with two tiers and little compartments.  

I push it down long corridors, in elevators; multiple trips to my car from the third floor. I use  it as a grocery cart, a laundry cart, a trash and recyclable cart; I use it in our buffet lines and many other functions.

For me, it all comes down to balance or lack of it. I have difficulty carrying items and walking, can’t balance food or drink, etc. 

This cart is hard plastic , extremely durable with a 500 lb capacity. 

It has received constant use for five years. 

Yes, It may look strange compared to your standard rollator. But the point is… It works well for me. It has turned out to be the best investment ever! 

Link-https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00H1V4EB2?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1

Remember, if your afamily member has a disability… think out of the box concerning your needs! 

You read this blog… I so appreciate it if you would make a comment and share!

Here are a couple of other blogs to ‘wet your appetite’ on similar topics -

https://donnagore.com/blog/safety-first-the-price-of-liberation-amp-mobility-for-those-wnbspdisabilities-in-senior-settings;

https://donnagore.com/blog/a-tree-grows-in-myrtle-beach;

https://donnagore.com/blog/life-transformations-revisited-drawing-a-line-in-the-sand

***Be sure to contact me and check my web pages about fee for service consultations and writing projects too!