Wheelchair Users Should Keep These Things Handy

As a wheelchair user, you must know that the smallest change can bring a big difference in your level of independence and comfort. So, you must always be on lookout for something to change in your life and elevate your level of comfort as well as independence. There can be myriad things depending on your specific situation and its you who has to figure out the required changes.

Just to help you a bit, today we are presenting a list of generic things that can help a wheelchair user to maintain their day-to-day lives better. A wheelchair user should keep these items handy. You will see that these will turn out to be much more helpful that you had expected!

Items for Wheelchair Users to Keep at Hand

1. Wheelchair Gloves

If you use a manual wheelchair, you must have a set of wheelchair gloves. These gloves give you a better grip over your wheelchair’s pushing rims. It becomes necessary when you have to wheel over a long distance or on a bumpy street because sweaty hands make propelling wheelchair very difficult.

2. Hand Sanitizer

Though everybody should have a bottle of sanitizer, wheelchair users must have it. Whether you use your wheelchair gloves or not, your hands certainly get dirtier than non-wheelchair users. If you carry a sanitizer, you won’t have to suppress your desire of tasting those street foods just because you are propelling a wheelchair and you don’t find a place to wash your hands.

3. Wheelchair Backpack

A person on wheelchair needs to carry slightly more stuff with her as compared to her non-wheelchair user friends. Even if you use a sling bag to keep your belongings, you have to keep it on your lap. And, you need to be extra careful with the belongings kept on your lap while hitting a bump. The solution to all these problems comes in the form of a wheelchair backup.

4. Wheelchair Chargers

You need it obviously if you use a wheelchair that requires charging! Going out without your wheelchair charger can put you in great trouble. Although most users try to keep the powerchair fully charged when they go out, but you never know! Imagine the kind of trouble you will face if powerchair’s battery dies! You can get an affordable solution if you forgot your mobile charger at home but this is not the case with wheelchair chargers. So, better keep wheelchair charger with you for emergency.

5. Reacher/Grabber

This small tool can bring a lot of independence in your life. This stick-like-tool with a claw helps you reach out to the things on your own. You can use this tool to pick up things from the floor or from a shelf that’s out of your reach. You can use the tool to switch on and off lights and fans if the switchboard is not within your reach. You can literally extend your arms to double their size with this simple tool.

6. Wheelchair Cup Holder

If you are a tea, coffee or any other drink lover, you should get this little thing attached to your wheelchair. Obviously, we can manage to transport our drinks holding them between our knees but there’s always a chance of spillage. And, if the drink is hot…! A cup holder can make your life much easier.

7. Wheelchair Spares and Repair Kit

When you are on a wheelchair, you must care for your wheelchair as much as you care for your body. If your wheelchair breaks, you might need to be carried. And, that’s the last thing we wish as a person. So, you should always have your wheelchair repair kit handy, and of course, some basic knowledge of repairing your wheelchair too. Spanner, screwdriver, Allen key, bearings, bolts, and fittings should be a part of your wheelchair repair kit.

8. Dish Brush

If you go out, your wheels are bound to be dirty with sand and mud. And, these can spoil your car’s seat when you keep your wheelchair in or even mess your home with dirty tire-lines. Having a dish brush handy helps you keep your wheels clean. And, you can do this cleaning on your own while seating on the wheelchair itself.

These are our top picks. If you think something else too deserves to be on the list, feel free to drop your suggestions in the comment box below. Your suggestion might help some fellow wheelchair use to make their life more comfortable and independent. Thank you for connecting with WeCapable!