3 Unexpected Problems of Being Wheelchair-Bound

For many folks, being in a wheelchair was never part of the plan. But because of unforeseen circumstances or an accident, that person finds themselves suddenly thrust into a world they’ve never known. If this describes you, I’m here to tell you that you needn’t worry so much. Sure, this will be a major adjustment, but the world has changed quite a bit over the last few decades. Wheelchair users are protected more than ever, thanks to legislation like the Americans with Disabilities Act.

You should be pretty familiar with your wheelchair by now, and with some of the most common problems associated with that life – things like transferring into a vehicle or dealing with businesses that aren’t exactly wheelchair-friendly. However, there are also a ton of unexpected problems that come from being wheelchair-bound. Here are three of the most common:

Making special travel arrangements

Some of us are fortunate enough to take a vacation now and then, which already requires significant planning. When you’re in a wheelchair, you’ve got to be even more prepared. For instance, if you need to board a plane, will you be able to transfer on and off the plane? Will your hotel have disabled rooms available? Does the hotel have an elevator? Will any tourist spots require advance notice or special accommodations? At every step of your trip planning, be sure to consider the impact of being in a wheelchair.

Performing a little research before visiting new places

I love trying out new restaurants and hotspots, but you can’t be quite so spontaneous about it when you’re in a wheelchair. Whenever you’re visiting a place you’re unfamiliar with, it would be wise to call ahead and ask if the venue or business is wheelchair accessible. You don’t have to do this for every new place (it’s a safe bet any fast food chain would be accessible, for instance), but use your best judgement.

Pulling your pants up

This might sound crazy to those without a disability, but wheelchair users have a devil of a time simply pulling their pants up; especially if you don’t have the use of your legs. Wheelchair users will use a variety of bends, wiggles and adjustments to make this happen, but it can still take a while.

That’s why we created Pants Up Easy. We know the struggle that some folks have in this arena, and Pants Up Easy will solve those struggles for good. It’s a very simple concept – basically a spare set of metal “arms” that you can use to support yourself. The arms are covered in soft material, making them comfortable and easy to use.

If you’d like to learn more about Pants Up Easy, you can see our product lineup here.