We built on that a bit today going to see a wheelchair accessible Toyota for sale.
Have you been in that place of opportunity and had absolutely no idea of what path you should choose? I am SERIOUSLY there today! Here is our discussion of late....
Russ mobility is fast disappearing. He has a difficult time getting from here to there. For the most part this is not a problem. It just takes him far longer than most people to move across the room, get from the house to the car, or get inside a building to a class or an appointment. We just have to plan ahead.
Once we get to an appointment the question is always how do you want to get inside.... cane, walker, transport chair or regular chair? The two top choices for both of us are cane and chair. I love the transport chair because I can get it in and out of the car. However it is not near as maneuverable or comfortable as his big chair.
We have two old cars. We have a 2002 Nissan Xterra and a 2010 Toyota RAV 4. One will being us next to nothing in a sale and the other almost next to nothing. What to do?
I have a very difficult time getting Russ' wheel chair in either car, I generally walk away with bruises. I'm far more successful with his 'transport chair' so we use that more often. We have been contemplating a new car to ease our travel issues. One distressing part of this disease is the lack of warning for the 'next phase'. How fast will his limbs deteriorate? So when making a purchase you must wonder will this work for 6 months or more? Is it worth the expenditure?
What car should we buy that will convert to wheel chair accessible when we need it?
A neighbor of a friend just died. He had ALS, a disease we all must pray we never meet. They had purchased a wheel chair van to help in transport and Carol is now wanting to sell it. We do not need it at this point, but we went to look at it anyway. We will need it, we just don't know when. So should we even consider it? It is phenomenally expensive, but then what vehicle isn't.
We have a week to consider the price, the insurance, the convenience, the need, and the suitability. We have a week to reflect on dealing with PD, a week to reflect on comfort and hope. Parkinson's has definitely altered our lives and made it more challenging, but it has also made us more sensitive, compassionate and aware. We need to carry that into our decision.