Category: Daily Living
So I have a balance issue along with being totally blind. I read about a type of cane on line used by mobility instructors called a double shafted cane. Is anybody using one of these? I'm going to call around in my area and see if this is even available to buy. Am sick of feeling off balance and trying to find my way around. Am a senior citizen.
is that like a support cane? If so, perhaps it is exactly what you are looking for
I used to use a white cane in one hand, and a 4-pronged cane in the other. Or, I used a walker. But, I almost broke my stupid leg, falling in a grate. Now, after a bus almost got me, I'm using a wheelchair, and a white cane. I hear there's a way a blind person can use a walker, but I still don't get how it works. And, with my seizures and falls, it's too much, unless I'm going a very short distance. Like the walkway to the neighbor's.
Hope that helps.
Blessings,
Sarah
How in the world are you in a wheelchair and using a white cane? Short distances is what I would do too.
This is interesting information. If yyou get specific names for canes that address this problem, please post them here.
I've always wondered about things like this. I don't like picturing anything happening to me that would involve the use of a walker, crutches, wheelchair or something else either permanently or as part of the physical rehabilitation and recovery process, but the reality is, no one knows what's going to happen to them; anything is possible. so I asked my mmost recent orientation and mobility instructor how to, say, use a walker with a cane. based on the description, it really does sound like a frustrating task, but it can be done.
I had to use a walker several years ago after foot surgery, and yes it was not easy being blind and using a walker. Luckily it was for a short period of time. But now, due to ongoing problems with my feet, I too have balance problems and would love to hear about a white cane that is also a support cane. I like to have one hand free so do not want to use a white cane in one hand and a support cane in the other.
That, is why I use a power chair. What Becky said. I have to be able to "Push," with only one hand. Ever tried that with a manual chair? It sure didn't work for me. I was using a specially ordered chair, with"Grate-Ades," and nearly went head-first into traffic. So, I had to teach myself. Imagine I'm standing, when I'm not. And, stick the cane in front of me. If my health gets better, I plan on trying for a dog guide, so I'll be that much safer. But, when using a wheelchair, of any kind, you have to have an extra-long cane to do it. I'm not saying it's easy. When I can, I have a smaller manual I use for car trips, and going down to my complex pool. I know we got kids, and they'd love to play with "That cool chair." Had a guy who rode our bus, and his friends said he would let them play with his wheelchair. Even then, when I was in high school, I was like: "Kid! Get a grip! Don't let them play with a several-thousand-dollar chair!"
I've been evaluated by specialists at state levels, and they are impressed with my skills in the chair. Because I'm blind, I have to pay attention, and not look "over there," like most sighted folks do. Not bragging, but just saying. They say I pay more attention than others. I just say that I have to, or get my rear in a pile of crap. So, that's it. Not easy, but it can be done.
And, sometimes, you got to keep pushing and pushing for needs to be met. I also use my feet, for smaller places like the lift. I can feel the area, and know where to drivwe the chair.
As Joanne said, I do not wish any problem on anyone. But, when there's no solution, I find one. Hope that helps.
Blessings,
Sarah
wow very educational topic this is and the thing I was thinking of is called a support cane and it doesn't look like a white cane does, it kind of looks similar to a crutch but it isn't, that is the best way I can describe it.