Caregivers are the diligent keepers of a
flame called hope. For every activity that their loved one may feel they
can no longer do because of physical limitations and mobility problems,
the caregiver still sees incredible potential for new adventures in the
areas of physical activities and enjoyment of sports. Just because
someone may have mobility problems doesn’t mean that they can no longer
enjoy the things they once did, it just means that some things need to
be approached in a slightly different manner. Yielding to some of the
wonderful innovations that have been created to help modify mobility
equipment for outdoor activities can help open a door once thought to be
closed forever.
As a
caregiver for someone who may be confined to a wheelchair or who has
other mobility issues, much relies upon you to help bring your loved one
gradually back into the physical world. Sometimes starting with the most
simple of physical activities can really make a difference in your loved
one’s attitude and confidence level. A good activity to begin with is
hiking in one of our country’s many national parks. At least 50 of these
parks have created hiking paths that are accessible to everyone,
especially to those in wheelchairs. Before going on a hike, research the
area that you and your loved one would like to explore. Make sure that
any possible accessibility issues are discussed with the park personal
ahead of time, to insure a positive experience for both you and your
loved one.
There
are also many benefits, both physical and psychological, to getting out
into the great outdoors. Regular hikes and walks will help make physical
improvements, such as strengthening the heart and lungs, along with
making other muscles stronger. All of this can lead to improvements of
circulation, flexibility and limberness, better balance and range of
motion, sharpened senses, improved endurance and coordination, as well
as better weight management. Along with all of the physical improvements
comes a more positive outlook on life for your loved one. You can also
become more positive because of helping your loved one face their
disability as a challenge rather than impossibility. Just think,
something as simple as a hike or walk can help give your loved one a
feeling of empowerment and a sense of accomplishment. But why stop with
just a hike or walk? Your loved one may want to pursue new adventures on
the ski slopes or revisit an old favorite like diving. With so many
technological advancements made to improve mobility equipment, there is
an endless sea of adaptable gadgets that can make just about any sport
or hobby possible.
Some of
the more common activities caregivers and their loved ones can enjoy
include: archery, fishing, golf, bowling, working out, hang gliding,
swimming, aeronautics, gardening, crafts (needle point, knitting,
tapestry, painting, wood work), travel, basketball, hockey, fencing,
yachting, cycling (handcycling), canoeing … and the list goes on.
Caregivers and their loved ones can enjoy many of the things they always
did together, and perhaps take on some new hobbies and adventures as
well.
As a
caregiver, it’s important for you to help your loved one carefully pace
their re-entry back into the physical world. Your loved one may have
high expectations of what their physical abilities should be at the
moment; that’s not to say that over time their physical abilities won’t
improve. It’s best for your loved one to realize what they would like to
do in the way of physical activities, by first looking at what they
want to do, then they need to ask what it is they can do and
what they are willing to do. Finally, they need to know how
they might do a certain activity or hobby. With wheelchair accessibility
becoming available in more and more public recreation areas, there are
many more activities to choose from, so by carefully researching your
loved one’s interests and options, you’ll both help to create a better
experience the first time out.
Among
the many rewards that come from being involved with recreational
activities and hobbies is the increase of self-esteem given to both the
caregiver and their loved one. Also, your loved one, over time, will
feel more willing to take chances and able to tolerate stress better.
Loved ones can also receive immediate, positive feedback from
accomplishing a desired task or activity. By our loved one going out
into the community, the general public becomes familiar with them,
associating them with their sport or activity, rather than with their
disability. In turn, this helps to increase public awareness and
acceptance of those with physical disabilities, allowing them to be
included in whatever activities they so desire. Returning to the
physical world doesn’t have to be impossible, but instead, it can be a
brand new adventure for caregiver and loved one alike, creating a
tremendously powerful and personal experience for both of you, bringing
you even closer to one another, further strengthening and solidifying
the impenetrable bond of caregiver and loved one.
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