Parkinson’s is a disability associated with challenges expressed in many different ways depending on how the disease affects and develops in the individual. Most people experience a growing number of challenges, and over time these challenges can have significant consequences for their everyday life.
Fortunately, Parkinson’s does not have to mean only challenges and effort – Caroline is an excellent example of that. Even when you turn 80, you can still challenge yourself and make a few demands from your body when having Parkinson’s aids – such as a VELA chair.
Caroline is a retired nurse and has lived with daily challenges for almost a decade due to Parkinson’s disease. Caroline has always been used to doing things herself, but now the illness means she is having a hard time making her food due to back pain.
She has always enjoyed cooking, but the increasing degree of pain and inconvenience of doing things herself has taken the joy out of it. With a diagnosis like Parkinson’s, the road to self-help could be a rollator, but in Caroline’s case, a mobility chair undoubtedly made the difference.
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The VELA chair for Parkinson’s has smooth-running wheels, which means that you can “walk” it around. The ability to get around while sitting down can make a big difference when you have problems with mobility or balance.
In Caroline’s case, the office chair with brake and electric lift is crucial when it comes to cooking. The chair’s brake offers stability, and she can relax her legs, which tire quickly.
Now I can reach pots and plates in both the top and bottom cabinets, and the brake allows me to sit safely while I stir the pot or slice vegetables.
One of the things that have made a big difference for Caroline is that she no longer has to spend unnecessary effort “just” standing. Despite her diagnosis, she still wants to do things in the kitchen, be politically active and write letters. She can now do all these things again because her VELA chair for Parkinson’s helps her with the daily chores, so she has more energy to do the things she loves.
After just a few sessions of kitchen training in my VELA chair, I could peel potatoes, slice onions and fry minced beef again without having to rest.
Caroline is not her real name, as she prefers to remain anonymous. However, VELA is familiar with her real identity.
Now, I find that I am much less tired. Before I had my VELA chair, my husband and I took 15-20 minutes to move me from the office chair and onto my scooter to get home at the end of the day. Now, it only takes a moment because I have a lot more energy.Read the full story
I can’t stand up and talk to someone for more than a few minutes. If you haven’t experienced challenges with balance yourself, it’s really hard to comprehend how much it dominates everyday life.Read the full story
Since I got a VELA chair, I’ve become more active in everyday life and less afraid of falling. The VELA chair has given me more freedom in my home and increased my confidence in daily tasks.Read the full story
It’s easy to walk the chair between the kitchen and the dining table, and my VELA chair doesn’t take up as much space as the wheelchair.Read the full story
This chair is amazing. I feel so safe in it, and it’s a pleasure to be able to move from room to room with ease. It also has the advantage that I get to train my legs while I walk the chair forward.Read the full story
Now I enjoy cooking for several days at a time, and it makes a world of difference that I can peel the potatoes myself. A good diet is important when living with arthritis – and doing the work also builds up an appetite.Read the full story
Previously, I couldn’t help with making dinner while standing up, especially by the stove. I needed something to hold onto because you never know when you are going to fall. I cook and stir the pot now because I can use both of my hands.Read the full story
I used to burn myself on the oven all the time, whenever I needed to take something out of it. That doesn’t happen anymore. Now I raise the chair up to the oven, and that means I do not burn myself on the edge of the oven door.Read the full story
More than a decade ago, Conny suffered a brain haemorrhage that left her paralysed. The electric lift and the wide wheels have given Conny much of her independence and sense of self-worth back. Rehabilitation and recovery after hemiplegia require activity, and she is now able to do that.
Read the full storyAshley was born with several disabilities that challenge him in everyday life. He has reduced muscle tone, which means he has difficulty walking and keeping his balance. His feet also pronate, which gives him back pain and poor posture. Unfortunately, these challenges also affect Ashley’s breathing.
With his VELA chair, Ashley is now completely ready to take on 7th grade.
Read the full storyTo get the best guidance and advice towards your new VELA chair, you must contact a VELA dealer. They are thoroughly trained and has extensive knowledge about VELA chairs to find the most suitable chair for you and your day-to-day challenges.
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This content is based on over 50 years of development and expertise in VELA Chairs, with a global reach reflected in the sale of over 500,000 chairs worldwide. This page is a collaborative effort with the author.
