It’s amazing how much your life can change when you’re in a wheelchair. Basic daily things suddenly become so much harder. Getting in and out of bed is a mission. Getting dressed is a mission. Going to the toilet or showering yourself is a mission. It’s definitely taking me some time to get used to. I’m beginning to regularly wonder if it’s better to be in a wheelchair your whole life, or if it’s better to have had some years where you did not require one. I do believe one advantage their situation has over my situation is that they’ve had their whole life to get used to things, but I won’t speak on their behalf. Every day when I try to do something I start to feel frustrated by the fact that I used to be able to do these same movements so much easier. Now, everything feels like a process. My mother suggested that I should make a few adjustments around the home to make my life easier and that I should consider a wheelchair accessible bathroom design. I think she may be right. I’ve been trying to avoid making these sorts of changes to my home but I think that’s just me avoiding accepting the reality. Plus, I’ve always found things such as assistance rails in the bathroom super ugly, but if they make my life easier then I guess it’s something that needs to be done.
I took the time the other week to look through some images of modern bathroom designs that have accessibility layouts, and I’m starting to think that it’s not such a bad idea. I didn’t want to install something that would constantly remind me of my disability but a lot of the designs are actually quite discrete. I’m going to speak with a few of the most recommended bathroom renovations located near Melbourne for some advice. They should be able to evaluate what changes need to be made and how to keep them looking good. This isn’t a scary time. This is a time that will make my life easier.