A lot has changed since the beginning of the coronavirus crisis. Self-isolation and social distancing have become crucial. It’s harder to get to the shops and we can’t use public transport. But what if you’re a wheelchair user? Are their extra things that you should be doing or thinking about? We’ve put together a few tips to help wheelchair users navigate our new normal.
Wheelchair users need to be extra vigilant about keeping their hands clean
As we are all well aware by now, hand washing is an essential part of protecting ourselves and others. However, wheelchair users are in constant physical contact with their wheelchair. If you clean your hands but not your wheelchair, you run the risk of putting bacteria and germs back on your hands as soon as you touch it again. It’s a good idea to use antibacterial wipes or spray on the parts of the wheelchair that you are touching most often. It’s also a good idea to give your wheelchair a thorough clean whenever possible, or ask someone to help you do it. If you have a wheelchair ramp or disabled steps with handrails, make sure these are cleaned regularly too.
Exercising and keeping active
The government has asked everyone in the UK not to leave their house to exercise more than once a day. It’s crucial that you make use of the exercise time if you can, as keeping active is great for both physical and mental health. If you are struggling to get out and about, remember that you can exercise at home. There are plenty of wheelchair-based exercise classes available online, including pilates, HIIT, Zumba and stretching. If you are usually very active the lockdown may feel like a struggle, but doing exercise will release endorphins and help you feel better.
Take extra care if you are considered high risk
You will be aware if you are part of the group considered to be at higher risk from coronavirus. If you are, you will have received a letter from the government. People who are at higher risk are those who are aged 70 and over, are pregnant or have a condition that may increase their risk. If you are in a high risk group, you must follow this advice from the NHS to keep yourself safe.
Together we can get through this. Stay home and stay safe.