How to keep clean and dry in a wheelchair. Is it possible? In this video Im sharing all my top tips to keeping clean and dry in a wheelchair, what are your top tips? Videos Mentioned: Batec review: ruclips.net/video/fjLZPaCmlIc/видео.htmlsi=QkO5VkBzxVRrhT6F Leg wrap DIY: ruclips.net/video/U_lr2SbAk78/видео.htmlsi=0tWp29ENtg0iBfK- Buying a stairlift in your 30's ruclips.net/video/wx7X68Xo7gs/видео.htmlsi=vY9QU6H0eLa6hid5
For the hood issue, maybe pair it with a ball cap? The bill of the cap would keep the hood out of your eyes while giving you a bit of extra "awning" for your face.
Lovely Gem! Great video. That’s awesome you have special tyres - off roadies! Make sure you have had a warm meal & drink before going out and take spare clothes and your medication. and charge your phone. I think your advice is awesome! ☔️ xx
@@Wheelsnoheels Warm and dry first, aestethics second! There are no end of problems that crop up when you end up in a chair, be it electrical or manual, but one of the simplest ones to avoid is getting cold! The wish to look good whilest doing so is allways there, but sometimes there is no help for it so just go for comfort! 😉
@@hieithefox No I didn´t make that take that in my comment, what an awfull thing to be told! 😮 Who said something so stupid to you? I bought a descent armless raincape that I can tuck my feet into (has a small "pouch" for the feet at the bottom) so theentire fron keeps me coverd. And for wintertime (I live in sveden where there is generally minus 3-4months /year) I have half a sleepingbag to put my legs into, shoes and all, and it goes upp about 30 cm on the backrest from the seat! And as for not going out, that happens here, but due to bad plowing outside so you get stuck with the chair if you try getting annywhere....
@@WheelsnoheelsHi Gem, I have a powerchair controller cover that zips over the entire joystick and control unit. It has a sleeve so your hand stays dry while you can still see the controller through the plastic window. If water comes in contact with the controller it could short circuit and leave you stranded. I also carry a waterproof wheelchair cover that goes from waist to under your feet. Not straps just tucks in. It’s very thin and just keeps the rain off. I have a fleece lined one for the winter but it’s a bit big to carry round all the time. I keep both covers in a bag on my chair so they are always available. For dense mud.. my chair won’t easily wash down as the wheels are so chunky. I leave it to dry overnight and brush off the excess dry mud with a heavy duty brush. It’s messy! A spare chair is useful x 💕
I have found that if I open up an outdoor garbage bag, and park my butt into it as I sit in my chair, I can pull the edges over my thighs and waist, and part of the back of my legs to keep the mud and water off of me. I go out in tall, zippered boots for my shins to keep warm and dry. That takes care of the bottom half of me!
Eager to see the glove review 😊. I use Sealz at the mo. Water proof cycling gloves. Not too thick so I can still control my joystick efficiently on my powerchair
I'm moving to a much rainier area soon, and I've been thinking about this! Thanks for the tips. (And at least my new town won't be covered in ice and snow for 9 months of the year. 😅)
Love your hat… Today we’re having rainy cold weather in Erie Pennsylvania U.S.A. I had a hat on similar to yours except the fuzzy ball is smaller. Ran into the store to grab a few groceries and ran into a situation while reaching for some ice cream on the bottom shelf of the freezer. I’m bent over grabbing the ice cream when I suddenly can’t move my head, I’m trying to sit back up straight but my head was being held in place. Of course I’m at a loss as to the problem. I finally realize that the wet (from rain) fuzzy ball on my hat has touched the inside of the freezer door and was frozen to the door. 😂 I just wanted some ice cream 😂😂😂😂😂.
The mud is real! No matter the type of chair. Thank you for the video! Neither of my chairs have interchangeable wheels. They will going forward! I don't know why I've always been afraid to say what I need/want.
For the issue with the Guard rims and that you can’t push up anymore , have you thought about rubber coverings for the wheel hand rims so that you have more of a grip to push up. I use these so that if I bash my wheels the metal doesn’t chip and cut my hands when pushing and also I don’t need wheelchair gloves for grip as the rubber does the same thing. It’s like a phone case for your wheel chair hand rims.
Sean is 💯 spot on about the price of anything marketed as for disability. It's outrageous! I see a therapist (highly recommend!) and was telling him in our last session that I started a rough outline of an essay I'm writing loosely titled "Things About Being Disabled You Don't Know Until You Live It". One of the points is the complete irony of how expensive it is to be disabled while you probably have a limited income. Things I routinely did before I became disabled and which were frugal, e.g. cooking from scratch, doing my own basic home repairs/improvements, etc are just not physically possible for me now. I have only 52% of the income I had before but now I have hire people to do things, pay more for energy sparing things like premade salads and precut veggies, plus all the medical related expenses I didn't have before. All the common sense things people need when they have mobility issues (stair lifts, ramps, special cushions, etc) you'd think are covered by insurance but they either aren't at all or they have a lot of restrictions. My neurologist just wrote a referral for me to be evaluated for a scooter/powerchair/etc and he said he is recommending something that is more than I need right now because my insurance only covers a wheelchair of any sort once every 5 years and he doesn't want me to be stranded if I get what I need now if my needs increase before the 5yrs is up. Crazy!
I use a powerchair, a food bag with handles (to tie) keeps my controller dry. I wear a Dickies winter work jacket, much cheaper than a ski jacket; warm, dry, and has high vis areas.
For my plus size people out there go to joann fabrics or any dabric store with a large selection find parachute fabric pick a color and get a yard or half yard depending on you lap/limb size and tuck it around u just like gems lap wrap! Works great for hot temperatures and cold with layers! I love in a place its either cold or HOT and sticky (ohio) so its definitely the best mix of both with ability to plus size on a budget. Usually i can get a yard for around 15 to 10 dollars!
I use waterproof trousers and coat over my regular trousers/ jacket, which are great especially for dog walking then when I get home the mud can be wiped off and they are clean for the next day. They are not only waterproof but also wind proof and they were quite cheap. If I go out in the car and my wheels are really muddy then when I get back to the car I have a couple of bin bags to put them into so the car doesn’t get all muddy. I always wear a beanie if I’m out with a coat on then the hood doesn’t go over my eyes. I have lift up wheel guards so they lift up to let me transfer but keep me clean from the mud/ water. I wear actual wheelchair gloves that have thumbs in but no fingers so I get good grip on my wheel rims but my fingers do get cold and wet. If I’m in my Powerchair then I put a sandwich bag over the controller to keep it dry. When using my Powerchair I wear gloves that are fingerless but have a mitten bit that goes over my fingers, they are great because I don’t have to take off the whole glove if I need access to my actual fingers, just the pull over piece. I always have a towel back at the car so I can wipe myself (and the dog) down before getting back in the car.
Another _great_ info video Gem. Thanks very much! :) Damp condition extra rear wheels is a great idea. I'd really want to have three sets of wheels though. Dry/indoors, damp/outdoors, and knobbly. Dressing for the conditions is Important. How would you dress for summer damp and muddy though? Keeping warm in summer isn't the problem. Keeping dry without causing more perspiration is. Forgetting things - You forgot your FFORA gear - Sean walks out, without closing the door behind him Muddy conditions - Are there other tyres available for a Batec? Dry conditions, damp conditions? The stock tyre you have fitted is a knobbly, which seems like it'd be too rough for damp indoor/outdoor shopping. - Can a user easily swap the wheel for different conditions? Keeping clothes clean Ouch. I can see why you want the larger side guards. If your clothes are getting that muddy from the wheels, what about the sides of the seat cushion? Cleaning wheels. The type of matting in that area of your home is coir matting. That trick of how to pull up and spin a wheel, to wipe it clean on the matting, is a _very_ handy one to learn of. Sideguards with mudguards. I'm now wondering if I can get them for my wheelchair, or if they'd need to be custom made. Do you need a different pair sideguards with mudguards, for knobbly tyres, compared to what you have for your damp condition tyres?
thx for your comments ,yes he did go back and close the door haha,, i thunk knobbly tires would be better for the muddy conditions , i can change them myself bit more fiddling around , I'm lucky i have shaun though
Some wet and mud is inevitable for me. I walk my dog in all weather. I do not like the huge wheelchair ponchos that cover everything though a longer raincoat would be nice. I have that problem with hoods too. I should get side guards.
I find waterproof trousers mean a wet butt where the water collects on your cushion unlike the wraps, I am hoping to make my own out of a Loden Wool coat. On muddy surfaces or wet grass, speed and momentum help you avoid getting stuck. I would love to see how you load your chair and Batec into your car.
great about the waterproof trousers , shaun puts my batec in the car for me ,but i do have video showing the batec being put into the car by a wheelchair user here's the link.://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjB-JvEqquEAxXKVkEAHVKxAaEQtwJ6BAgQEAI&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DfjLZPaCmlIc&usg=AOvVaw0eQAfQAof590LgSoOstSzK&opi=89978449
Ger yourself some heavey duty zip ties / cable ties and put them around the rim and tire with the bump / fastener part on the top of tire you will gain a lot of traction in mud on the power asist this way and if you dont need them just cut them off with scissors bonus is they are super cheap
newby here Never even thought about a second set of wheels. I wear a Carhart coat with a hood. and a cap underneath it so it stays out of my face. I really need to find some better gloves. So much information about things I didn't know than you.
**You're** correct, Kinetic Balance is very expensive. Fortunately for me, living in Australia, we have the NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme), of which I am a participant. They purchased all the versions of the upper and lower body coverings for me, including their newest version that is compatible with my Batec and similar devices. If you **ever** do have the opportunity, Kinetic Balance is an amazing company. They have **taken** wheelchair apparel to a whole new level! It's too bad that it's not so affordable for the masses. I'm very blessed to be in such a wonderful country that looks after me. (I'm originally from the United States.) Great content, **I've** smashed the like **button**, and also subscribed to your channel. All the best to you and your family! (Your husband is amazing!)
I’ve got the shorter Raindek - it folds up super small so I always have it in the back pocket of my chair. Comes in handy in rainy Glasgow! I got it as a present because ouch, they are expensive. Also my mum had to alter some of the straps because they are designed for those with paralysis/very skinny legs and my short stubby legs are just not that shape! (The material fits perfectly, but the straps were TINY). We removed the middle straps entirely because they weren’t necessary. Both my chairs have fender-type side guards (the ones that bend over the wheels) - it’s too wet here to have straight ones 😅 If I didn’t go out in the rain I’d rarely go out 😂
For the hood issue you either need a hood with a vertical Velcro adjustable strap on the back of the hood, or sew one on. Quite a few of my outdoor coats have them. Any coat designed for actual backcountry use most likely has one. My favourite is a full length trench coat from LL Bean in the US. It has a zip out liner which is good to about minus 7C. Love this video. I’m in Toronto Canada. Toronto’s historical nickname was “Muddy York”. We have about ten times more construction cranes than LA. Lots of muddy slushy construction .
As a cosplayer allow me to suggest a solution for the hood.... On the inside of it sew in 2 loops so that you can attach a head band that will keep it sitting exactly how you want it to sit so it doesnt go down too far. Hair clips can also be used with the loop method.
I have an electric wheelchair. To keep it dry we have a grill cover for when it’s on the wheelchair lift on my moms car (the wheelchair guy said it was a great & cheaper option than anything else) & he also said I just need to protect the control panel so I got a cover for the panel, you slide your hand into it & you can see through a clear patch😊
@@Wheelsnoheels They do a version for people who have things like your batec. The other thing that I would suggest is get a coat with a lighter smaller hood a lot of the better waterproof coats have adjustments so the hood stays in position and not flop around as you move your head around.
I wonder if a drawstring hood might be useful, I've seen them on rain jackets and im sure some heavy winter/ski jackets would have the same. Alternatively, when I used to do snow sports, we'd use a balaclava with nothing covering face over the hood to secure in place against wind and snow Regarding the bundlebean- I got one and found it wasnt keeping me as warm as I'd like and getting my feet to sit with the snap system they have was tricky. I was forever dragging straps around as my legs got caught up in the snaps when transferring and peeling it off was more of a chore than I wanted. I found something similar on Amazon thats a woolly fleece lined cosy that you sit on top of and zips over you. Ive been far happier with that and its done a fab job of keeping me warm. As a bonus it was about £20 give or take some less than my bundlebean was at the time I bought them. It covers my feet and toes as well and has a plastic-y sort of coating where the feet would hit the footplate so I have little to no issues with rain on my lower half.
The thing with side guards is that when they're high, they get in the way of pushing, but when they're low, they won't protect your clothes from water and mud. It's so annoying
After 37 years as a paraplegic, I still can't for the life of me figure out why side guards/skirt guards don't go all the way. I often get questions on why I always wear a black dress. 1) Because dirt won't show up as much, 2) It was a cheap dress so I bought 3 of them because of reason 1.
Hi Gem :) I was wondering, I am not a wheelchair user but my brain was going, would it also be possible to wrap a poncho like a wrap and roll? So not putting it over your head but wrapping it around your legs like the wrap and roll. I wonder if that would help to keep some water out and as an affordable option.
This is definitely an option and one that I have used before, it's just a little harder to get out of, but otherwise it does the job! I also find that to be more comfortable in warmer weather
+1 for the fendered sideguard recommendation! i love mine, and i do use them to lift myself up for pressure releases and also your tip of lifting myself up in the supermarket to reach the top shelf, even sitting on the sideguard to reach things! mine are carbon fibre which is super strong so i trust them with my weight. also, you use the phrase "walking people" a few times. me and my friends just call 'em walkers and be done with it lmao. my group of friends consists of 5 wheelies (goodness knows how i managed to find them all) and 5 walkers. we must look a right sight when we are out together!
Cheap pair of WP pants over my jeans... Roll up and stuff down back of ya cushion. (A pound shop Anti slip roll needed depending on ya cushion cover). And the same type of thin over jacket over the top of your regular coat and easy clean.
I live in west Texas so I usually avoid rain we only get about 17inches or 43 cm of rain a year. When I do go out it's a poncho for me so my controls on my electric chair stays dry.
To stop your hood falling over your eyes wear a cap under it 1st. It will stop the hood falling. I did this with my bike helmet. I'm a able-bodied person but I work in disability with wheelchair uses, electric wheelchair.
Forgetting stuff is so real bc the last time I went to sea world 4 hours away from my house, I remembered my SmarDrive but I forgot the controller! I was SO mad that I had to be pushed around the whole day.
Would stroller umbrella holder work with a wheelchair? I used to use one 10 years ago when I had to walk everywhere before I had my driving license. Had to pick up my son from school on foot in every kind of weather, and hard to push a double stroller with 2 kids inside, while carrying a 3rd one in a baby carrier to pick up the eldest from school.
It might work with some chairs… but then the umbrella is at the perfect height to whack everyone around you (which they wouldn’t be thrilled about 😂) Taller people used to glare at me for holding an umbrella when I was standing because I’m only 5’2” 😅
Gem, a question for you. At 6:50 in the video, where you show how you wipe the rear wheels of your wheelchair on the coir matting as you go into your home, I was wondering how you clean the front castors on your wheelchair on entry from damp and/or muddy conditions outside?
Nightmare going out into the rain. Everyone could have gone there and back by the time im ready. Ive changed to the sides that have that extra lip too. My coats are now mud free. Also have the wheel change. I find rims to be too slipery for me to handle in the rain so ive invested in good quality rubber rim covers. Wouldnt be without them. I have a coat that goes below my bum area so that when i sit it, it still covers me. The dreaded sit down and coat too short... Ideas on this would be good please. Id like a longer coat but for some reason they narrow the longer they are. I always use Mens water proof trousers over my own trouseres. They have more "bum" coverarouge and that means a more comfy comfy ride. SHOES... a must have water proof ones. your feet just sit there getting soaked. I cant do the wrap round as you do as ive a condition CRPS. I have to cope with the coverage on my legs but to have my foot.... amputee..... covered by shoe and sock is my limit. I bought i long coat to the ground. When i put it on i thought brilliant... until i sat in my chair and it just gaped at the front. Popper gap,,, i call it. Make sure zip all way down... Hope this helps add bit of help to you and other.. Oh.. the cleaning the wheels thing... WOW il deffinatley give that a go. So many embaricing visits watching sons clean up my wheelchair trail. many thanks C .... Hereford England..
Lever wheels (nudrive) are useful - shame they’re an inch smaller than my normal wheels… still makes life nicer with those and a freewheel. Side guards on the seat too…
@@Wheelsnoheels I have some first gen ones. Hands away from tyres, extra leverage also helps, I managed a dogfest show with them, on a really slopey, bumpy, field.
I have been trying to find a military poncho to use in the rain, but I can only find the liners. I really hate to get my seat wet.. I need to see if the Veterans Administration will get me bike tires because these solid rubber tires are rough going at times..
I would try either Walmart in the camping section, any large sporting goods store that has a camping/ hunting section or a military surplus store for a rain poncho.
well shaun used to 4x4 also and he said that to me so we do have the pressure down but maybe on some of the thicker knobbly wheels it would make more difference, thx for commenting
It’s a tricky one. I usually wear dark colours. (But not always.) tight sleeves are best, that fit and don’t hang lower than the wrist. I sometimes pull them up a bit. I have a lovely baby pink hoodie, and the cuffs on the sleeves are beginning to get grubby. (Even when washed)
@@Wheelsnoheels thank you for this. I feel the struggle of your baby pink hoodie. I have a turquoise blue hoodie that is also getting grimy. I did recently buy sleeve covers. I will see how that goes, but they're bulky. Thank you so much for your additional ideas. I will try your tips here. Have a great day 🙂
Since I have been independent active chair user I don’t think bundlebean fits on active chair I don’t like strapping something to my chair then not as quick or independent
Oh don't get me started 😂 There's ponchos that will cover the back of your chair to avoid it, but they will usually make the push handles unusable, so they might not be suitable for everyone.
My waterproof pants turned out to be not very waterproof. Wet butt in a wheelchair and still having the whole day to go is such torture, it makes the rubbing on the skin so bad and it's impossible to keep warm. If anyone knows me some affordable, actually waterproof pants, let me know!
i would vouch for my wrap and roll idea if you can make one or get someone to help , or try an outdoor adventure shop for good water proofs , but someone did comment about the water run off wetting your cushion
@Wheelsnoheels yeah, runoff on the cushio is what ended up soaking me, I think it is due to the friction between the materials, maybe? I might give your wrap and roll idea a try, seems very comfy, and with my temperature regulation being really bad, getting it off quickly is a real must for me. Your idea seems like the ideal solution. I am sufficient enough with a sewing machine to give it a shot!
Oh, aren’t “wheelies” really dangerous? 😮 I have a waterproof hat with a visor I wear when it rains because I hate when my glasses get wet! It would also keep the hood from falling in your face. You should be able to find one at a sporting store. 😊
I made myself a wrap-and-roll, it's so comfy. Thanks for this great hack!!! Luckily I found a jacket which allows me to close the zipper and it has a two-way-zipper, so I can open it from my belly or my feet 👍. I use it upside down, so the tighter neck is on my feet. Because of using Alber Emotion outside (otherwise I can't push myself) I have two pairs of wheels. I hate changing it, because the Alber wheels with the batterys are SO heavy. But I'm happy I have one pair of wheels only indoor. My caster-wheels I clean with a little handbrush before entering my flat. My wheelchair has (Edit: protective, as you call them) sideguards - where I live you can't go without it. But I'm always dirty, even on sunny days 😂🙈😬.
rain is the worst thing when using my electric chair, I bought a wheelchair poncho to go over everything but it just blows about in the wind and is useless and finding a raincoat long enough to cover my legs is difficult, my winter coat goes right down to my ankles but is not waterproof and is too warm for summer. Has anyone any extra tips?
I have a Bundle Bean wheelchair blanket. Waterproof outside, fleece inside, bottom hooks around your foot plate and then there's straps to secure behind your legs. Even comes with its own bag. I bought the larger size as the regular is a bit too short for me as I'm 5ft 10 with long legs.
How to keep clean and dry in a wheelchair. Is it possible? In this video Im sharing all my top tips to keeping clean and dry in a wheelchair, what are your top tips?
Videos Mentioned:
Batec review: ruclips.net/video/fjLZPaCmlIc/видео.htmlsi=QkO5VkBzxVRrhT6F
Leg wrap DIY: ruclips.net/video/U_lr2SbAk78/видео.htmlsi=0tWp29ENtg0iBfK-
Buying a stairlift in your 30's ruclips.net/video/wx7X68Xo7gs/видео.htmlsi=vY9QU6H0eLa6hid5
For the hood issue, maybe pair it with a ball cap? The bill of the cap would keep the hood out of your eyes while giving you a bit of extra "awning" for your face.
Yes!!! That’s such a good idea. 👍🏻
Oh my god this had never even occurred to me before! Now stealing husband's cap.
Yes! A baseball cap is my favorite rainy day accessory, especially as a fellow glasses wearer, too.
I can't believe I didn't think of this before! Will be stealing this idea
Yep! I do this. Keeps the rain off your glasses too
Lovely Gem! Great video. That’s awesome you have special tyres - off roadies! Make sure you have had a warm meal & drink before going out and take spare clothes and your medication.
and charge your phone.
I think your advice is awesome! ☔️ xx
Awesome tips thank you 🤩
One of the few advantages for me sitting in my electrical chair: It is so much easier to keep clean and dry! 😉
☺️☺️ what is your top tip first other power chair users watching??
Because you can’t go out? I know I was told not to go out unfortunately you sometimes have to so I cover everything with trash bags
@@Wheelsnoheels Warm and dry first, aestethics second! There are no end of problems that crop up when you end up in a chair, be it electrical or manual, but one of the simplest ones to avoid is getting cold! The wish to look good whilest doing so is allways there, but sometimes there is no help for it so just go for comfort! 😉
@@hieithefox No I didn´t make that take that in my comment, what an awfull thing to be told! 😮 Who said something so stupid to you? I bought a descent armless raincape that I can tuck my feet into (has a small "pouch" for the feet at the bottom) so theentire fron keeps me coverd. And for wintertime (I live in sveden where there is generally minus 3-4months /year) I have half a sleepingbag to put my legs into, shoes and all, and it goes upp about 30 cm on the backrest from the seat!
And as for not going out, that happens here, but due to bad plowing outside so you get stuck with the chair if you try getting annywhere....
@@WheelsnoheelsHi Gem,
I have a powerchair controller cover that zips over the entire joystick and control unit.
It has a sleeve so your hand stays dry while you can still see the controller through the plastic window.
If water comes in contact with the controller it could short circuit and leave you stranded.
I also carry a waterproof wheelchair cover that goes from waist to under your feet.
Not straps just tucks in. It’s very thin and just keeps the rain off.
I have a fleece lined one for the winter but it’s a bit big to carry round all the time.
I keep both covers in a bag on my chair so they are always available.
For dense mud.. my chair won’t easily wash down as the wheels are so chunky.
I leave it to dry overnight and brush off the excess dry mud with a heavy duty brush. It’s messy!
A spare chair is useful x 💕
I have found that if I open up an outdoor garbage bag, and park my butt into it as I sit in my chair, I can pull the edges over my thighs and waist, and part of the back of my legs to keep the mud and water off of me. I go out in tall, zippered boots for my shins to keep warm and dry. That takes care of the bottom half of me!
Eager to see the glove review 😊. I use Sealz at the mo. Water proof cycling gloves. Not too thick so I can still control my joystick efficiently on my powerchair
I'm moving to a much rainier area soon, and I've been thinking about this! Thanks for the tips. (And at least my new town won't be covered in ice and snow for 9 months of the year. 😅)
Hairbrella! It's made to protect curly hair but it's perfect to roll hands free and comes with an eye shield
a Hairbrella ,wow i love to see i pic of one of those .is it one of those hat umbrellas ? thx for your comment
Love your hat… Today we’re having rainy cold weather in Erie Pennsylvania U.S.A. I had a hat on similar to yours except the fuzzy ball is smaller. Ran into the store to grab a few groceries and ran into a situation while reaching for some ice cream on the bottom shelf of the freezer. I’m bent over grabbing the ice cream when I suddenly can’t move my head, I’m trying to sit back up straight but my head was being held in place. Of course I’m at a loss as to the problem. I finally realize that the wet (from rain) fuzzy ball on my hat has touched the inside of the freezer door and was frozen to the door. 😂 I just wanted some ice cream 😂😂😂😂😂.
The mud is real! No matter the type of chair. Thank you for the video! Neither of my chairs have interchangeable wheels. They will going forward! I don't know why I've always been afraid to say what I need/want.
Hope the video helped. It’s tiring advocating for yourself sometimes. Or in the moment you might not think about it. ☺️
For the issue with the Guard rims and that you can’t push up anymore , have you thought about rubber coverings for the wheel hand rims so that you have more of a grip to push up. I use these so that if I bash my wheels the metal doesn’t chip and cut my hands when pushing and also I don’t need wheelchair gloves for grip as the rubber does the same thing. It’s like a phone case for your wheel chair hand rims.
Sean is 💯 spot on about the price of anything marketed as for disability. It's outrageous! I see a therapist (highly recommend!) and was telling him in our last session that I started a rough outline of an essay I'm writing loosely titled "Things About Being Disabled You Don't Know Until You Live It". One of the points is the complete irony of how expensive it is to be disabled while you probably have a limited income. Things I routinely did before I became disabled and which were frugal, e.g. cooking from scratch, doing my own basic home repairs/improvements, etc are just not physically possible for me now. I have only 52% of the income I had before but now I have hire people to do things, pay more for energy sparing things like premade salads and precut veggies, plus all the medical related expenses I didn't have before. All the common sense things people need when they have mobility issues (stair lifts, ramps, special cushions, etc) you'd think are covered by insurance but they either aren't at all or they have a lot of restrictions. My neurologist just wrote a referral for me to be evaluated for a scooter/powerchair/etc and he said he is recommending something that is more than I need right now because my insurance only covers a wheelchair of any sort once every 5 years and he doesn't want me to be stranded if I get what I need now if my needs increase before the 5yrs is up. Crazy!
I use a powerchair, a food bag with handles (to tie) keeps my controller dry.
I wear a Dickies winter work jacket, much cheaper than a ski jacket; warm, dry, and has high vis areas.
For my plus size people out there go to joann fabrics or any dabric store with a large selection find parachute fabric pick a color and get a yard or half yard depending on you lap/limb size and tuck it around u just like gems lap wrap! Works great for hot temperatures and cold with layers! I love in a place its either cold or HOT and sticky (ohio) so its definitely the best mix of both with ability to plus size on a budget. Usually i can get a yard for around 15 to 10 dollars!
I use waterproof trousers and coat over my regular trousers/ jacket, which are great especially for dog walking then when I get home the mud can be wiped off and they are clean for the next day. They are not only waterproof but also wind proof and they were quite cheap.
If I go out in the car and my wheels are really muddy then when I get back to the car I have a couple of bin bags to put them into so the car doesn’t get all muddy.
I always wear a beanie if I’m out with a coat on then the hood doesn’t go over my eyes.
I have lift up wheel guards so they lift up to let me transfer but keep me clean from the mud/ water.
I wear actual wheelchair gloves that have thumbs in but no fingers so I get good grip on my wheel rims but my fingers do get cold and wet.
If I’m in my Powerchair then I put a sandwich bag over the controller to keep it dry.
When using my Powerchair I wear gloves that are fingerless but have a mitten bit that goes over my fingers, they are great because I don’t have to take off the whole glove if I need access to my actual fingers, just the pull over piece.
I always have a towel back at the car so I can wipe myself (and the dog) down before getting back in the car.
Another _great_ info video Gem. Thanks very much! :)
Damp condition extra rear wheels is a great idea.
I'd really want to have three sets of wheels though. Dry/indoors, damp/outdoors, and knobbly.
Dressing for the conditions is Important.
How would you dress for summer damp and muddy though? Keeping warm in summer isn't the problem. Keeping dry without causing more perspiration is.
Forgetting things
- You forgot your FFORA gear
- Sean walks out, without closing the door behind him
Muddy conditions
- Are there other tyres available for a Batec? Dry conditions, damp conditions? The stock tyre you have fitted is a knobbly, which seems like it'd be too rough for damp indoor/outdoor shopping.
- Can a user easily swap the wheel for different conditions?
Keeping clothes clean
Ouch. I can see why you want the larger side guards.
If your clothes are getting that muddy from the wheels, what about the sides of the seat cushion?
Cleaning wheels.
The type of matting in that area of your home is coir matting.
That trick of how to pull up and spin a wheel, to wipe it clean on the matting, is a _very_ handy one to learn of.
Sideguards with mudguards.
I'm now wondering if I can get them for my wheelchair, or if they'd need to be custom made.
Do you need a different pair sideguards with mudguards, for knobbly tyres, compared to what you have for your damp condition tyres?
thx for your comments ,yes he did go back and close the door haha,, i thunk knobbly tires would be better for the muddy conditions , i can change them myself bit more fiddling around , I'm lucky i have shaun though
Some wet and mud is inevitable for me. I walk my dog in all weather. I do not like the huge wheelchair ponchos that cover everything though a longer raincoat would be nice. I have that problem with hoods too. I should get side guards.
I find waterproof trousers mean a wet butt where the water collects on your cushion unlike the wraps, I am hoping to make my own out of a Loden Wool coat. On muddy surfaces or wet grass, speed and momentum help you avoid getting stuck. I would love to see how you load your chair and Batec into your car.
great about the waterproof trousers , shaun puts my batec in the car for me ,but i do have video showing the batec being put into the car by a wheelchair user here's the link.://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjB-JvEqquEAxXKVkEAHVKxAaEQtwJ6BAgQEAI&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DfjLZPaCmlIc&usg=AOvVaw0eQAfQAof590LgSoOstSzK&opi=89978449
These are awesome tips, I've been inside way to much. I want to go out more in my wheelchair. Thank you for the inspiration.
Ger yourself some heavey duty zip ties / cable ties and put them around the rim and tire with the bump / fastener part on the top of tire you will gain a lot of traction in mud on the power asist this way and if you dont need them just cut them off with scissors bonus is they are super cheap
newby here Never even thought about a second set of wheels. I wear a Carhart coat with a hood. and a cap underneath it so it stays out of my face. I really need to find some better gloves. So much information about things I didn't know than you.
thx for sharing ,im planning a glove video in a couple of weeks so look out for it
**You're** correct, Kinetic Balance is very expensive. Fortunately for me, living in Australia, we have the NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme), of which I am a participant. They purchased all the versions of the upper and lower body coverings for me, including their newest version that is compatible with my Batec and similar devices.
If you **ever** do have the opportunity, Kinetic Balance is an amazing company. They have **taken** wheelchair apparel to a whole new level! It's too bad that it's not so affordable for the masses.
I'm very blessed to be in such a wonderful country that looks after me. (I'm originally from the United States.)
Great content, **I've** smashed the like **button**, and also subscribed to your channel.
All the best to you and your family! (Your husband is amazing!)
My partner brought me some ski sallopettes/trousers! Amazingly warm and waterproof🎿
Great video as usual Gem x
You are so lucky your husband is such a good help to you. You two are so cute together.
I’ve got the shorter Raindek - it folds up super small so I always have it in the back pocket of my chair. Comes in handy in rainy Glasgow! I got it as a present because ouch, they are expensive.
Also my mum had to alter some of the straps because they are designed for those with paralysis/very skinny legs and my short stubby legs are just not that shape! (The material fits perfectly, but the straps were TINY). We removed the middle straps entirely because they weren’t necessary.
Both my chairs have fender-type side guards (the ones that bend over the wheels) - it’s too wet here to have straight ones 😅
If I didn’t go out in the rain I’d rarely go out 😂
great comment , that's true sometimes its wet for so long you wouldn't ever get out
For the hood issue you either need a hood with a vertical Velcro adjustable strap on the back of the hood, or sew one on. Quite a few of my outdoor coats have them. Any coat designed for actual backcountry use most likely has one.
My favourite is a full length trench coat from LL Bean in the US. It has a zip out liner which is good to about minus 7C.
Love this video. I’m in Toronto Canada. Toronto’s historical nickname was “Muddy York”. We have about ten times more construction cranes than LA. Lots of muddy slushy construction .
As a cosplayer allow me to suggest a solution for the hood.... On the inside of it sew in 2 loops so that you can attach a head band that will keep it sitting exactly how you want it to sit so it doesnt go down too far. Hair clips can also be used with the loop method.
I have an electric wheelchair. To keep it dry we have a grill cover for when it’s on the wheelchair lift on my moms car (the wheelchair guy said it was a great & cheaper option than anything else) & he also said I just need to protect the control panel so I got a cover for the panel, you slide your hand into it & you can see through a clear patch😊
Kinetic Balance Raindek is my goto way of keeping dry they cover you legs and keep the nice and dry and they do lined ones as well great for winter.
Amaxzing. The have 14% off today too. I think when my wrap and roll packs in, I may look into one. Hope you enjoyed the video :)
@@Wheelsnoheels They do a version for people who have things like your batec. The other thing that I would suggest is get a coat with a lighter smaller hood a lot of the better waterproof coats have adjustments so the hood stays in position and not flop around as you move your head around.
I alway try to give a thumbs up because I know how you hard you work at doing the videos 👍👍
I wonder if a drawstring hood might be useful, I've seen them on rain jackets and im sure some heavy winter/ski jackets would have the same. Alternatively, when I used to do snow sports, we'd use a balaclava with nothing covering face over the hood to secure in place against wind and snow
Regarding the bundlebean- I got one and found it wasnt keeping me as warm as I'd like and getting my feet to sit with the snap system they have was tricky. I was forever dragging straps around as my legs got caught up in the snaps when transferring and peeling it off was more of a chore than I wanted. I found something similar on Amazon thats a woolly fleece lined cosy that you sit on top of and zips over you. Ive been far happier with that and its done a fab job of keeping me warm. As a bonus it was about £20 give or take some less than my bundlebean was at the time I bought them. It covers my feet and toes as well and has a plastic-y sort of coating where the feet would hit the footplate so I have little to no issues with rain on my lower half.
The side guards are not high enough. Shaun is right about that. That's why your clothes get muddy and dirty.
The thing with side guards is that when they're high, they get in the way of pushing, but when they're low, they won't protect your clothes from water and mud. It's so annoying
If they are too high, some people might not be able to transfer out of their wheelchair.
that's true@@melissaz6778
So helpful, thank you!
Yay. So glad it helped ☺️
After 37 years as a paraplegic, I still can't for the life of me figure out why side guards/skirt guards don't go all the way. I often get questions on why I always wear a black dress. 1) Because dirt won't show up as much, 2) It was a cheap dress so I bought 3 of them because of reason 1.
Hi Gem :) I was wondering, I am not a wheelchair user but my brain was going, would it also be possible to wrap a poncho like a wrap and roll? So not putting it over your head but wrapping it around your legs like the wrap and roll. I wonder if that would help to keep some water out and as an affordable option.
This is definitely an option and one that I have used before, it's just a little harder to get out of, but otherwise it does the job! I also find that to be more comfortable in warmer weather
+1 for the fendered sideguard recommendation! i love mine, and i do use them to lift myself up for pressure releases and also your tip of lifting myself up in the supermarket to reach the top shelf, even sitting on the sideguard to reach things! mine are carbon fibre which is super strong so i trust them with my weight.
also, you use the phrase "walking people" a few times. me and my friends just call 'em walkers and be done with it lmao. my group of friends consists of 5 wheelies (goodness knows how i managed to find them all) and 5 walkers. we must look a right sight when we are out together!
love it thx for sharing
I dress warm and use a waterproof hooded poncho, I do tuck it in to make sure it is out of the way of the wheels. (Power wheelchair)
Cheap pair of WP pants over my jeans...
Roll up and stuff down back of ya cushion.
(A pound shop Anti slip roll needed depending on ya cushion cover).
And the same type of thin over jacket over the top of your regular coat and easy clean.
great tips
I live in west Texas so I usually avoid rain we only get about 17inches or 43 cm of rain a year. When I do go out it's a poncho for me so my controls on my electric chair stays dry.
Ahhh good idea
So I learned that oat milk is much cheaper in the UK than Canada!
Also - Duncan (Extreme Pogo Jumper) is actually from my city here in Canada!
To stop your hood falling over your eyes wear a cap under it 1st. It will stop the hood falling. I did this with my bike helmet. I'm a able-bodied person but I work in disability with wheelchair uses, electric wheelchair.
Forgetting stuff is so real bc the last time I went to sea world 4 hours away from my house, I remembered my SmarDrive but I forgot the controller! I was SO mad that I had to be pushed around the whole day.
Omg!!! That would have made me soooooo angry too. And totally something I could see myself doing!!
Would stroller umbrella holder work with a wheelchair? I used to use one 10 years ago when I had to walk everywhere before I had my driving license. Had to pick up my son from school on foot in every kind of weather, and hard to push a double stroller with 2 kids inside, while carrying a 3rd one in a baby carrier to pick up the eldest from school.
It might work with some chairs… but then the umbrella is at the perfect height to whack everyone around you (which they wouldn’t be thrilled about 😂)
Taller people used to glare at me for holding an umbrella when I was standing because I’m only 5’2” 😅
I have the same sidegaurds. I sit on them when reaching higher things.
I've already subscribed my friend
Put on a ball cap to keep the hood out of your line of vision.
Gem, a question for you.
At 6:50 in the video, where you show how you wipe the rear wheels of your wheelchair on the coir matting as you go into your home, I was wondering how you clean the front castors on your wheelchair on entry from damp and/or muddy conditions outside?
Nightmare going out into the rain. Everyone could have gone there and back by the time im ready. Ive changed to the sides that have that extra lip too. My coats are now mud free. Also have the wheel change. I find rims to be too slipery for me to handle in the rain so ive invested in good quality rubber rim covers. Wouldnt be without them. I have a coat that goes below my bum area so that when i sit it, it still covers me. The dreaded sit down and coat too short... Ideas on this would be good please. Id like a longer coat but for some reason they narrow the longer they are. I always use Mens water proof trousers over my own trouseres. They have more "bum" coverarouge and that means a more comfy comfy ride. SHOES... a must have water proof ones. your feet just sit there getting soaked. I cant do the wrap round as you do as ive a condition CRPS. I have to cope with the coverage on my legs but to have my foot.... amputee..... covered by shoe and sock is my limit. I bought i long coat to the ground. When i put it on i thought brilliant... until i sat in my chair and it just gaped at the front. Popper gap,,, i call it. Make sure zip all way down... Hope this helps add bit of help to you and other.. Oh.. the cleaning the wheels thing... WOW il deffinatley give that a go. So many embaricing visits watching sons clean up my wheelchair trail. many thanks C .... Hereford England..
Hello from Belgium.
Thank you for your nice and useful videos. You make a very cute couple.
Geez, Gem! The man's been telling ya to slow down! 15:27 😅
👍🏻👍🏻
Lever wheels (nudrive) are useful - shame they’re an inch smaller than my normal wheels… still makes life nicer with those and a freewheel.
Side guards on the seat too…
Oh yes I’ve seen a few people use leaver wheels. I’d like to give those a go one day. ☺️
@@Wheelsnoheels I have some first gen ones. Hands away from tyres, extra leverage also helps, I managed a dogfest show with them, on a really slopey, bumpy, field.
I have been trying to find a military poncho to use in the rain, but I can only find the liners. I really hate to get my seat wet.. I need to see if the Veterans Administration will get me bike tires because these solid rubber tires are rough going at times..
Oooo that’s a good idea. Yeah soggy bottoms are no fun 🙈😕
I would try either Walmart in the camping section, any large sporting goods store that has a camping/ hunting section or a military surplus store for a rain poncho.
@valerieannrumpf4151 thanks, I will try that.
What brand is that lovely black coat with the fluffy hood?
In a 4x4 we lower the tyre pressures on sand and mud. Does doing that in your wheelchair help too?
well shaun used to 4x4 also and he said that to me so we do have the pressure down but maybe on some of the thicker knobbly wheels it would make more difference, thx for commenting
💜💜💜💜
How to keep dry in a wheelchair. Don’t go out 😂 Just kidding. Sometimes it’s unavoidable. When the dog needs a walk they need a walk!
may I ask how you keep your sleeves clean if you were wearing long sleeves while in your wheelchair? My sleeves get really stained and dirty
It’s a tricky one. I usually wear dark colours. (But not always.) tight sleeves are best, that fit and don’t hang lower than the wrist. I sometimes pull them up a bit. I have a lovely baby pink hoodie, and the cuffs on the sleeves are beginning to get grubby. (Even when washed)
@@Wheelsnoheels thank you for this. I feel the struggle of your baby pink hoodie. I have a turquoise blue hoodie that is also getting grimy.
I did recently buy sleeve covers. I will see how that goes, but they're bulky. Thank you so much for your additional ideas. I will try your tips here. Have a great day 🙂
Since I have been independent active chair user I don’t think bundlebean fits on active chair I don’t like strapping something to my chair then not as quick or independent
Ahhhh. That’s why I like my diy wrap and roll ☺️
Bundle Bean wraps around your foot plate or feet, your choice, and then straps at the back of your legs. No need to attach to the chair.
Do you have issues with water running down your back between the backrest?
Oh don't get me started 😂
There's ponchos that will cover the back of your chair to avoid it, but they will usually make the push handles unusable, so they might not be suitable for everyone.
i don't really i think my coat is puffy enough to stop that
My waterproof pants turned out to be not very waterproof. Wet butt in a wheelchair and still having the whole day to go is such torture, it makes the rubbing on the skin so bad and it's impossible to keep warm. If anyone knows me some affordable, actually waterproof pants, let me know!
i would vouch for my wrap and roll idea if you can make one or get someone to help , or try an outdoor adventure shop for good water proofs , but someone did comment about the water run off wetting your cushion
@Wheelsnoheels yeah, runoff on the cushio is what ended up soaking me, I think it is due to the friction between the materials, maybe? I might give your wrap and roll idea a try, seems very comfy, and with my temperature regulation being really bad, getting it off quickly is a real must for me. Your idea seems like the ideal solution. I am sufficient enough with a sewing machine to give it a shot!
I have tried a poncho but the issue I had was it getting in my castors and then as a result hurting me and that water still went up the sleeves
I need side guards for my manual chair but, I can't find them. Can anyone share links???
I know it isn't your "look" but if push comes to shove .... get yourself a baseball hat. That will keep the hood from falling over your eyes
Oh, aren’t “wheelies” really dangerous? 😮
I have a waterproof hat with a visor I wear when it rains because I hate when my glasses get wet! It would also keep the hood from falling in your face. You should be able to find one at a sporting store. 😊
I made myself a wrap-and-roll, it's so comfy. Thanks for this great hack!!! Luckily I found a jacket which allows me to close the zipper and it has a two-way-zipper, so I can open it from my belly or my feet 👍. I use it upside down, so the tighter neck is on my feet.
Because of using Alber Emotion outside (otherwise I can't push myself) I have two pairs of wheels. I hate changing it, because the Alber wheels with the batterys are SO heavy. But I'm happy I have one pair of wheels only indoor. My caster-wheels I clean with a little handbrush before entering my flat.
My wheelchair has (Edit: protective, as you call them) sideguards - where I live you can't go without it.
But I'm always dirty, even on sunny days 😂🙈😬.
great comment thx for that
rain is the worst thing when using my electric chair, I bought a wheelchair poncho to go over everything but it just blows about in the wind and is useless and finding a raincoat long enough to cover my legs is difficult, my winter coat goes right down to my ankles but is not waterproof and is too warm for summer. Has anyone any extra tips?
I have a Bundle Bean wheelchair blanket. Waterproof outside, fleece inside, bottom hooks around your foot plate and then there's straps to secure behind your legs. Even comes with its own bag. I bought the larger size as the regular is a bit too short for me as I'm 5ft 10 with long legs.
Sleeve covers
They make umbrellas that hooks onto your wheelchair
But they are not windproof though. Also the bar is a bit too flexible and starts to droop similar like a baby parasol does.
🚦😊
Hello how are you?
Where are you from?