Hi everyone! I'm a 64-year-old woman with cerebral palsy, and I've always had pretty good balance, but lately, it's been challenging to get up after I fall, especially since I've lost some leg strength over the past couple of years. I usually manage to rise up with help or by using furniture, but a recent fall took me over 30 minutes to recover from. I live alone while working from home, and I'm considering a system to help me get up more easily. I was thinking about steps or stools that I could use to rise gradually or perhaps a ramp with handholds. Regular folding step stools don't work for me because they shift too much. There's a specific lift called the 'ResQup' which looks great but is quite pricey at $400. Any DIY solutions or ideas would really be appreciated!
3 Answers
Have you considered making or finding an adjustable ramp? They're great because you can use them to gradually elevate yourself. If you want something more compact, Apple boxes used in film production could be useful—they come in various heights and are very sturdy, so you can use them safely to assist in standing up.
You might want to look into rehab step stools. There are budget-friendly options available that provide the same support as the more expensive ones. If you’re handy, you could even build your own using plywood and add some traction tape to prevent slipping. That way, you can safely scoot up without worrying about it sliding away from you!
What about using a folding gardening kneeler? When the legs are down, it acts as a low seat, and when they're up, you can push off them to get up. Plus, it folds down into a small size, which is really handy!
Thanks for the suggestions! I love the idea of making something myself; it could really save me some money.