With both my loved one’s legs out of commission at this point, it means getting in and out of the car isn’t happening.  “Use a slide board” the uninitiated will say.  But that requires a level of cognition and participation on the part of the person sliding.  With the door blocking the way and a wheelchair in the back, a slide board is almost impossible for someone of larger size.  We will try a lift on a warmer day and that may work, it’s just that once she gets in, she won’t be able to get out unless we have the lift there.  Can’t take a huge lift to the grocery store.

In essence, it means we can’t get out and about.  No more wheeling her around in the wheelchair or going places.   She is shut in now and that means so are we.  It’s a big adjustment.  Getting out has been a part of preserving mental sanity.  Even doing simple things like getting a haircut.  She has stood firm that I am not to touch her hair, but without her ability to transfer in and out of a car, I think I’m going to have to learn a new skill despite her resistance.

This is the caregiver journey.  Every day is a new obstacle.  A new challenge.  A new syndrome.  And a new way of doing life.