♿️ 5 GAME CHANGING WHEELCHAIR LIFESTYLE HACKS

[@Wheelsnoheels]

I’d love to know your most used hack? I have so many others that people shared. Head over to my Instagram where I will share them all @wheelsnoheels_ SUBSCRIBE :bit.ly/2zSEo1R Videos to check out next: Extra costs disabled people face: kzbin.info/www/bejne/moPHfYGmf61_jbM Dont Question My Ability kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z4XZqp6Gh9qNkKM How to be confident on wheels: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jnbXmYeHrplml8k Disneys Blizzard Beach Accessibility Tour: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sH_Ypn56ot6Df80

[@stephenmcdowell9210]

Well I getting my first electric wheel chair next week I'm terrified iv never been on one before ive got muscular dystrophy and it's finally got me I can't walk now 'and am very weak all over I haven't been out of the house in 6 months I'm going nuts my mental state is not good hope this wheel chair will save. Me '''fingers crossed stevie

[@dhvani_rathod22]

I’m just curious do you have cerebral palsy? because I do. And these hacks are really fascinating!

[@johnnylightning11889]

I LOOOOVVVVVEEEEE MY GRABBER!!! IT IS A MIRACLE INVENTION

[@cesca_1464]

“Trying to get people to believe us” literally my life with chronic pain and some sort of dizziness thing

[@HelloL.G.]

I believe you. I too sing that song every day..

[@alexjack8377]

Same!

[@montanalemaitre4451]

Same

[@kadindefranza2478]

I love my Alexa. We have our door locks, lights, roku tvs, and cameras connected to it. My oldest has a small one in their room, and so do my husband and I. In the kitchen, we have our hub. I don't think I could live without them at this point!

[@redsorgum]

I love that they sent your wheelchair ahead of you on the water ride.....weeeeee 🤪🤪💪🇺🇸🇬🇧💪

[@Wheelsnoheels]

IKR

[@lisamlees]

OMG! Accepting help! I struggle with this all the time. It’s not so bad if you ask first and then someone assists, but I get very anxious when people insist on helping me. If I say I can manage, then I can manage, I don’t need disabling any more than I am already! The best people are those who ask if I need help, then await my answer and act accordingly. I feel like a lot of people see a wheelchair and think I’m intellectually disabled as well as physically. I think there is still a lot of reticence amongst the able-bodied around disability.

[@rantalbott6963]

I almost never have a problem with people pressing help on me without asking whether I need it. If something is merely difficult, I always do it myself. When someone offers to help I try to express thanks in a way that shows their offer is appreciated. Then I add something like "I need the exercise" to recognize their perception that it's hard. It helps that I almost never sense any feeling of pity or condescension. So I always try to leve the person feeling that they should offer again, because the next person might be facing "impossible", instead of merely "difficult".

[@kortneykennedy7303]

Take your clothes off all the way because I like it when you have no clothes on your body on tex

[@davidbrouwers7309]

Things that make my life easier, in random order: Airfryer, I can NOT live without one Graper Cup holder on my wheels, with a spare one in a box Rain cover from reha design to cover my legs and seat, have come in handly numerous times (live in the Netherlands, for most Europeans that says enough) A box in the bathroom with catheters, baby wipes, travel wipes, soap bars etc so I can quickly grap new ones or restock my backpack as I have at least 4 caths and a pack of wipes with me (maybe a what's in your bag? Vid would be a good suggestion for (new) wheelies) Quad pushrim covers, put on today actually, they're a bit thicker and have deeper ridges than regular ones A hook for when I wear button shirts (I only unbotton enough buttons to slide the shirt on or off as I'm too lazy to hassle with all unnecessary buttons with my limited handfunction) Water bottles in different sizes and a 3L hydration bladder for the summer A seatbelt as I can get spasms and use public transport as well as a footband to keep my feet from jumping all around and off my footplate Half finger bicycle gloves Small nail file for when I hit my breaks Set of keys to tighten brake and caster screws (brick roads and cobble stones can shake them lose) I have drawer closets instead of full length I think that's it for the important stuff

[@Wheelsnoheels]

These are fab tips, thanks for sharing

[@davidbrouwers7309]

@@morgancalvi6675 that depends on how high the backrest is. Many, including Gem and me, have pretty low backrests so a vest would drag over the floor, could get stuck in the wheels even. I do have a reflective aemband on the carry handle of my backpack. For power chairs and mobility scooters a vest over the back is an option.

[@WheelyHeidi]

@@morgancalvi6675 I have a reflective cover made for a rucksack on mine.

[@irenedavo3768]

Wow!

[@kayinoue2497]

Honestly ordering takeaway when I have zero spoons to make food is something I've had to shed my guilt of, but it's made a huge difference sometimes. Also I 100% echo the point about a power assistive device! I have a Smart-Drive for my manual chair and it has COMPLETELY changed my quality of life. I simply WOULD NOT be able to live alone without it.

[@georgecurtis6463]

Each person's needs are differant from others. But one thing common to most is grabbers. Now most are longish and clumsy. I tend to need to reach things just out of reach, funny how that works, and I also constantly drop things because I deal with things constantly. So I use a 15 us inch bbq tongs. I carry it at all times on the back of my chair on the lop frame. After a while one can reach for it and return it without much thought. The biggest thing is planning. That is a serious must. My meds are always in small plastic bottles that are easily carried throughout the day.

[@walterseeba7639]

I hang kitchen tongs from the chair cushion cover loop in the center.

[@georgecurtis6463]

@@walterseeba7639 good idea. But my front loop is carrying about 10 lbs of tools and such. Gotta keep things handy !

[@lolacharel]

This video is right on time. I’ll be getting my chair soon. FINALLY. Thanks for being the best xxx

[@jlastre]

I have lupus. For me I can’t “plan” too much. I can *prioritize* and hope for the best. But because some days are worse than others, that is the level of pain is so variable I sometimes have to just call it a day. The extra time thing if very true.

[@jaredchoudhury]

Recently started to use a wheelchair now and your video of motivation , gives me strength and hope especially when I feel useless, embarrassed and full of anxiety. Thank you ❤️

[@irenedavo3768]

Hope you are well

[@RobertOw83]

100 percent with you on the planning, time allocation, car struggles, brain struggles, smart devices etc. I'm exactly the same. New user to a wheelchair here and your channel has been a great help. Thank you

[@ShakespeareOfBorg]

I've finally accepted help and had an OT assessment yesterday. I may finally be getting things to help me out at home.

[@OneLove101.]

I’m sure they’ll give you lots of help 🙏🏻 They also do a report that can you used when filing benefits, or for hospital admissions etc 🙂

[@ShakespeareOfBorg]

@@OneLove101. the report for benefits would help as I don't get any money for mobility right now, just care.

[@irenedavo3768]

Fantastic

[@hanamoreton6543]

Yes Gem! 🙌🏻 I think you’ve voiced everything my family and I have done as my Dad’s been chronically ill for years. Now I’m disabled too and using all these hacks have luckily come naturally to me. If I could give one hack to those on medication, it would be to have a spare stash in different places, like you touched on. Kitchen, bathroom, bedside table, and most importantly for me, in my handbag, then I’m never without, especially as I have to have certain meds in order to eat. There’s another hack I’ve found super helpful that we only started as Dad’s now got Alzheimer’s; whiteboards! I get terrible brain fog and my poor Mama has had to be the hive mind for the family, but with the whiteboards we can write to do lists, put up what’s for dinner, appointments but most importantly for Dad, the order to do things in and at what time so he can keep some independence. It’s been super helpful for ALL of us.

[@SnowySpiritRuby]

Probably my most used hacks are my cup holder on my chair (before I ever got a cup holder, from the moment I got my chair I was already reaching down to try to put things in it or take things out of it, so I knew I needed one), my Advantage Bag underseat shelf which allows me to take an extra layer with me when going out on a stroll (I can't hang it over the back bar because it would drag in my SmartDrive, can't tie it around my waist, and can't hang it over the backrest because it would get caught in the wheels) as well as other items I need, and my SmartDrive - I wouldn't be able to go more than about a block without it due to instability in my shoulders (likely EDS), but with it I can go 6 1/2 miles easily. My other ones right now would be my winter wheelchair gloves - windproof water resistant ski gloves with an entirely grippy palm (entire palm and all the way up the inside of all 5 fingers) and a pocket on the back that I occasionally put toe warmers in if it's really cold; and the lights on my wheels (they're technically bike lights, but I have spoke wheels, so they attach the same way) - I got them specifically as a safety measure for when I'm out in the evening and it's getting dark, because there are stretches in my town where there aren't any sidewalks, making it necessary for me to sometimes wheel in the street, and not only do they look really cool, but they alert cars that I'm there, and they also give off just enough light that if I'm out after dark unexpectedly (has happened a few times), I can see the street or sidewalk just far enough ahead to be able to avoid any obstacles. And definitely planning - sometimes, when scouting out new routes, I'll spend hours on Google maps street view to figure out where all the sidewalks are and where I'll have to jump curbs (other times, I'll just wing it based on what I remember from driving those routes), but the streets around where I live are quiet enough that wheeling in the street when there's no sidewalk isn't usually dangerous - most of the streets are pretty straight, so cars can usually see me from a long way off. One thing I really need to do is get myself a set of pushrim covers - I've had my eye on the Ultra Grrrip from Reha Design for quite a while, I just need to save up enough to buy them (I'll be getting either blue or black, because my chair is entirely blue and black, but I'll most likely probably end up getting blue because my wheels are all solid black).

[@lauralie9658]

Thank you Gema for your hard work and being willing to be open and giving back. Love your accent and your joyfulness. Thank you once again.

[@Wheelsnoheels]

So glad you enjoyed it

[@starleencooley7773]

One thing that really helps me is sticky notes everywhere and putting labels everywhere I have a caregiver come in a couple days a week and its really helpful to be able to point her in the right direction and have her follow the sticky note/labels and have her put a sticky note of what I need to do when she's not here I have autism and ADHD and I'm on quite a bit of pain medication and I'm in a wheelchair so I get distracted and it never comes back to mind but is there is a note to remind me as I'm going past I will be more likely to actually get it done

[@Wheelsnoheels]

That is such a good idea.

[@pyamol5052]

Omg I'm early! Hi! I love your channel it's helped give me so much confidence being a chair user myself. Thank you thank you!!

[@Wheelsnoheels]

Your Most welcome. Im really glad it has helped you xx

[@HParadoxa]

One of my fav hacks is that I have a little watercooler in my bedroom (I'm not 100% sure that's what it's called but like a big can with a tap on the bottom ?) that way I can fill up my cup whenever I need, which is helpful if it's hard to get up for example, it also helps me a lot with executive dysfonction.

[@missyoneal]

My favorite hack is I have a purse that converts into a cross body bag that holds my essentials. Because I can have it around me waist when I'm going out in a chair or have it hanging as a purse if I'm using a cane, I am able to have everything I need easily accessible. I have my planner, tissues, pills, safety pins, ear plugs, earbuds, a cloth to wipe my glasses, and some pens in a bag that is lightweight and easy to keep on me and transition between a quick trip with my cane or a long trip with the chair. My planner is on an ipad mini so I also have loads of books to read for when I get places early because I gave myself time.

[@bargainbinredhead]

Gem, thank you so much for saying it’s ok to order take away. This is something I really struggle with. I will lay in bed barely able to move, starving but making myself feel guilty for thinking about getting food delivered. I will spend up to an hour telling myself it’s wrong before I’m finally able to accept that it is better that I eat something, which usually makes me feel better, than accept the discomfort of not eating until I feel like I can make it to the kitchen myself and get food. I’ve had to do it today and yesterday because I’ve been home by myself at the time and with a bedroom right next to the front door compared to a kitchen that is much further away, it’s makes logical sense to do it but when you are in a pain spiral it can be so hard to do what is right for yourself. As for my tips, I have a lot of difficulty with my hands but discovered a few things during a bad flare a few years ago. I exclusively use water bottles, large cups with lids and straws and extra large mugs so I’m not having to get up so often to get another drink. I discovered how much easier it is to use cutlery to lever open drink cans than wedge a finger under the tab. I’ve also replaced most of my plates, bowls, etc with plastic or melamine because I have a tendency to drop things and the weight of handling them is so much easier. I keep luggage straps in my walker basket to attach shopping bags and boxes to the frame so they don’t slide off.

[@davidbrouwers7309]

You can, if it makes it easier to feel less guilty, actually plan delivery meals in your weekly or monthly plan. I have a snack day every other week and have a delivery meal planned in at least once a month either because I know I can't bring myself to cook physically or as a mental pick me up. Delivery meal, can't do take away as I live in the middle of nowhere in that sense, can be healthy like chineese or pasta or junk food, that depends on what kind of mood I'm in. So give planning it in a try and don't feel guilty if it's not always a healthy choice.

[@HopeAndSunshine]

This is definitely so true! Planning is so crucial! Even just knowing the best sidewalks to walk on can make a huge difference when pushing my daughter's wheelchair. Loved the tip about having your medication (or really anything you commonly need) anywhere you might need it! Great idea!

[@Wheelsnoheels]

So glad the video was useful. Have you seen my video on "killer Camber" it might help with pushing your daughter. xx

[@lucyneat8981]

When you were talking to your Google, it started to set mine off haha! But the Google assistant is a real life changer, especially setting reminders as I get so much brain fog!

[@Wheelsnoheels]

They are really good for that. And especially as you dont even have to write anything down!

[@GingerKiwiDev]

I'm ambulatory (EDS/dysautonomia/MCAS) but looking into getting a wheelchair after an awesome experience using a museum's courtesy one. I love my smart home (lights + two HomePod Minis). I have a cat and waterproof medication box on my bed (Lock 'n Lock plastic container) and a med bag in each of my backpacks. My canes are bright fun colours so I'm more noticeable as needing the accessibility seats on transit (though I still got yelled at by a random Karen a few weeks ago. I blister easily so I wear two pairs of socks and have stick on Achilles/back of foot pads, plus I wear bicycle gloves when using any mobility aids. Preplanning really helps. Here in Toronto there's so much construction - my neighbourhood has the most construction cranes as any in Canada or the US!. The subway is frequently not working due to that. Busses, especially packed ones make me really dizzy so I plan around that. Because I have MACS (Mast Cell Activation Syndrome) , I get really hot itchy, and need a change of clothes when I have a reaction, I carry a tank top with a built in bra a spare pair of underwear and socks. I also loose fine motor control due to cardiac symptoms (blood flow etc) so I can't use my own epipen when I need one. I have a new prescription for a different auto injector that's card shaped and plays audio instructions in English and French. ALLERJECT This is not so much a hack as a mobility aid recommendation. My mobility aids of choice are Nordic walking poles. They help with forward momentum way more than my canes (my Achilles are totally shot!). I can tripod myself when I'm moderately dizzy. They're also just fun! I feel like I'm back xc ski racing instead of increasingly disabled.

[@button4631]

I have an autistic son, we always plan, spontaneous things never happen now. I always freeze things in one person portions so I can do quick meals. And roast chickens from the grocery store are a godsend, makes very easy healthy meals.

[@Wheelsnoheels]

`ah yes. Love a Roast chook.

[@allisonwillcox9393]

Planning and researching makes life so much easier!!! Also, knowing what I have on during the week makes my weeks easier. It lets me know how many Spoons and time I need. I don’t ever just meet friends or do random things. (Apart from with my family/partner)

[@paulusthegrey]

I couldn't navigate the kitchen on foot without the bar stool! I have learned the hard way that the phrase "I'm fine" is a bad idea.

[@sophiemccormick6796]

1:43 I think anyone with any disability or severe allergy always needs to plan ahead it can be a bit boring sometimes but it is so helpful

[@stephenmcdowell9210]

Getting any thing done is. My biggest problem ot is slow getting help is a year wait 'getting help with making my home easier slow slower and slowest another 6 month s'my life is flying by another 3 years still not much done 'I feel like giving them a good shake and tell them to pull the finger out 'but no back to slow go

[@BeinMindyT]

Loved this video Gem! As you were going through all of your tips and tricks I was yelling at my phone yes! Especially a smart speaker, oh my gosh a godsend! I am not ashamed to say, My entire apartment has smart bulbs in it. I haven’t touched a light switch in a year and a half and I’m not going back. One thing I might also suggest, is an instant pot or a slow cooker, which you can do multiple things in, with multiple different modes. I just re-discovered mine and it’s brought back my love of cooking.

[@snowbird29803]

Thank you so very much for your videos. I am in a wheelchair for the last 3 years, and will forever now. I have adjusted, and do as much as I can, and wonderful husband helps with the rest, and with me.. I am blessed that I have him. I enjoy all the info you pass on to US.. You sure do help alot.. God Bless you and your wonderful family.. Jan from SC in the USA.

[@Kales0505]

I plan EVERYTHING! I am autistic & planning helps me relax a bit more. I even have my normal days at home scheduled. If my schedule changes a little that’s alright but often I feel better when everything is timed out. Definitely makes life easier. I also research any place I am going. Where the accessible bathrooms are, where the accessible parking is, pretty much everything really.

[@lisatomlinson1026]

Another great video! Thank you. I have put a couple of black reflective strips on the rear of my wheelchair frame. You can't notice them at all as they match the colour of my frame. However, if I'm wheeling across a car park in the dark then the headlights of a car coming towards me makes them light up. Just thought it might help stop me getting squished.

[@22Lura]

I tried the smart drive wheel assist and hated it. I talk with my hands alot and would constantly bump the wrist band all the time. It made me feel so out of control. I stopped using but still struggled with pushing because I had severe shoulder and elbow pain. My doctor finally put in an order for an electric wheelchair I am getting it in about 6 weeks. I agree with what you say about planning I am constantly trying to plan everything out. Sometimes it drives my family crazy but it is hard for them to totally understand because everything in their lives is so much easier than mine.

[@DanOnWheels]

I love my SmartDrive, but I don’t use it with the PushTracker watches (I have the original and the new E2). I too found it was very hard to control with the PushTracker, so I tried the Switchcontrol Buttons and it’s been a game changer for me. You can use the Switchcontrol buttons in either momentary or latched mode, and I’ve found the latched mode works best for me and my limited hand function. I also have impingements and tendinosis in both shoulders, so long pushes and steep inclines are a no go for me. The Switchcontrol buttons connect via a cable to the charger port, so no Bluetooth issues and the only battery you have to worry about is the SmartDrive itself (which can last days). I also have a power wheelchair (which I hate), but it weighs 300 lbs on its own and is not very easy to transport. We don’t have many curb ramps in the town I live in and I’m constantly having to hope on and off curbs which is something I can’t do in my power wheelchair. I hope your power wheelchair works well for you and your needs.

[@22Lura]

@@DanOnWheels Yeah the wheelchair person that helped me set up the smart drive said that there was another option for the device but forced me to use the watch method because he insisted that it was safer and easier to use but I just hated it. I for the most part love the power chair. I had one incident last October where it tipped on top of me and I had to call 911 for help but I think that was more of a user error than the chair.

[@JohnR31415]

@@22Lura grr.... “this method must be used”.... why did they develop the other method then?

[@22Lura]

@@JohnR31415 I think it had more to do with the fact that at the time the new method that @Dan eilenstine was talking about was so new that my wheelchair supplier was not as familiar with it as he was the wrist band method. So he wasn’t as comfortable teaching me a brand new thing. But it ended up working out that because of my declining arm strength and a pressure wound I needed to have a motorized wheelchair that can have a tilt feature for pressure relief.

[@rubikspixel]

Little tip for carrying bags, get a lanyard, loop it through the bag handles and bite onto the remain length, or wear it around your neck 👌🏼

[@katieweber1377]

I clip the handles of bags - like my purse- through my lap seatbelt.

[@GeeklingNo1]

I bought an electric scooter and it changed my life. It was a super cheap one and it needs an upgrade but I know I will need a new one! Couldn’t live without it! Also, putting things in boxes or in trays. If I have a deep shelf or a lot of little things in a cabinet I’ll put down a tray or cardboard box so I can just pull it out to reach it. I just did that a minute ago with something in my nightstand. I just pulled out my little organizer tray and grabbed what I needed.

[@sarahkleckner9439]

I bought a shopping basket and use it to shop and carry things! I also started using a leg lifter which is so helpful!

[@hermansims2296]

Thank you those will be helpful. I've just begun my wheelchair life excursion, it will get increasingly more a part of my life now as my diseases progress. So I appreciate any help in having a better life as my body changes.

[@tinachambers4887]

Hi From across the pond thanks for the information it's much needed for all us Wheelies have a day love from TEXAS

[@healthbeauty2752]

My problem is bowel problem...... I always have to worry about accidents and can't go out freely.

[@melanierippon7884]

I am dyspraxic plus dodgy/knackered knees, not a wheelchair user but anyway - my favourite hacks so far are - 1/ a clip for my walking-stick which fits both desk/table edge and bus handrails so it’s kept upright and my hands free whilst sat down, would also work for crutches if you got multiples; 2/ a Muggi which is like an extra-deep takeaway cup tray, holds up to 4 cups, catches spills, can be carried in one hand. Bought 2 so have 1 at work & 1 at home. It also has rubber feet so is non-slip; 3/ earplugs to help with sensory overload

[@LifeinBonnieland]

YESS!! I love your food tip. My mental health (and physical health!) has been so much better since finally letting myself feed myself and my family foods that are convenient. 🙌💜

[@anathompson2351]

accepting help has been my biggest struggle since my injury, slowly learning to tho

[@mckennawilliams6207]

My google mini is telling me the weather in London from across the house thanks to you 😂 (Seriously though, as a new wheelchair user, thank you for these tips videos!!)

[@Wheelsnoheels]

Hahahah ooops. Glad the tips help. X

[@irenedavo3768]

Wow!

[@rainncorbin8291]

Yes, i don't go out on rainy days. I have a driveway that's a pretty steep incline and i can't get the chair up the driveway when it's wet. Luckily, I'm in Texas and it doesn't rain a whole lot here. Most days are sunny, esp in the summer which lasts 6 months here.

[@nealeburgess6756]

Your advice to be willing to accept help is very true. Also true for able bodied people!

[@tiffanyalvarez6877]

Hi Gemma!! Thanks

[@ClubbhouseKids]

Can you please leave a link to the cup holders you are using on your chair?

[@sarahemf]

magnetic door stops, and my electric wheelchair are the best things new things in the last year. Also as I break a lot and have joint problems/ I’m an environmental scientist a reusable splint/ exco cast (get them fitted next week very exciting). iPads txt to voice ect, having a light weight touch screen. Honestly my iPad is my most used accessibility device with my electric wheelchair being a second. And without one I can not access the world as much.

[@Ravens321]

Hi from Niagara falls Ontario canada.. I lost my leg last April and now I'm in a wheelchair for the rest of my life and getting no help. No pain meds

[@alabamacountry9127]

1 leg? I have lost both above the knee. You should not take pills they will kill you eventually. Try green tea instead. Get sunshine. Try and find a hobby to keep busy. If below the knee they should fit you with prosthetic. But I have seen above the knee actually walking also with new leg. God Bless.

[@HelloL.G.]

In regards to planning and asking for help, I like to pre-plan and write out on paper clear instructions to the task. This way, if I can't do it, it saves everyone so much energy and frustration to just hand them the paper with the instructions. Someone helped me reorganize the pantry area and put all the things I use frequently on the top shelves and all the things I rarely use on the bottom shelves. I thought it was obvious and could go without saying that I couldn't reach the high shelves, but apparently a wheelchair isn't obvious enough. Oh and I just remembered that I have several shallow drawers on my end table next to my bed that have all of my essentials for when I am stuck in bed for long periods of time.

[@billymccaughey3741]

Thanks for being informative and fantastic at the same very time. Love your videos and keep your smiling ♥️♥️😁

[@bertiepimplebum5633]

There should be a publication on shared disabled people's tips. I'd like to see a unified organisation of disabled person's too. They write to, say, Asda, Tesco, Morrisons Grocery Home Delivery and petition for better service. Currently, it takes me a day to carry delivered groceries up one flight of 12 stairs. There's so much more to be done. Unity is power!

[@jono14_567]

I didn't contribute but I thought I'd add a hack I found useful. I have a carabena that I keep in my zipped pocket on the back of my chair. It's useful for hanging bags from the front of my jumper/shirt, so keep them off my lap, or keep them steady. Great for when I want to go and get a Greggs at lunch

[@Wheelsnoheels]

Omg Im craving a steak slice atm ;)

[@whiteclouddakota1451]

Just subbed, Thank you for such fantastic ideas, hacks. Phenomenal video!

[@maceylee7897]

GIRL 😂😂 my google home set a timer when you told yours to 😂

[@WheelyHeidi]

I have Alexa with my Sonos speaker. It makes life so much easier. Lights, cooking and now I have an echo dot in the bedroom to play audio books which help me sleep. When my brain won’t shut down I listen to the book and when I think I have t slept all night, I know I have as there have been gaps in the story proving I did sleep. Much better

[@Wheelsnoheels]

Ah I ve heard Sonos are really good too

[@tlccromwell3058]

Speaking truth love it!

[@allisonwillcox9393]

My batec and firefly are the best!!! Literally save so much energy.

[@ilovebrean]

If anyone can recommend a good grabby stick I’d be grateful one which can manage heavier items would be fab

[@davidbrouwers7309]

Look on aliexpress. I ordered a foldable a few weeks ago. Yes, it takes a while to arrive but it doesn't break the bank and you can get a few in case you break one (from experience I know that even the most expensive break when you get it stuck somewhere).

[@andycraddock7677]

A good question. I can only recommend that any grab-assistance device you obtain: 1. Be make of metal throughout the entire frame. All I’ve ever seen have plastic handles, so no getting around that I suppose. 2. Handle/grip conforms to your hands and you can apply enough pressure to grip items (especially items above you say at the grocer.) securely. 3. If a foldable grabber is a feature you desire, make sure it’s so equipped. 4. One thing I did is place two pieces of double-sided tape on each gripping surface. The tape has to be replaced pretty frequently, but I find it really helps. 5. Since most grippers aren’t terribly expensive, perhaps you can try several until you find one that meets your needs. 6. Finally, you might consider asking your PT/OT/Physician(s) about this. My PT has a box with many brands/types of grabbers which patients are free to look through and try out. In fact, they’re used as part of therapy by the OTs. Hope this helps. Be well Friend.

[@ecologist_to_be]

I love helping hand company ones

[@michaeluy4650]

wow love the google speaker. like you have your own Jarvis or Edith in Iron Man

[@_Claire_Louise_]

Google home is amazing! Although mine did go a bit mad with all your questions 🤣 I'm always asking it for spellings for all the forms I'm having to fill in at the moment and to remind me of everything. At the moment I don't use my wheelchair in the house so having stools everywhere for me to sit on without having to go looking for one has been really helpful and means I fall a lot less than I was

[@Bookworm-bh9yy]

I have dyslexic/dysgraphia. Big thing I plan on doing now is keep a plug in earbud and my wireless on me. Not all places have Bluetooth. I can use my phone to scan a lot of text and have Office Lense use imersive reader to help me though it

[@davecarllawrence]

Great, my Google speaker is going crazy right now! 😂 😂

[@Wheelsnoheels]

Hahahaha ooops. Maybe they can be friends 😂

[@davecarllawrence]

@@Wheelsnoheels I told the one in my living room to cancel the alarm, then ten minutes later the one in my bedroom started screaming at me 😂 It must have heard you too 😂

[@kellengreffe1824]

Hi I wonder if you have any suggestions on a lap grocery bad that I can attach on my in my wheel chair that won't crash or drop things when I go to get items in I need it to be big enough to put all my grocery in and foldable if not in use. Thks again

[@Wheelsnoheels]

Oooo yes I think I have e just the thing. www.thelapsnap.com/product-page/lapsnap this could help. I did a KZbin video on it, but I can’t remember where it is. Here is me on their site though. instagram.com/reel/CsJzYeUJbNM/?igsh=MXZkb2FpbWw4cmE1dg==

[@opiegh3]

Where did you get your cup holder attachment?

[@James-0075]

Things that have changed my life Mobility scooter so I can get out and about more easily My Alexa Amazon echo dot. Don't have to get up and turn the lights off. Or the fan during the summer Grabber. Don't have to bend down anymore to pick things up But above all else, moving into a bungalow. No more stairs to struggle with

[@coramorgen7071]

Yes

[@justwanabebeautiful]

My google just set 2 o’clock med reminder😂😂

[@Jackiesguineapigs]

cable tie a small camera poach on a walking stick useful if you work to place a pen and if you ur in a wheelchair pocket with armrests of the chair can be quite hard to reach he camera poach works as a small accessible pocket for me on my stick you will need a camera poach with a belt loop to cable tie it to your stick. Buckless belts can be very useful for supporting trousers If you are unable to use a standard belt they work well and can be bought online in sets

[@DeadlightUK]

I love seeing your techie things to help your life, Gem - I have 2 (yet) Smart Speakers. (Sonos ones) Using Alexa rather than Google - the option is there though. Smart lightbulbs, too. (Philips Hue) Have you thought about a Smart Doorbell? (I use a Ring Doorbell). Very useful indeed.

[@WheelyHeidi]

I have a Sonos with Alexa and a dot. Now have all the lights and a plug controlled through hive using Alexa. Thinking of a camera at the front door next

[@norakvarefelt7851]

My favourite thing is my Xiaomi air compressor. It’s small, yet powerful and can inflate up to about 145 psi/10 bar so it’s perfect for wheelchairs.

[@ilovebrean]

Frozen veg is our go to

[@IW4DBX]

I've both but alexa is much better for home automation, to be able to select lights power and switch several appliances. Very easy to turn on my bread toaster while I am preparing it, finding it already hot, saving a trip to it, through the whole kitchen.

[@Wheelsnoheels]

OOOo that sounds cool. I really need to look into smart appliances

[@ilovebrean]

Lap tray is a fab idea

[@ChronicRapunzel]

Haha, oh Gem you were confusing my google so much😂😅

[@angelaboyd5357]

Can walk at all? I have nerve damage so I can't stand long or walk very far without being in excruciating pain. But I also have tailbone problems to so it hurts to sit for long periods.

[@Kiyoko191290]

I used to furniture walk all the time but my legs have decided I need to sit on the floor every few steps, I’d use my power chair all the time but I can’t go to many places in the flat in it. What was your cup holder called? My cup holder has broken and I’m having trouble finding one that’s sturdy. Also my water bottle and my grabby stick are very important to me doing stuff

This will be interesting ❤💪♿ thankssss

[@sammysheartsgoodwin8835]

I recommend a perching chair

[@Xenia2812]

You set off my Google and gave me a heart attack but at least ik the weather in London 😂

[@QueenOz]

When you Google for things, mine answered so funny

[@favouredannabellemuthoni6434]

Awesome Which country are you from

[@elonmust8859]

Does anyone set a cooking timer on alexa then when time ends it say "your cooking timer is up" but cooking is spelt with an f so alexa says. 😅

[@deniece0821]

😂

[@Manufalket]

Super like 😀👍

[@runaroundsueaccessibletrav6357]

Robot vacuum, alexa, barstool, folding electric wheelchair, ninja foodi. All these things make my life much easier. The wheelchair is very heavy but mist times I have someone who cam help me

[@anikabaddeleyrollingbackwa7341]

The door thing with the bags happens to me .

[@kimwilding8444]

Lol, my Google just set an alarm for 10 minutes

[@WheelyHeidi]

Air fryer! I love my ninja. So much easier and less fat.

[@Wheelsnoheels]

Ive seen so many people talk about the air fryer.....

[@ZeeebraF91]

I have so many Alexas ❤️

[@gracytodd-co5io]

I totally agree. I’m too wheelchair 0:38

[@bywhacky7395]

Love my alexa

[@LeoWithHSP]

one thing i would say is push on the rim not the wheel

[@rubyj184]

Can you make a video on careers for people in wheelchair if you know of any.

[@mydogeatspuke]

People in wheelchairs can do pretty much anything people not in wheelchairs can do for a career..?

[@joshdurrant9247]

Thanks for the awesome tips and tricks! Great video Gem you've been a wonderful help and I now know about things that I've never seen to help make life easier! Keep up the fantastic work 👍👍💪💪😁😎❤️💖!

[@Wheelsnoheels]

Glad it was helpful!

[@joshdurrant9247]

@@Wheelsnoheels 💖

[@EricK-ed2mt]

Hello I have an electric wheelchair I hate it are I want to get a rigid manual wheelchair do you have any recommendations of a chair I should check out

[@rainncorbin8291]

I think I'm gonna start making videos about my wheelchair life. Got any tips on that??

[@abdooalaly4562]

Hii

[@takendruid]

One thing Gem is talking about that helps as a wheelchair user is learning to accept help. Because while it's quicker and easier if you do it, you're gonna be in pain. And I think that applies to just any mobility issue. Recently I got a walking stick to help with my legs whenever they become weak (because I thought my leg pain issue was gone). But I have been sick for the past 5 days with three different things and my leg pain has come back, and stronger because I'm ill. Sometimes I'm just stubborn and say "fuck it" and go downstairs without my stick but I end up in so much pain. I mean at least I was able to do it quickly and not worry about my stick, but I'm in pain afterwards

[@imrjeffrey]

Your pop up information go to fast, I can"t read it I"m dyslexic and my mine does not work that fast. I use hay siri to help me spell.