Living on my own as a disabled person// How am I managing a home with chronic illness?!

[@royal.bumble]

My sister cares more about aesthetic than function but when she needed a shower chair, she got this gorgeous bamboo shower chair. Pretty light as well, so her husband could take it out when he used the shower. Also might be worth seeing about a handheld showerhead, I know there are some you can even attach to the faucet w/o unscrewing anything. Additionally idk if you've ever heard of these, but zip on sheets may be a helpful tool? Since you dont need to wrestle the mattress to get the sheet you sleep on off it might be worth looking into. Not sure if it'll be too squicky to not wash the whole thing (the top unzips from the rest of the sheet/mattress encasement) I love the idea of a day in the life video! Also would love to hear about Ralph and how you're finding your power add ons. and your tips on working with chronic illness, like how you manage your conditions around work

[@aliceolsen1718]

I absolutely love your positive Outlook on life and go-getter attitude. I have mild cerebral palsy and can walk and do daily stuff. But i get tired just like you. I’ve been hoovering for freaking 15 years, but recently bought a Roborock robotic hoover. A real life saver. I just Want to pass it on. For me hoovering is just one of those things that takes up a lot of energy, especially when your running low, but HAVE TO clean. Just wanna say, that i had a full time job and university degree, and therefore had a busy schedule for years. With the Roborock, i had clean floors and corners all month, and if i drop something, but is just too tired to bend and clean up, it won’t be stranded there for days, until i get the energy to clean. Just a little trick. And nope, i’m not sponsored or anything. Just a little thing i wish i had, when i was in my 20’s 😊

[@lukemiller8538]

Amazing video by the way and i have really enjoyed watching it as well

[@marky147]

Glad to hear all is going so well, exciting times!

[@SmallandStrong66]

Thank you

[@GeorginasJourney]

Would love to see a day in the life for you at work! Also what the hours are like for you as an actress & how you cope with that, huge congrats on getting the job, that’s incredible!

[@SmallandStrong66]

Thank you! I have a vlog of the day coming next week actually!!

[@GeorginasJourney]

@@SmallandStrong66 I haven’t messaged you there yet, but will do if insta dms are manageable for you? No worries if they’re not though

[@YKorNL]

Just recently saw sort of a pull thingie that goes on the back bar of the wheelchair (I have NO idea what the parts are called hahah) with a tiny hitch like thingie, which one can hook a certain trolley onto. Not cheap, but I am sure there are better solutions (cheaper ones, rather) to accomplish the same thing. If you can still reach back without too many issues it is a great way to do the grocery shopping.

[@lukemiller8538]

I totally understand you and your disability because I am disabled, and my disability is cerebral palsy and I have got a learning disability as well and I can’t live on my own by myself and that is why I live with my parents and my brother

[@ecologist_to_be]

I do things in small chunks too. Makes life so much easier when disabled/chronically ill. 😊

[@SmallandStrong66]

I deffo agree!

[@chronicallythriving]

Shower chairs! They are honestly a lifesaver for my EDS and POTS

[@SmallandStrong66]

Yesss I need to do that!

[@YKorNL]

Yep.. I have a good solid stool for that in case I need it :D And a handle on the wall.

[@williemacon30]

I don't know what year you to schedule is like but it's happy to see you back with another one

[@Hoocheleven]

Not having a garden to maintain is a real help for you, as the building people do that. And meal deliveries when you really truly can't be faffed 🍩

[@epilepsyawareness2020]

Perhaps a question for a future video: what are your recommendations/input for those who are wheelchair users AND have seizures (like me) and having a job. I’m to that age where I’m expected to start working, but I’m worried about being a liability to an employer and also losing disability benefits by getting a job. I would love to have someone else’s opinion on this (like yourself) who is successful and has a similar situation to mine. Thank you, love your content as always!

[@Hoocheleven]

Hi. Ellie's Dad here; so just chipping in for now. In the UK disability benefits aren't affected at all by savings, earnings or having a job. Also, employers are legally obliged to make 'reasonable adjustments' for those with a disability. Employers vary of course, so just 'go for it'. Be honest and open; and ask them about their policies and procedures at your interview. Many employers in the UK have excellent policies which they use to ATTRACT candidates such as you. In terms of epilepsy specifically; Ellie is a rep for 'Young Epilepsy', I know she finds it a huge support to talk to others in similar situations and also to the caring experts there. Transitions are often a worry for those with disabilities. I know Ellie agrees..'don't be driven by your fears, be driven by your hopes and dreams.' Keep smiling too of course!

[@epilepsyawareness2020]

@@Hoocheleven hello! Thank you for replying. You must be such a proud dad🥰 I so wish that the disability accommodations and assistance would be better in the US. Here in the US. disability benefits depend on how much money you make, what job you have, and how much you work. Benefits will usually be taken away at a very low paycheck. So you can only make a veeeeeery tiny amount of money from work, and the jobs are sometimes limited by the disability benefits office. I would love to have the UK’s benefits 😂 I suppose I didn’t realize that benefits were significantly different there😁 thank you so so much for sharing your comment, and I love your daughter’s videos and cheery personality:) you have raised such a positive young lady, and I appreciate her videos so much 🥰 have a blessed day!

[@askmslaila6477]

what medication are you on

[@LucyGilby99]

May I ask you do you have a radar key

[@SmallandStrong66]

I don’t

[@ruby3200]

I hate how disability products look! Why do they have to look so cheap and dull? I just ordered a shower chair but I didn’t want to get a old people looking one that will just upset me, so I found a pretty wooden shower stool on Amazon. 😊

[@SmallandStrong66]

That’s a good idea! I’ll have a look online

[@marcwollaston6524]

2 wheelchairs is a life saver