Ways WAVs can improve your health and wellbeing

Collaborative Post | Wheelchair-accessible vehicles (WAVs) are more than just a motor. These innovations are specially designed to care for people, and that's nothing to be sniffed at!

In fact, one could even go so far as to say that WAVs can improve their passenger's health and well-being. They are many ways they're built to fulfil that task. Some of these strategies are well-known, while others are perhaps more obscure or consequential in nature.

So, let's explore all of these possibilities in more depth. If you're a wheelchair user, here's a quick list of ways WAVs can improve your health and well-being.

WAVs can improve your health and wellbing (Photo by Elevate on Unsplash)

Safe to use

WAVs are safer vehicles than most. Those assurances are essential. Allied Mobility builds 3,000 WAVs each year and is the leading conversion specialist. More notably, each vehicle in its stock is credited with the highest safety certifications possible. Rear access is available for easier access, and the vehicle's floor is lowered for the same reason. Electrically-powered lifts or foldable ramps can be fitted too. Allied Mobility also provides free home demonstrations if you'd like to witness the full range of features available, so book a home demo today to see how things work for yourself.

Some wheelchair users attempt to 'make do' with standard vehicles. Such can be a dire mistake to make. A challenging exit or entry from a regular car can lead to accidents and injury, not just for yourself but for anyone attempting to help you in and out as well. Using a vehicle built for you is safer, so utilise that opportunity if possible

Providing comfort

Depending on the disabilities one endures, even the mildest prolonged discomfort can lead to more serious health problems later on. If a seating position is off or unsteady, it can lead to aches, sores, and other bothersome circumstances that can't be resolved immediately.

Considering that many trips to GPs and A&Es can be quite regular for disabled people, it's well worth contemplating ways to reduce the number of visits. Of course, the bulk of these appointments will be routine and essential. However, those that have a preventable cause are now doubt worth reducing, if only to save you time and stop you from experiencing so much pain and discomfort. As you might be aware, wheelchair users can also have challenging spinal problems to contend with and may feel sudden jolts of a vehicle more sensitively too.

WAVs are made with user comfort in mind. Tie-downs for the wheelchair will be fully secure, providing stability to the wheelchair user regardless of which bend is being taken or which terrain is being driven upon. WAVs are typically fitted with a different kind of suspension system, too, designed to greatly diminish any feeling of bumps on the road

Key transportation

Some wheelchair users don't like to travel very much. It can be an unfortunate fate to resign oneself too, and it's not necessary to do so, either, whether you have a WAV or not. After all, you're quite capable of getting around!

Still, owning a WAV undoubtedly makes life easier. You'll have lots of places to go as a wheelchair user. Appointments with health professionals, support groups, sports clubs, and anywhere else that enriches your well-being. Any WAV you own can take you to these engagements without incident and be a crucial tool in your overall wellness program. It can facilitate many of your self-care actions.

Even just having a functional daily routine that gets you out of the house can lift your mood. It's good for your physical and mental well-being to be regularly exposed to fresh air, sunshine, and just different scenery. Your WAV can greatly increase your access to these things and help you lead a more mobile and independent life. You may find that your overall quality of life vastly improves

Reducing stress and anxiety

Knowing you have greater independence and mobility can work wonders for your peace of mind. A feeling of empowerment and identity can be strongly associated with the vehicle, and that's sacred!

Sadly, research showed that disabled people were more likely to be depressed, anxious, and lonely during the pandemic. However, it's hard to believe such feelings could be reserved for that time alone. There can be worries about fitting in, discrimination, or even securing the benefits one should have access to.

Any solution that counters these feelings is to be explored. You'll know that you can get wherever you need to. You can accept every invitation or strive to meet every goal you set for yourself without any inhibitions. A WAV can give you a brand-new lease on life and help you break free of many of the limitations you may have felt were imposed on you before.

You don't have to go off out into the world in your WAV every day, either, if you don't wish to. However, knowing that you have the option can be enough to help you not feel stuck and trapped. It's all about a frame of mind, and it's well worth remembering!


Disclaimer: this is a collaborative post