Getting out and about

General
#1

Hi all - this is probably a strange question to ask but here goes !

How do people negotiate sitting and standing from tables and chairs when out, say for example in a coffee shop ?

When at home we have a wheeled table, so Mum can settle in the chair and then we move the table in front of her. However when out we seem to find it a bit of a struggle to help her sit in a chair, close enough to the table.

Due to balance, confidence and strength issues she is unable to move herself and chair in nearer to the table, and once she is sitting - it is very difficult for us to push her in. We have physically moved the table before but sometimes that’s not possible.

Mum also gets a bit self conscious about people watching her, and we are due to meet a friend for coffee next week for the first time since her stroke. So we are looking for advice to make it as easy as possible for her.

Hope that makes sense - thanks in advance.

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#2

Hi @Craftchick I wish I had some advice to offer on this to pass on.

If your mum used a wheelchair it should, in theory be easier, as cafés and restaurants should have accessible entrances and tables high enough to fit the wheelchair under, so you would simply move a chair to allow her to get close to the table in the wheelchair.

Hopefully others will have advice and be able to offer suggestions that work for them.

I hope all goes smoothly, enjoy that trip out and coffee with your friend.

Best wishes

#3

@Craftchick hope you manage ok. I’m sorry I cannot help but as @Mahoney said someone on this forum might be able to. Enjoy the trip out with your mum and hope it goes smoothly. Loraine :blush:

#4

It sounds like you need to arrange for the loan of a folding wheelchair. I can’t advise where to look for this, but maybe someone on the forum has info.

#5

Hi, I’m 5 years post stroke and I also have this problem in restaurants and coffee shops. I stand as close to the table as I can and my husband slides the chair in behind me and if possible moves the table towards me. In the early days I really struggled with spacial awareness and found it really difficult to negotiate my way through tables and chairs in small restaurants, although I’m pleased to say that this has improved considerably.
Sorry this isn’t particularly helpful, just wanted you to know that you’re not alone. Hope your trip out goes well.
The more often you do things, the easier they become and the less self conscious you feel. We now enjoy regular trips out. Most places are wheelchair accessible and cater well for people with disabilities.

Regards Sue

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#6

We used to find places where we could push Dad’s wheelchair under the table. Easier said than done and narrowed down our options but at least Dad was comfortable. A decent place should give you some help with moving chairs etc.
Hope she enjoys meeting her friend xx

#7

Hi. I too have difficulty in the coffee shop. I usually sit sideways on to the table as closely as possible. My husband then pushes me round Fortunately I am quite light and he is strong enough. I hope you enjoy your meeting with your friend. Lilian.

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#8

Many thanks @Mahoney, we do have a wheelchair but Mum prefers not to use it. She can walk with a rollator (and without if holding a supportive arm), so wants to keep this level of mobility for as long as she can, which I can understand. We’re meeting tomorrow (hopefully) so will let you know how it goes.

Best Wishes
Karen

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#9

Many thanks @Loshy - will let you know how it goes.

Best Wishes
Karen

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#10

Thanks @Bobbi - we have a wheelchair but Mum isn’t quite ready to use it yet. Which is a good thing, as she is able to manage without it at the moment :+1:

#11

Thanks @Mrs5K - will let you know how it goes. It will be strange to see them after all this time x

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#12

Hi Sue and Lilian (@Susan_Jane @l_platt ), thanks so much for your replies, it helps to know that others are experiencing the same issue.

It’s such a simple thing that we all take for granted - up until the moment when it’s not so simple !

Hopefully it will all go smoothly and then we can add it to our list of places that Mum feels comfortable at.

Best Wishes,
Karen

#13

@Mahoney @Loshy @Bobbi @Mrs5K @Susan_Jane @l_platt

Hi all - we managed to get out to meet our friend today - and all went well :+1:

The coffee shop wasn’t busy at all and we were early, so it was easy to move the table out slightly to help Mum get in. The chair had arms as well and that always makes a difference.

It was a little emotional, this being the first time in over two years that they have seen Mum, since she had her stroke. And I think we were all a little nervous - but so glad it went smoothly. It gave Mum a chance to talk to someone other than my Sister and I for a change, and will hopefully boost her confidence in what she can achieve. It’s something that she could do again…after a couple of days rest !

Thanks for all advice and comments
Best Wishes,
Karen

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#14

@Craftchick thats great news glad it went well :blush::heart_eyes_cat:

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#15

Hi, glad your trip out went well, hopefully that will boast your mum’s confidence and make your next trip a bit easier.

You are doing a great job, keep up the good work.

Regards Sue

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#16

Hi Karen, that’s wonderful to hear, so pleased you all enjoyed your little get together. These small milestones and firsts will definitely boost your mum’s confidence.

Best wishes

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#17

@Craftchick so pleased to hear that all went well. I bet it was a bit emotional but worth it. Hopefully there will now be many more trips out

Best wishes xx

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