jonico
Distinguished member
- Joined
- Feb 21, 2017
- Messages
- 157
- Reason
- Lost a loved one
- Diagnosis
- 12/2014
- Country
- US
- State
- NY
- City
- Central
Hi Everyone,
I'd really appreciate input from anyone seeing this post, not just PALS and CALS/past-CALS (although I value those opinions the most). Please let me know what brings you here if you're not one of the three.
If there was a service for PALS where someone came and picked you up (or your PALS, if you are a CALS) in a comfortable mobility vehicle and took you for an outing of your choosing, or one suggested by the driver, would that be something you could envision finding worthwhile? Would it be helpful if the driver had a PWC for those who don't have their own Power Wheelchair option? I understand it could be varying degrees of challenging to get a PALS comfortably situated in an unfamiliar wheelchair, but I'm wondering if conceptually offering a PWC for the outing could be a plus. Outings could be anything from a walk/PWC ride on a bike trail or around a park, to a visit to the mall or a museum, or any number of other options. I'm not talking about medical transport, as there are services for that.
The person providing the service would be a former CALS and have a good reputation with the local ALS Center and State Chapter. The ultimate goal is really twofold... First, to offer companionship and perhaps develop a friendship between a PALS and someone who has been through a similar experience with their own loved one. Second, to offer a chance to get out and about, get some fresh air and perhaps explore beyond what is currently possible, given a PALS support system. The driver would be able to bring both a PALS and a CALS, and even another person on the outing if so desired. This would be available to any and all PALS, whether they have lots of support or very little...with priority given to those
I understand there are a number of things that must be taken into consideration, including but not limited to, insurance and the inherent challenges of keeping a PALS comfortable and safe for a couple/few hours.
Again, I'd love to hear any and all thoughts. Please don't be shy. Let me know what you think.
Thanks...Jon
I'd really appreciate input from anyone seeing this post, not just PALS and CALS/past-CALS (although I value those opinions the most). Please let me know what brings you here if you're not one of the three.
If there was a service for PALS where someone came and picked you up (or your PALS, if you are a CALS) in a comfortable mobility vehicle and took you for an outing of your choosing, or one suggested by the driver, would that be something you could envision finding worthwhile? Would it be helpful if the driver had a PWC for those who don't have their own Power Wheelchair option? I understand it could be varying degrees of challenging to get a PALS comfortably situated in an unfamiliar wheelchair, but I'm wondering if conceptually offering a PWC for the outing could be a plus. Outings could be anything from a walk/PWC ride on a bike trail or around a park, to a visit to the mall or a museum, or any number of other options. I'm not talking about medical transport, as there are services for that.
The person providing the service would be a former CALS and have a good reputation with the local ALS Center and State Chapter. The ultimate goal is really twofold... First, to offer companionship and perhaps develop a friendship between a PALS and someone who has been through a similar experience with their own loved one. Second, to offer a chance to get out and about, get some fresh air and perhaps explore beyond what is currently possible, given a PALS support system. The driver would be able to bring both a PALS and a CALS, and even another person on the outing if so desired. This would be available to any and all PALS, whether they have lots of support or very little...with priority given to those
I understand there are a number of things that must be taken into consideration, including but not limited to, insurance and the inherent challenges of keeping a PALS comfortable and safe for a couple/few hours.
Again, I'd love to hear any and all thoughts. Please don't be shy. Let me know what you think.
Thanks...Jon