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  • Is there too much stigma around using mobility aids?
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Is there too much stigma around using mobility aids?

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avatar Somya.P

Somya.P

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11/08/2024 at 11:00 PM

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avatar Somya.P

Somya.P

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Last activity on 06/13/2025 at 6:10 PM

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Hello everyone,

How are you doing? 🌞

For many of us living with chronic illnesses, mobility aids like canes, walkers, or wheelchairs are essential to staying active and independent. However, using these aids can sometimes attract unwanted attention or judgment, as if needing a mobility aid means you’re “giving up” or seen as less capable. This stigma can make it uncomfortable to use mobility aids, even if they’re a vital part of daily life. 

The cost of mobility aids can also play a part. While some may access these through insurance, others struggle due to limited coverage, which can add an extra layer of discomfort or visibility when using them in public. Seeing these aids more often might help reduce stigma, but not everyone has the same access, which can make it harder to feel confident using them openly.

Have you experienced stigma or discomfort when using a mobility aid in public? Or have you found ways to feel more comfortable and confident? We’d love to hear about your experiences and any thoughts on how society could better support people who need these aids.

@Janet109 @James20 @Sparrow @MyMS55 @Aprlmay @Tonjamszymoniak @rvipond @TeresaRayburn @vanl123 @Susan1224 @Shea0317 @Ladylonglegs38 @Plogan214 @Kccfanttic @jfurman @salenamarry @MichelleZaynab @josephfarrell @Sbmcbride @Takara @Savtah5 @Pbender123 @Pkward323 @BRDdestiney1960 @Puggirl @Redjole @Felipe @jamescameron80 @AngelMine @Jo-Ann @Beehoerner @Kleon417 @Cyn230 @viveprinitnguk @Frannylady @Aristabog @Anjelkiss @Jas750 @#conquesta @janewood @Jstull77 @Elviscd1 @PeppermintPatti @dazee7 @Birender @Camo72 @RONYETT @lennon @LtJuice @Niviafreitas @CarolN @ChanelleWilliams @caouterb @Poppy8608 @Tmoney @Rusty87 @PamelaT @catluvr @shadowlover297 @ReddyNow @wildbill12 @Nanway63 @LIZANNA @Chloerose @trenity21 @Traciseptember @ARocco @music137 @Cjreese @Peskygnat @gary63 @Poppijack @jeannemcilvain @cindyloowho @perkinjc @Chucksz @jah7700 @Blucky @JDOReed @Chacalatte @Sleepyhead @cynthia.matlock @Lalalou @Juliemom64 @Hasssenior @Tigrr1962 @LoriEllis @Terrym @MrzFlem01 @Lilchardae @Sarahcchjelm @Sandybee @Doug9129 @trinkal1984 @Dmaxfair @Ivysky24 @mightymattie76 @nathanie 

Looking forward to hearing your insights!

Take care,
Somya from the Carenity Team 🌼

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avatar gommer1

gommer1

11/10/2024 at 9:03 PM

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avatar gommer1

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I always use a cane or a crutch when I am outside mostly a crutch now I hate needing help but I live alone and If I fall it could be bad


Is there too much stigma around using mobility aids? https://www.carenity.us/forum/other-discussions/good-to-know/is-there-too-much-stigma-around-using-mobility-aids-5926 2024-11-10 21:03:58

avatar uncleanatol

uncleanatol

11/10/2024 at 9:20 PM

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avatar uncleanatol

uncleanatol

Last activity on 06/15/2025 at 9:00 PM

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Yes, there is. I use a three-point cane and have had many people brush past me because I'm walking too slowly. One of them actually knocked me down, saying that if I couldn't keep up then I should stay home. My husband started after the jerk, ready and willing to smash his face in, but I wouldn't allow it as it would just cause more problems.

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Judith A Carlson


Is there too much stigma around using mobility aids? https://www.carenity.us/forum/other-discussions/good-to-know/is-there-too-much-stigma-around-using-mobility-aids-5926 2024-11-10 21:20:27

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avatar Mrsnurse

Mrsnurse

11/11/2024 at 8:15 PM

avatar Mrsnurse

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@uncleanatol, good for your husband!!!! I had to walk with a cane for a few years after a bad flare that left my left side very, very weak!!! After I recovered from the exacerbation, I slowly started walking in my hilly neighborhood with a cane. I did that for 1-2+ years & finally felt strong & stable enough to put the cane down!!! That was many, many years ago & I’m happy to say that I’ve never had to use the cane again!!! I still have my cane & hopefully will never need it again!!


Is there too much stigma around using mobility aids? https://www.carenity.us/forum/other-discussions/good-to-know/is-there-too-much-stigma-around-using-mobility-aids-5926 2024-11-11 20:15:31

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avatar Mrsnurse

Mrsnurse

11/11/2024 at 8:23 PM

avatar Mrsnurse

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When I had to use a cane many years ago after a bad flare, I never even thought twice about what other people would think!!! I was a nurse & just knew my neurologist wanted me to use one for stamina & stability. My daughter was young at the time & apparently it had embarrassed her. Around her school! I had no idea, but learned much later that my husband had a discussion with her at the time!!!


Is there too much stigma around using mobility aids? https://www.carenity.us/forum/other-discussions/good-to-know/is-there-too-much-stigma-around-using-mobility-aids-5926 2024-11-11 20:23:03

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avatar Somya.P

Somya.P

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01/15/2025 at 5:38 PM

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avatar Somya.P

Somya.P

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Last activity on 06/13/2025 at 6:10 PM

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647 comments posted | 232 in the Good to know group

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@Mrsnurse Hi,

Thank you for sharing your story—it really highlights how using mobility aids can come with its own unique set of challenges, especially within the family. It’s great that your neurologist was focused on what was best for your health and that your husband addressed your daughter’s feelings at the time.

How did you personally feel about using a cane? Looking back, do you think it changed the way others treated you or how you saw yourself? 🌟

It’s also so interesting how children perceive things like this. Have you had a chance to reflect on that conversation your husband had with your daughter? It must have been a meaningful moment for her. 💬

I’d love to hear more if you’d like to share, and I’m sure others in the community can relate to your experience!

Take care,
Somya from the Carenity Team 🌺

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Somya from the Carenity team


Is there too much stigma around using mobility aids? https://www.carenity.us/forum/other-discussions/good-to-know/is-there-too-much-stigma-around-using-mobility-aids-5926 2025-01-15 17:38:36

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