WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT TO ME, WHEN HIRING A PERSONAL CARE ASSISTANT...

If You Are interested in applying for the Posted HRDC Job Bank PERSONAL CARE ASSISTANT POSITIONS, information is at the bottom of this article. To learn more, feel free to read this article and meet my past/present PCAs.

Another great PCA we had, as will all these ladies,
we miss her too :o(

What Is Most Important When Hiring a Personal Care Assistant:

So many wonderful PCAs who became
friends. A blessing to our lives.

Yes, I am presently hiring new Personal Care Assistant/s. I thought it would be a great thing to share the process to some degree, in hope that might help anyone else, who is considering hiring their own care providers for themselves or for others. And at the same time, make this a tribute and thank you in honour of the many wonderful PCAs I have been blessed by hiring over the last 20 years! Hard to believe it has been almost 2 decade of being able to manage my own care.
First A Huge Dedication To My Past and Present PCAs.... 
For the past twenty years or so, finding girls with the right heart and attitude have been a blessing beyond words. Those of you who wanted employment that has great value and purpose, a position that involved/s, assisting someone whose daily physical life couldn't happen, without your arms and legs. Being able to accept, learn and take specific

Smiles and warms hearts, blesses my life :o)

directions on how that someone, say me, would like certain things done. In essence, filling in where my arms and legs, don't want to cooperate with me anymore :o) Thus enabling me to live in my/our own home, no more institution or being at the mercy of people I had never chosen.  Can't get much more meaningful than that. It is why I want so much for all of you to know how much you meant and those of you who are still with me at present and those who will be,

mean to me. We pray always to find the "right" girl when I am hiring. Time and time again, it is clear

that God blesses us at the right time with the right person. When it happens, I can't begin to express what it means to me. My heart is lighter and I get to meet another new person who has a willing and caring heart. A gift indeed.

Smiles and warms hearts :o)

Thank you, you guys, you have no idea how much I appreciate having such great people giving me a hand with little things to ginormous things. God takes care of me through your hands. May God bless each one of you and your families, moment by moment, day by day.  For those of you no longer here, we miss you smiling faces and are thankful for the great memories....

Without my wonderful PCAs I can't get in or out of bed!  Leon, is tired after helping me out, ha ha!:o)

A Daily Necessity:
As Leon (not our cat, use to visit)  can show you, without my PCAs I can not get into or out of bed. Because of my disability, I depend on the arms and legs of others, to assist me every single day of my life.
I will share some basic fundamentals when it comes to recruiting employees. This again, is what works for me.

Wanted to share some great photo/memories we have from over the years. To respect their privacy, I hearted out there faces unless, I thought it was okay. We miss ALL of these ladies and the many who we don't have shown here. :o)

Often we have some fun (that's me with the crazy hair!)

Smiles and warms hearts, make my
life so much easier :o) Leon's too (sadly he
passed away.)

We love this record long Employee, 8 years!  Smiles and warms hearts, make my life so much easier :o)

Confidentiality is important - the masked PCA! LOL

A Meaningful Experience
Before I share the biggest quality I seek, aside from the basics about having their own vehicle, be a non-smoker, live in our city and such. I wasn't to share this....
What is very important to me is that my PCAs have an enjoyable work experience. Never would I want them to feel uncomfortable, unsafe, or unsure about their work. Open door communication matters. If they know where my head is at, or what I am dealing with physically, then they can know better how to meet my needs. Hopefully, in some way aside from this being a job, I can meet their needs to make this a satisfying job.

So thankful for my "arms and legs."

The best end result to employing my PCAs, is if we become friends. Years ago, a well meaning family member told me regarding hiring, "They can't be your friends." They sadly didn't seem to understand.
In no way do I seek to hire "friends," but, due to the personal nature of what a PCA is all about and how valuable they are to my life, friendships can develop. No, i don't seek it, but it a welcome bonus of the entire experience for me and my husband, if it happens.




(Click here to see the previous article featuring one of my first and favourite PCAs!)   (And click here for the article the other day about my history regarding my PCAs.)

A pic of the dedicated PCA we had years ago too. We miss this lady a lot as we do all these great ladies who've blessed our home over these 20 years.

My #1 Tip On Hiring Personal Care Assistants/Care Givers
Finding that person with the heart to assist me as asked, in a kind, compassionate manner, able to listen (as talked about the other day), is an invaluable PCA to me.

Smiles and warms hearts, blesses my life

#1: Attitude, Ability To Listen, And Follow Directions Well.
Again, I can only speak from my personal experience regarding my 20 years of hiring my own PCAs. The number one quality I look for in a great PCA, is not a certificate or diploma. Experience can be an asset, but what matters most is finding someone who listens, who wants to learn, able to take directions well. 
All of my PCAs over the past two decades, who worked out great, were/are those with the right attitude.

Being my "arms and legs" involves daily living living tasks as
well  as p/c and other duties as needed.

Sure experience can be asset, but I have hired those with experience in the healthcare field, and I must say, if the applicant is not good at listening and following directions, their experience doesn't help.
All of my PCAs who do a wonderful job with a great attitude, have been those with a heart for it but mostly, with ZERO experience.


...it is all about the person's heart and attitude, not about a piece of paper.

Why is listening important? 
The ability to listen and follow direction well, is key to others carrying out tasks the way you want them done. Hence, they are being like my arms and legs. Enabling my independence, caring out daily life tasks the way I would,  if I could physically do it myself.

30 years ago when my then, best friend  was helping me one day.

How can I Know They Listen Well?
1. A Manner Of Application:
A tip I learned from a contractor years ago was that, he said he posted detailed directions on how to apply in the job advertisement.
He said that if they could not follow those few directions at the get go,  then odds are they would never be able to follow the much more detailed, important directions while performing the actual job. I have tried to follow that guideline ever since. For sure, there have been times when I felt lead to make an exception. I take it on a case by case basis. We all make mistakes. But, it is a good tip regarding the ability to discern if someone can follow directions well.
Also check to see if the application was completed as requested. That helps to see if someone is good at following directions well.
2. Phone call Matters:
A phone call is often the first contact made by an interested applicant. Just be mindful if they are listening to what you are saying, and if they talk without waiting for you to finish, or assume things without hearing you first. Those may be some clues.
3. Interview Matters: If you've reached the interview stage or if you do what I do, if I really was impressed with a phone call, I skip the application sometimes, and arrange an interview maybe, have them complete an application then. if that is what you want to do  then. You can tell when someone is a good listener. We all can really. Some of us are bad listeners and some of us are great at it. I am not the best listener, more of a talker really. But that kind of listening is important in a friendship.
The kind of listening we are looking for, is the kind that means your future PCA will be able to hear you and follow through with the directions they were given.
Keep in mind, some people get nervous in interviews, so be sensitive to that. When I talk about people not listening and therefore not able to follow directions, I means seriously not listening. Trust me, when you witness it, you will know. This isn't nervousness typical in any interview setting, when we meet someone for the first time and all that.
Watch for these clues, during the interview for example, if the applicant has a daydreamy look, they seem distracted looking all around, not really paying attention to the actual interview (trust me it has happened), that can be disconcerting. Once someone kept glancing below the table to look at their cell phone that kep ringing. This is a good sign for anyone hiring anywhere, if an applicant is interested in the position they have applied for, they will care enough to make sure their mobile phone is muted or turned off. Of course, sometimes people mean well and just plum forgot to do that. So be merciful if it rings or buzzes once and they rectify the problem and they are sorry. No problem.
Like I said, you will know what I am talking about when it happens. It is an obvious characteristic.

Without my PCAs, I wouldn't be able to  go to or get out of bed! 

3. Training Matters: If you had concerns from day one, by this time, once in the training process,  you will know for sure about their ability to listen well. Of course, I don't expect anyone to remember every detail. But based on past experience, we know when someone isn't paying attention to the directions they are receiving. I always make sure enough training time is given to be sure. But, there are those times when it is beyond obvious. You will know when the trainee isn't even watching what you are doing. You know, clues like that.
 In fact to give them the fairest opportunity.
Never Assume...
Never assume that the person will know what you want, or what you mean. You can never give too many directions. It is also why I also write a lot down prior to employment, to help the candidate make an informed decision and  once hired, to know what my expectations are and how to do some basic tasks and such. I want it to go well for both of us.
But, if they after repeated training sessions and lessons, and if it isn't coming together. It may not work out. How can you have someone you hired as a PCA help you out if they can't listen well, do the tasks. Some of us may have great personalities, skills in other areas that would make them great employees, but then some of us do not have strong listening skills. It isn't easy having to let the person know, but be sure to share their strengths so they can be encouraged. And then perhaps, maybe someone one other than me, may be totally fine with someone who doesn't follow directions well. Hiring someone to assist yourself or for someone else is a very personal decision. It all depends on what your needs are, what matters to you in a PCA. I just hope by sharing what I experience and value regarding this subject might helps someone else "out there" in a similar position. If you have any questions or insight of your own, please feel fee to comment below. :o)

The best end result to employing my PCAs, is if we become friends, a bonus. This great lady has been giving me a hand for more than 8 years so far. We love her. 

INTERESTED IN BECOMING A PCA?
If you are here because you saw the job bank ad, the information on applying is at the bottom of the page.please keep reading below...
Interested in a meaningful career as a PCA, please know that, what you need most of all is the heart to give folks like me, a hand. Aside from the basic qualifications below, if you read the above portion, you will have a strong sense of what is important in a PCA for me.
For other employers, they may have a different focus, so treat private home hires on an individual basis.
Someone who has a heart to help out someone, being my "arms and legs," able to let me basically be the "brain" to direct things the way I would like them to go. Always in a safe manner of course!  A great candidate for a PCA is someone who has no problem being given directions on how to do things.
But I have No Experience in Healthcare...
Yes it may help to have  experience, but in 20 years or so, I would say the majority of my past/present PCAs had no experience in healthcare/homecare/cleaning for others, etc.
On the job training, having the ability to follow detailed directions well, flexibility, common sense, compassion, a positive outlook on life, having the heart to care, a willingness to give me a hand - that is what I seek and that has worked out perfectly for two decades!
You have options, you can opt to work for someone like me, on Direct Funding - Self Manager, where you can receive training and get paid a very decent wage $19.00/hour in Ontario. Without having to pay for any schooling. It is a life long career, because folks like me require assistance through out life. It works out well with those who are in school (depending on their schedule availability), same with those who have other employment elsewhere.
As well, there are others who seek to hire folks to give their aging family members a hand. They too are seeking someone they can trust, who has the right heart toward caring
It is normal, for my PCAs to either work casual hours, to supplement income, raising kids, or those who have other positions or even private home hires like me, and have some availability that can be worked around to meet my needs and your's.
Other than a criminal record check, and other courses like First Aid, (options you can take on your own time and money but not required).
How About FOR ME?:
I am hiring right now!!

WHAT A GREAT PCA! WE miss her!

Applicants Must Be:
Willing to listen and learn, able to follow detailed directions.
-Be A female.
-A Non-Smoker.
-Have their own vehicle.
-Be trustworthy.
-Be kind.
-Be Caring and understanding.
-Physically able to assist me where my physical ability has diminished.
-Must be willing to provide a criminal record check if asked.

WAGE:  
$19.00 an hour 
Total hours to be determined - depending on availability- 20-30 every two weeks.
Mostly Morning shifts, some evenings and weekends.
Must live in Thunder Bay, Ontario

INTERESTED please Email:
walkingwayoverrated@gmail.com

In the SUBJECT write: APPLYING FOR PCA POSITION
Send a resume, references and a letter telling me about yourself.
Then I send a short application. Once all information is collected, I will arrange interviews for potential candidates.

Being my "arms and legs" involves daily living living tasks as well
as p/c and other duties as needed.

Being my "arms and legs" involves daily living living tasks as well
as p/c and other duties as needed.

Being my "arms and legs" involves daily living living tasks as well
as p/c and other duties as needed.

Being my "arms and legs!" So meaningful to me. I am getting to do 
what I can not do physically on my own, I am doing it through their hands.

Being my "arms and legs!" So meaningful to me. I am getting to do 
what I can not do physically on my own, I am doing it through their hands.

THOUGHTS ON CARE GIVING...

One of my first and best Personal Care Assistants I ever hired almost
20 years ago! Randi! Love her so much .

How appropriate, I get to write about being able to hire my own personal care assistants and share the process for hiring in hope to help others hiring for themselves or those hiring for others and also to help me hire someone :o)
I pray I get to hire  a PCA or two, who have all the qualities of so many of the wonderful PCAs I have now, as well as others through the years including, the awesome lady to the left. :o) Love  and miss her so much.  One of my first PCAs that I hired almost 20 years ago.
BLESSED
My life has been blessed by many wonderful ladies of all ages, who have essentially been my "arms and legs." I let them know how I would like my care and household tasks carried out and they learn, and carry them out to the best of their ability.
Including the early years (click here for yesterday's article about hiring my PCAs and History), when I was eleven, I received care from employees, (nurses and child care workers, ) first at the institution and then starting at 17, my first apartment buildings (the SSLUs). Even though those first years left me with no say in who will care for me, there were many care givers and PCAs that I valued and

That's me at 11 in the Dining/living area of that
 residence I mentioned.

considered my friend, even as family.
It was always so sad, when you would bond with those super nice care providers, but then they had to move on to other life events. Even years later, I refer to some of them as my "mom's and dad's). They will never know how much they impacted my heart. Yes, I have a great Mom and Dad, but these are the folks they entrusted my care into because they were doing what they believed was best for me. They didn't get to handpick any of them either. Trust was the order of the day.  I know all things happen for a purpose. It was best for me to move away. I did go home every other weekend and holidays back then, but these people were my other family. Yes there were some not so nice employees, but I focused on the ones I loved. Living with so many children, they too were like siblings almost. Not easy when so many, come and go in a young life. I am guessing these days, with life the way it is, a lot of kids have grown up with many a care giver passing through.
What I am trying to say is,  please know that if you have a loved one in a healthcare institution or in an SSLU like I was in, there are many wonderful care providers.

Two great fellow residents, from the late 70s, who sadly
have passed on. Loved Tracy and Billy!

DON'T BE AFRAID!
It is so important to make sure when there are ones like I mentioned yesterday, the opposite of above, to not be afraid and take the proper steps to improve their behaviour toward those they are intimidating. Our hearts break when we hear stories from places where I once resided (SSLUs), door to door care providing companies, senior care facilities and hospitals, where nurses and other care givers or family members we know,  and have even witnessed ourselves, being treated badly, receiving neglectful care.
We encourage anyone who experiences or witnesses such behaviour to speak out. Seek upper management, or depending on the abuse or lack of proper care, call authorities, the media....don't be afraid.
There was a time, when I was afraid and wouldn't speak up because it was too scary thinking about having that same person return, to assist me, upset, because I reported them. It took a huge move, as an advocate, to do a 360 and speak out. I discovered that many bully types, often back down and even break down emotionally with tears when confronted. Often, it is the bully and the controlling types who seek work in places where silent dependant folks reside. Again, we have seen it happen to others and our selves.
All I can say is - DO NOT BE AFRAID! Speak out to someone safe or have someone you trust advocate for you. And if you witness neglect and abuse from a care provider, as a fellow employee or family, friend, even as a roommate, report it. Often there are folks who are vulnerable, and timid, even unable to speak or be aware of what is being done or not done to them. And doing all you can to help bring it into the light, matters. We must look out for fellow citizens. Not to mention, anyone who can act that way with vulnerable others, seriously need help. Perhaps they were abused as a child and never told anyone. Many transfer anger to those who are weaker than them. Regardless of the whys, for sure they need to stopped, even pulled from their position until and if they can change.
I know this is a serious topic, but it has to be shared with the intent to help anyone who has ever felt this way but didn't know what to do.
As often happens when I write articles, I started out writing about how to hire PCAs and all that, but ended up talking about the other side of the subject, addressing neglectful and abuse by care givers.

My number one care giver is my dear husband,
always helping me out where he can.

Next article will definitely be about what to seek when hiring care givers, be it for your self or a loved one or friend.

CRAIG'S QUICKIE XTENDER WHEELS- Spoke Too Soon Continued Pt #2

http://www.sunrisemedical.com

Craig just had a seating clinic today because he is in need of a new wheelchair. Because he has always used Quickie brand manual wheelchairs, he is hoping to get what would be his 5th Quickie wheelchair. I too loved my pink manual Quickie chair, but Ineed a power chair so I had it only as a back up.
In Ontario, for anyone who doesn't know if you live here, there is a government program called ADP (Assistive Device Program). If approved, the client is eligible for seventy five percent coverage for mobility devices. I am not sure about anything else except coverage of wheelchairs and the cushions we need for them.

Less than a year ago, he was blessed with his new Quickei Xtender Power assist wheels. Here is the day he got to use them for the first time (click here.)

He is still loving them. But if you have been reading this blog at all, he is on his 3rd set of wheels under warranty. I won't repeat all that has happened, the links to all the articles are in the more info portion below the YouTube video. Right away this familiar clicking happened again, but he finally saw it was because of a dead spoke. Here is part one of what has recently happened with his spokes. Click here:
Spoke Too Soon  so see that part.
Today, besides sharing the exciting news at hopefully getting a new manual wheelchair, I wanted to post a video we made last night to record the clicking sound and how the spokes are affected when he just squeezes them....watch here:

My hope again is that the company, Quickie/Surise Medical will be able to learn about the specific problem by watching this video. We believe there may be a fault in the spokes since it is his third replacement pair, with the same clicking sound. Not sure, just keep trying to figure it out so all will be fixed and safe.
We are presently still waiting for a response about getting the now two broken spokes fixed. Craig keeps loving his wheels and isn't too worried about whether they will be fixed. Me on the other hand, I am happy for him about the way they help him so much. And I am glad they were taking care of the issues the last couple of times. It's just the ongoing issue that concerns me and wondering why the manufacturer of the wheels apparently haven't told our vendor what to do about the broken and disconcerting spokes. I am just a tad paranoid, I pray all will go well for him. He really is blessed by the Quickie products and I want it to all be taken care of for good. Can't tell you how much it stresses me, when I hear the click. I just ask God for help to not worry!!

INDEPENDENT LIVING: Becoming A Self Manager Of My Own Care

A Work in progress, my unfinished drawing of me and 

one of my great my Personal care assistants! 

by Anita Harris Berglund

If you follow WWO at all, you would know that I hire my own personal care assistants. Some other titles for this position that I am familiar with are Personal Care Attendants or Personal Support Worker.
Big Decisions To Be Made
It has been about twenty whole years since I was blessed, when our Ontario government decided to begin a pilot project to enable folks like myself, to be able to hire and self manage our own personal care.
Initially, our entire province began with only 80 recipients. I got to be on the interviewing committee that was to select Direct Funding applicants from my region of the province. The main qualification was and is, that you are able to manage and direct your own employees.Direct Funding covers the administrative expenses such as hiring bookkeepers if we choose to not do our own bookkeeping, and other related costs.
To also interview, an administrator from the then pilot project came to our northern Ontario community, along with some other admin folks and "consumers" like me, and we met together for three days (if I remember correctly) in a row.
On My Own
At that point, I had lived in what is called a Support Service Living Unit. What is that you ask? When I was seventeen, I was able to move into my first fully wheelchair accessible bachelor style apartment,  where there were Personal Care Assistants in an office, on site, 24 hours a day. It was a thrill to be able to live on my own, after spending six years in an 18 bed residential institution for children with physical disabilities. It was fun for year one, but as I matured into a "cool" teenager :o) doing my own thing reigned supreme. What 17 year old wouldn't want to live all on their own! Well it mattered to me.
The guys who had lobbied and fundraised, to build and manage the first SSLU in Canada, allowed me to move in a year under the "legal" age in good faith. I was only seventeen and in grade twelve. I will never forget how wonderful and free I felt my first day in my own apartment, all on my own! Wish I could say I was on my best behaviour. Freedom came at a price and to make a really long story short, Jesus Christ saved my life from self destruction. But that is another story for another day.

A favourite PCA I got to work with when I lived in Winnipeg,
Canada for a college internship in 1990ish.

So to be clear, an SSLU is a wheelchair accessible apartment unit that has 24 hour personal care assistants on site for a number of tenants living with physical disabilities. We are assessed according to levels of care needed and then the number of employees working at one time was assessed accordingly. Sadly I have heard about funding cuts and present tenants are not getting the care they would like, when they would like it. As with all not for profit, government funded organizations, budgets are tight and must be followed. To me, it was better to have to wait for someone, living independently,  than to live in the institution I had been or live at home with my folks. I love them, but at seventeen I thought I knew it all and wanted to be on my own as soon as possible.
Do I? Don't I?
During the Direct Funding interviewing applicants time, I was asked if I wanted to apply for myself. Because I had been so use to being able to access assistance fairly fast if I had say, a bathroom emergency, I was too nervous to say yes. So, initially I said no. As the three days passed, I changed my mind a couple of times and ended up submitting my application. (Did I tell you I was diagnosed with ADHD about ten years ago! Hence the ping pong ball bouncing brain effect)  
What changed my mind was ongoing issues with some not so nice PCAs, who worked for the SSLU company where I resided. Don't get me wrong, during my six years as a tenant in three different SSLU apartment buildings with 24 hour PCAs, there were some wonderful assistants. Sadly though, it only takes one or two folks who can really intimidate you and make getting care very uncomfortable. Not ever having the option of who would meet my physical care needs, it was (I think) Divine intervention during the three days of interviewing, that I experienced one of the most

I got to go on a trip to our capital city thanks to Direct funding
 enabling me to bring along one of my first, favourite PCA's, Randi!

negative moments ever with a PCA, that prompted me to apply for Direct Funding.
However, fear of the "what if's" over took me and I withdrew my application within those three days. And then something else happened with her, so my frustration escalated, pushing me over the top. Immediately, I resubmitted my application for Direct Funding the next day.
It helped that the manager of my SSLU offered a back up emergency plan, so I could hire my own PCA's and have access to the on site PCA's with an emergency pager,  should a bathroom emergency arise. With apprehension I agreed to push on and follow through with my application process. It was so meant to be, because out of my entire province, only eighty people would be accepted for the pilot project and I became one of them!
Experience, An Asset...
Thankfully it helped a lot that I had a lot of experience directing my care in my home, with employees that I didn't get to choose per say, yet sort of. During my SSLU years, I had began helping with hiring PCAs for all of us in our building, by sitting in on interviews, offering my opinion, whether to hire them or not.
Flying!
Experience interviewing, equipped me with knowledge that most don't get to have first.  My original employees blessed me beyond words. In fact, all my fears about having bathroom emergencies diminished, when once, I had to press my emergency pager (arranged by the manager of my SSLU) one day, to go to the washroom. The very same PCA, that had sparked me to frustration enough, to apply for Direct Funding in the first place. She just happened to be the one who responded to my call. She came to my door and asked if I could wait 20 minutes? The arrangement I had made with the manager prior was, that I would pay a monthly fee, to access their employees incase of an emergency. Then pay per hour if actually needed. I told her "No, it is why I pressed the pager!"

I think it was it was meant to be, that the very person who upset me so many times, was the one to respond to my call in that manner. Why? Because it helped me to learn to hold it in, with all my might (my bladder that is) and wait for my own PCAs to make it to my apartment. The frustration and uncomfortable feeling was not worth enduring ever that again. So I cancelled my back up emergency service plan, cutting the safety net and flew out of my nest! Thankfully, I believe the Lord provided the option.

Because of D/F I have been able to live
where my dear husband and I want to.

Freedom
Never again, did I not have a choice of who was to provide my personal care. It also meant that I would be able to move out of the SSLU building and live wherever I wanted to. Of course it had to be wheelchair accessible. But until Direct Funding was available, we all had/have to live wherever the 24 hour PCAs on site were. Of course the SSLUs are a great system for many who want to live independently, but do not want to fuss with recruiting, hiring, managing, and training their own personal care. And it was a huge blessing for me for six whole years. The ability to live independently because of the ability to be assisted with other people's "arms and legs" so to speak, is an incredible experience.
We know some folks who have been hit with sudden physical disabilities, accidents or aneurysms and then had to live in the hospital for 2-4 years, waiting for an accessible apartment (SSLU) with 24 hour, on site personal assistance.
So Thankful
In our country, we often take for granted services that are available for persons living with various disabilities, that in other countries that would never even be considered a possibility. We have a friend in Peru who has no funding sources for his wheelchair, personal care and other related supports. He told us he would be dead if he was unable to work full time. Now working full time is wonderful, if you are able, but this fellow physically, has a progressive weakening like I do (Spinal Muscular Atrophy 3) and working full time for him, is a huge deal. I know for me, there are days when a small task, can drain most of your energy for the day.

Working is the only way he could scrape enough money to pay for the basic needs for his life. Literally gathering any last bit of energy to work in order to save his life. A totally different mentality than many have in our continent. And even then, he was unable to afford a new battery for his power chair, (here they are about $500-600 CDN) and he primarily had depended on his family assisting him. But his family was aging, and his primary care giver, his dear mother passed away. Needless to say,  he was experiencing fear and serious concern regarding how to obtain actual people to help him out and fund care for his daily living needs. Hearing his story,  helped to open our eyes to see just how blessed we are to live where we do.

http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/joni-and-friends-agoura-hills?select=Eywp_vu2FgZq9VCRU__1xw

Taking For Granted What Others Can't Even Consider
In many countries never mind receiving personal care, owning a wheelchair is something not possible. Joni Eareckson Tada's Wheels For The World, do all they can to provide mobility devices to places where physical mobility may be sliding around on the ground using your arms or attaching some wheels to a plank like a skateboard, or never being able to leave your bed. I can't ever imagine that. I am so thankful to God for the abundant blessings in my life.
Valuing Life
We know depending where you live in this world, living with a physical disability can mean lives opposite to our lives in North America. In some countries where having something like a hearing issue, a child can end up abandoned, living in an orphanage. Some countries, like I mentioned, there is no access to personal care, unless it is family, or mobility devices. And tragically, in a continent where we have many supports and access to equipment and care, even if it has to be in a hospital, there are North Americans who choose to actually abort pregnancies when they discover their baby has a genetic disease, such as mine. So even though we have access to care other countries don't know of, some ignore those blessings including the blessing of life regardless of abilities and make tragic choices.
It is by sharing our stories that hopefully, we can help those who take so much for granted, to treasure life no matter how their bodies are being affected by disabilities and illness. For me, it is the ability to hire and manage my own Personal Care Assistants so I can live alone with my husband. Not to mention the ability to receive funding assistance for our wheelchairs, cushions and healthcare. Be thankful Canadians!
Share Your Story, Questions, and Thoughts below. We'd love to hear from you.
Thanks for stopping by!

WAY COOL VIRAL VIDEOS INVOLVING PERSONS USING WHEELCHAIRS!

Craig and I have been using wheels for legs for decades now and admittedly, we have had many an adventure! Okay, he makes doing laundry look fun! Well, I drew him looking like he has fun! 

The drawing I did, is supposed to be my husband Craig, having a laundry adventure!

 Recently a dear friend sent us this video from a website called VIRAL VIDEOS and it was a really cool invention that enables a manual wheelchair user pull up into this three wheeled motorized system that converts your chair basically into a three wheel motorcycle! Wanting to share this great, adventurous looking mobility device, I Googled the subject and discovered a whole list of really neat viral videos featuring our fellow users of wheelchairs! Some pretty cool adventures as well as meaningful and inspirational ones!
- There is a dude who created a way to plow snow using his wheelchair, click here to see that one.
- A goat that needs an assistive device! Click here to see that.
- A lady who "Freestyles" in her chair. Reminds me of my nephew when he skateboarded as a young one. Click here to see. 
- And a person who is a paraplegic who goes bungee jumping in their chair! Click here
-A dog pushes a person who uses a wheelchair through flood waters! click.
 For the rest...
Take a look at this cool site CLICK HERE to see the collection at: VIRAL VIDEOS: WHEELCHAIR

My adventure in a wheelchair, power tilting so I can nap!!

CONSTRUCTING TOTAL WHEELCHAIR ACCESS IN EL SALVADOR - Joni AND Friends

http://www.joniandfriends.org/television/total-access-el-salvador/

Watch another inspiring documentary produced by Joni and Friends Ministry. 
My personal hero Joni Eareckson Tada's ministry. 
Constructing a Wheelchair accessible Hospital, School and a Camp  in El Salvador. Click here to watch... 

CRAIG'S QUICKIE XTENDER WHEELS - SPOKE TOO SOON?

the 2  spoke ends that just snapped off this weekend

Spoke Too Soon?
Craig has been enjoying his third pair of Quickie Xtender power assist wheels. His third pair that were replaced under warranty in less than about six months. See links down below to see what you missed. 
The last pair were discovered to have a seriously loose spoke causing the clicking sound in replacement number 3. Thankfully, our vendor got it repaired  under warranty and all has been smooth cruising for a few months now. He does love using these very useful mobile  devices. 
Then this weekend. two spokes suddenly snapped off in the same spot in one day. 
We have made a video and took pics to document what happened. He was so enjoying a whole few months with no concerns after all the previous adventures you can see in the links below, 
Thankfully we are not worried because Quickie, Sunrise Medical and our vendor/dealer have been  repairing and replacing when needed. We just wish the designer/manufacturer will learn what is needed to avoid any future issues with other customers and even my husband. Hope these details help them.

Remaining spoke so far is hanging on by tension

To see the coinciding video Click here:

We have been covering the Xtender Wheel Experience in previous articles here below, if you want to know the details. Just click on the titles themselves.

Final Update On Craig's Quickie Xtender Wheels... 

Not Again! Craig's Quickie Xtender Wheels- Update what? Number 5?: 

Craig's Xtender Wheels Clicking Update #3- Already! - 

Craig's Xtender Wheel Update...Four Months Later.... 

Craig's Xtender Wheels- Update #2 - 

Yay, Craig Gets Relief - His First Quickie Xtender Power Assist Wheels! 

Some spoke tips we want to get checked, you can s
ee they are not all flush and secured well

These articles are to help anyone else possibly having concerns with their wheels or for those researching the topic.

Craig loves them and I am still happy to see him be able to have such a great device that helps his shoulder so much.

He does recommend this brand of power assist wheels to anyone who sees him. 

Anyone else who may have this problem? Let us know. 

Comments? Thoughts? Insight? or Questions about mobility devices or Quickie Xtender Power Assist wheels, write it down below. Subscribe to stay posted.

CHOOSE LIFE: HUSBAND'S BATTLE WITH ALS EMPOWERS WIFE TO LIVE

As Canada's new government apparently seeks to legalize assisted suicide, my heart breaks at the thought of folks supporting such ignorance that devalues human life. It is why if I find great example such as this couple, I want to share them. Hopefully, through awareness, education and a miracle, those who believe the lie, that to die by taking your own life through the hands of another because you have a life altering disease or such, will open their eyes and see the value of all life.
As well, I pray that the blind will see that living with diseases and disabilities is a part of life for many of us and by supporting assisted suicide and Euthanasia, it sends a very negative message to those who live with dignity no matter how tough it may get.
Psalm 139:14-17
14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully [and] wonderfully made: marvellous [are] thy works; and [that] my soul knoweth right well. 15 My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, [and] curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. 16 Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all [my members] were written, [which] in continuance were fashioned, when [as yet there was] none of them. 17 How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!

WOOHOO! FIFTY AND LOVING IT!

According to a dear family member, I have been informed that I am the only person who was ecstatic to be fifty. Funny, they were implying that it was almost as if it wasn't "normal"to feel that way about reaching the half century mark. Well, I am here to testify and confirm what I had already anticipated, that yes, after two whole days since the big event, I really do love being able to say, "I am fifty!" Seriously, saying it,  with great honour and privilege, actually moves me to tears. Ya, I know, it may sound corny to many, but not for me.
I encourage all friends and those who I may never meet, to not fret or allow vanity to ruin the momentous event. Aging for me is an adventure that I really thought I wouldn't get to experience. More on that another time.
So woo hoo, yay, fifty!!! Thank You Lord for this grand adventure called life!

Say No To Murder, Of All Kinds - Life, Is Not Up For Debate

Yup, that is Me back in 1966 or so!

They're at it again! It's been out there all this time, but I confess, I have been looking down at my feet. It is such a painful subject, I stepped back a while ago and tried to ignore the Euthanasia issue. Ashamed that I whimped out because it frustrated and saddened me to no end, realizing that even those I thought cared about protecting all life, have fallen for the lie.
As a person who lives with a progressive neuromuscular disorder called Spinal Muscular Atrophy, that can weaken my muscles to the point that I may need a respirator or be fed by a tube one day, I shudder to think that people I trust actually believe it would be ethical to end my life if I asked them to.  Recent headlines about our new Liberal government seeking to work on legalizing Doctor Assisted Suicide or Death, left me with no other option but to speak out again. Even if no one listens, what matters is doing what I believe is right. The results are in God's hands.

So, I started by trying to write an article about this passionate subject and the feelings about it are so intense, it is hard to put it on "paper," so I recorded a video. It is the best way available, to share my heart, to plead with people to think, think about what it really means to say yes to legalizing Doctor Assisted Suicide, Euthanasia and even "mercy" killing. Think hard and long about what it all actually means before you endorse such acts. The blood of the innocent, unborn babies, murdered every day are already on our hands as a society, to add more...

Of course, I know many won't agree about the sanctity of human life at all stages and will agree that it is a great option to have for suffering loved ones or themselves.  Whether anyone wants to believe it or not,  just as 3x3=9,  regardless of  whether we accept it as truth, the answer is 9, always will be. The same goes with taking human life, regardless of why or how or when, it isn't right. No debates about that.
Here's the video...  I feel convicted to share this.
Anyway, here is the video.

Protect All Life, Fearfully and Wonderfully Made.

Because I made a series of vides a few years ago on the subject, I will not repeat what is in there. So the videos are below incase anyone is interested. Again, the topic breaks my heart and infuriates me so much.

Info Links:
From the Council Of Canadians With Disabilities (click the title to see the article):
I Am Not Dead Yet!

Frequently Asked Questions about Doctor Assisted Suicide And Euthanasia

Incase you want to see the videos from a few years ago, here are the links...
Life, Not Up For Debate Part #1

Life, Not Up For Debate #2

Let's Show Em What Dignity Is

BE INSPIRED...PURPOSE AND REASON!

We heard a Pastor once, passionately declare to the congregation, how insensitive it is when someone

is suffering or struggling, to be told that "all things happen for a reason." It wasn't the first time I heard words from his mouth that made my heart sink, because it was obvious to me that I was the person he was describing.
After all, being honest about yourself and repenting of anything that God may be showing you through the lips of another is one way He teaches us right? I remember a distinct sinking feeling in my heart, because I was one of those people. No, not the suffering person, but the one who always uses that very same phrase "all things happen for a reason." Never did I think I was being insensitive. It is something I know to be true from experience. That includes even if you can't see why at the time. Nothing is ever in vain. God is Sovereign and even if some things make no sense, I know He is worth trusting completely.

Thankfully, God taught me a while ago, to not assume that Christian leaders are right all the time, to make sure that their words line up with His Word, so the sinking feeling left as fast as it came as I was reminded that it is true, all things do happen for a reason and nothing happens without purpose. Just read these words from God's infallible Word:

Luke 12:7 NASB - "Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows." 

Romans 8:28  And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

[Rom 9:13-23 ESV] 13 As it is written, "Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated." 14 What shall we say then? Is there injustice on God's part? By no means! 15 For he says to Moses, "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion." 16 So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy. 17 For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, "For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I might show my power in you, and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth." 18 So then he has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills. 19 You will say to me then, "Why does he still find fault? For who can resist his will?" 20 But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, "Why have you made me like this?" 21 Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for dishonorable use? 22 What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, has endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, 23 in order to make known the riches of his glory for vessels of mercy, which he has prepared beforehand for glory--

Psalm 139:1b-4 O LORD, You have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up; You understand my thought from afar. You scrutinize my path and my lying down, And are intimately acquainted with all my ways. Even before there is a word on my tongue, Behold, O LORD, You know it all.

Psa 139:13-17 For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother's womb. I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth; Your eyes have seen my unformed substance; And in Your book were all written The days that were ordained for me, When as yet there was not one of them. How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How vast is the sum of them!
Purpose
Pretty much, most of us who live and breathe, have been inspired by the life of another.  Joni Eareckson Tada who dove into the Chesapeake Bay at the age of seventeen, breaking her neck, resulting in paralysis from the shoulders down. From the depths of despair, seeking death, she was stretched and challenged, pushed to emotional brink and physical limits that most of us will never know, to the point where she unswervingly could declare to a peer who was questioning the "whys?" questioning God, that she would rather be in this wheelchair knowing Him, than on her feet without Him. Thanks to God opening our eyes to see, we believe beyond all doubt that, because He knows all things, He permits in our lives to cause us to see that we need Him above all others and secondly, to then encourage and support others who may live in similar situations.
Fear No More
We didn't always see life or God in this way. At the ripe old age of seven or so, after years of tests

and speculation about why my legs were so wobbly, collapsing beneath me from the time I began to walk, I heard a "specialist," declare to my mom, when I was about seven years old, that I would be dead by the time I was twenty. That caused me to face the real meaning of life at an extra young age. Only God knows why, but the meaning of life and what happens when we die, pounded at my heart repeatedly.  It gnawed at my spirit and often lead to deep times of depression because I was terrified. Many nights, I would lie in bed agonizing over why I had just lived today, that today can't be re-lived and tomorrow, will fly by just as quickly. To just let go of these thoughts and live life to the max, was not an option. If you have ever gone through the same thing, you know just how much those thoughts and queries consume everything you are.

Respite from this mindset occurred after much testing and seeking, the day I knew beyond all doubt, that Jesus Christ is our  Lord and Saviour and anyone else's, just for the asking, by believing. Every fear of death and question about meaning melted away. For me it took years of searching, even passing on thee Answer early on.  It took years of multiple bad life choices. But even in all that, there was purpose in all of that. That includes  perverse horrible encounters with abusive individuals and being robbed of childhood innocence early on.  Without all of it, I wouldn't be able to knowingly say,  I understand, I have been there and I know the only One Who can help you. There is a reason for everything. Nothing is in vain.

on that note, it is not insensitive to say to someone who is suffering, "everything has a reason or purpose." Not, if you mean it. To those "Christian" leaders who think it is insensitive, clearly must not trust in God's Sovereignty. Again, see what god's Word says.

JOY STICK TROUBLES? HERE'S A COOL SOLUTION...SUGRU

I love working with Polymer Clay and watching tutorials about using it. On one of my favourite channels, "Polymer Clay Tutor" I learned about a really cool new product/invention called Sugru. What does Polymer clay have to do with Walking Way Overrated you ask? Well, this is my blog and it is one of my favourite things to create with. Aside from that, I discovered today when I went to purchase some of this amazing putty like stuff that the product helped this beautiful young lady use her joystick on her power chair.
Joy Stick?
A joy stick is not just a gaming device, it is what we use to control and drive our power wheelchairs. And joy sticks can just fall off. Years ago mine fell off far from home, on a street. I am not able to reach the ground so I left assuming it would be long lost. My husband surprised me days later, when he went and retrieved it, it wasn't lost. To be romantic :o), he put it on a special wire to make it look like some kind of a special ring. He knew how much it meant to me to get it back, because I had assumed that I would never see it again! It has been falling off again! Lo and behold, I saw this video today as I was on the Sugru website buying their product to check it out. What were the odds I would see a video about how Sugru was used to help someone like me! Take a look!

What Is Sugru and Other Sugru Uses

Here is the link to the SUgru Website as well as the original video from the polymer clay tutor, where I learned about this cool fix it putty!
Polymer Clay Tutor and Sugru Hack

What Is Sugru and How Can It Be Used Videos