Dignity on Wheels
- Blessing Amatemeso
- Jun 30
- 3 min read
Take a moment and think of five pieces of hospital furniture you know. Did a wheelchair come to mind?
Wheelchairs are like the first wife in a polygamous home — once the pride of the household, now quietly performing her duties in the background, often unnoticed.
As I began to write this, I couldn’t help but think about Game of Thrones.
If you haven’t watched it, one of the characters, Bran, had to be dragged on a sledge for miles through snowy mountains — a very tough endeavour. I didn’t need to imagine how difficult life would be without wheelchairs for those who need them. In the end, a wheelchair was finally made for him.
Wheelchairs: More Than Mobility, A Symbol of Strength and Independence
A wheelchair serves many functions. Some include:
Post-surgical recovery for orthopedic or abdominal operations
Stroke patients who’ve lost full or partial mobility
Spinal cord injury survivors
Paraplegia or quadriplegia due to trauma or disease
Elderly patients with mobility issues or fall risk
People with neuromuscular diseases like ALS or multiple sclerosis
Temporary injuries such as fractures, sprains, or recovery from limb surgery
Palliative care where patients are too weak to walk
Children with cerebral palsy or congenital disorders
Emergency situations where quick transport of non-ambulant patients is needed — from the ambulance into the hospital, or inpatients for investigations
Recovery after long-term immobility
Sports on wheels
Delays in wheelchair availability can result in:
Missed appointments within the hospital
Increased risk of falls for patients attempting to walk unassisted
Delayed discharge due to transport issues
Patient frustration and emotional distress
A wheelchair is not just a seat with wheels. It is freedom for someone who has lost the ability to walk. It is empowerment for someone navigating life with a disability. It represents dignity, mobility, and independence — all rolled into one.
From simple manual designs to advanced motorized models, wheelchairs have come a long way. Today, they’re not just tools of transport but extensions of the person using them — built for comfort, style, and terrain. Whether it’s a child going to school, an athlete racing toward the finish line, or an elderly person strolling through the park, wheelchairs adapt to different needs and lifestyles.
But beyond the physical function, wheelchairs represent something deeply human: resilience.
Each wheel turned is a story of courage — of someone choosing not to be defined by limitations.
A wheelchair is not just a tool; it’s freedom, safety, and dignity on wheels.
For many, it’s the difference between isolation and inclusion, between frustration and independence — especially for the frail and elderly, wherever they may live.
We must be intentional about recognizing its value — not just in times of crisis but as part of everyday compassionate care.
Ensuring availability, cleanliness, and respect for the use of wheelchairs is a small act with a lifelong impact.
Let’s continue building a world that is more accessible, inclusive, and respectful of the diverse ways people move through it.
As long as there are people, there will be those who require assistance — don’t deny them that.
Mobility isn’t a privilege. It’s a right.
Eustar and Gold offers a variety of week chair and other medical equipment. Our catalogue has a comprehensive list of equipment.
Very inspiring and educative