Sometimes it is hard to sit on the sidelines and watch things happen. Sometimes you want to get in and help, but all you can do is sit on the sidelines and be patient. Sometimes something tragic is happening, and there isn't anything you can do but sit on the sideline and just hope for the best. Sometimes there is something pretty major happening and you have no choice but to sit on the sideline until it is over. Sometimes it is nature; sometimes it is man made, and there is nothing you can do but sit on the sideline and watch.
You wonder, "Why me?"
"What did I do to be the one that has to sit on the sideline, while everyone else is able to do whatever they want, whenever they want?"
Sometimes you want answers, but you never find those answers.
By Larry
39 years old and in a wheelchair
April 18, 2011
Do you have a frugal story to share with the ThriftyFun community? Submit your essay here: http://www.thriftyfun.com/post_myfrugallife.ldml
Is there any assistance or service that will help move an elderly woman and her grown disabled son to another county? Such as one that has more services for her son, including independent living for when she's passed.
She asked about moving to a new county not Country ..regardless..check with you county senior and disability resource center or local HUD office....They often can direct you to .."discounted" moving services for seniors or volunteers to at least pack..Check directly for discounts such as..www.wheatonworldwide.com/
Another reason to check with H U D or a senior/disabled resource center in your region is you may qualify for Section 8 housing rental assistance as a senior ..{if you income qualify}
I am a single Mom of 3 teenagers living on a limited disability income. My problem is that my laundry washing machine went out and I had a very nice repair man look at it and said there was no way to fix it without it getting really expensive. I can not afford to even buy a used one. I now go to the local laundromat. My problem is that I can not carry in my baskets in so I pull them in using my cane. Which it gets really hard to do since I need to use the cane to walk. I have tied a belt to them but the basket ends up breaking up.
I use a small childs wagon. you may have to do a few trips. I used a rope on the basket for a long time be fore the basket broke.
Can't your teens help you carry the laundry?
Maybe your friend could make a larger, sturdier version of a folding cart for you. If he/she could look at how the other carts are made, then a new cart could be made in the same style only larger.
There are folding crates with handles like modern luggage that fold flat which we use for a boat cart. It's amazing how much you can pile up on one of them - and if you put your laundry in BAGS instead of baskets, you might make it.
try freecycle.org for your area, I've seen the freecycle in my area donate and receive used appliances as well as lots of other household goods. You may not need a laundy cart after all. Hope this helps!!! -kim
craigslist.com also has a great place to get free appliances, along with freecycle.org. I would definitely check with one of these to see if you can find a free washer and drier!
I don't mean to sound rude, because I don't intend to be, but the first thing I noticed was that you said you had 3 teenagers at home.
I have two at home and they do their own laundry! There is something to gain from having them do their own laundry.....they learn discipline. If they want their favorite shirt for Friday night, they learn they need to check and make sure it is clean on Thursday night. They learn to check their own pockets or their little notes and money ruin in the wash. They finally learned to turn socks and clothes right side out.
Try it, Norma.....I KNOW you will like it. And you spend that time laying back reading a good book with a glass of ice tea at your disposal.
Then say, 'oh, since you are going to the laundry mat, please take this little basket of my clothes and wash them with yours.'
Please don't be a slave to your children. You are doing them no good at all.
Good luck and God Bless!
Sue
I was going to tell you about the www.FreeCycle.org. It is a great recycling site and I see washers and dryers on there for free give away all the time in our area. Then all you have to do is talk one of your teens to help go pick it up and tote it into the house for set up for you!! Best of luck to you.
Also... I was in a similar pickle for a while when we had a huge water leak. I found that the multiple laundry baskets would not fit into my car so I folded lots of my clothes and then bundled them into sheets and pillow cases which really seemed to fit into my car seats much better .Then when I got home I just unbundled and they were still fairly folded and tidy. Hope this helps.
The laundry mat does not seem to a part of your solution as it is very expensive to clean your clothes. Look at freecycle.com in your state and see if anyone is disposing of a washing machine. Also, washing machines can be found at storage auctions dirt cheap. If you are the only one bidding on a washer you will get it. Can you get any help from your teenagers in helping you with the laundry? Can they contribute a few dollars from jobs, babysitting, mowing lawns to help buy a used washing machine? Hope this helps you!
My husband has been in a wheelchair for 4 years following a spinal cord injury. He has gained lots of weight because he can't exercise. He is 57 years old. Any suggestions?
By vickie guy from Earle, AR
I am a disabled senior trying to live as frugally as I can, considering Social Security isn't anything to brag about. I get around in a motorized wheel chair.
I have a teenage son with a disability living in New York. His disability limits the amount of walking he can do. I do drive. I wanted to know what fun activities he can join or do during the summer.
By Milly
This is a page about gardening with a disability. A physical disability does not necessarily mean you can no longer garden.
I am disabled. I have several things wrong in my lower back. None of them are related to weight or a bad life style. I use a rolling walker or two canes to get around.
Living with a disability can make normal cleaning chores difficult. There are supportive devices that are designed for older and disabled people. Many regular household cleaning tools can be repurposed too.
