Do you offer a handicapped person help?

Question

I am always reluctant to offer help with a door, carrying bags, etc. unless I see someone obviously struggling.

I'd be happy to help, but my thought is that they want to be independent and don't want people asking them if they need help all of the time.

All opinions welcome.

Answer 1

I've been handicapped (in a chair) for thirty years tomorrow (no kidding tomorrow), what you do is exactly what you should do, wait to be asked for assistance. Keep up the good work!

Answer 2

I usually say something like, here let me get that for you, when it is in regards to opening a door or reaching something...basically, I just treat a handicapped person the exact same way that I would anyone else...I often open doors for men, little old ladies, people my own age, etc...as long as you act like it's no big deal to help...also, at my work, when dealing with a handicapped person, if I think they will have to stand for awhile, I will go around and bring them a stool to sit on...when they go to leave, I will ask them if they need help with the door...and sometimes if I am already waiting on someone else, I will ask someone else standing nearby if they could get the door please...I have never had any problems with doing this...

Answer 3

I work with handicapped and elderly people every day that I work. If you offer and they don't accept your assistance then you will know who doesn't want your assistance. But if you ask and they oblige then you will know who would appreciate your assistance.

In other words....ask. It is the only way you will find out. And everyone is different. Some will refuse, some will be rude when they refuse. Some will accept and some will just shine when you ask.
So do ask for the sake of those who would appreciate and ignore the ones who don't (after you have asked, of course).

Answer 4

If they seem like they could use some help I offer it to them. Some of them say "no thanks", but so far it has never happened to me that anyone responded grumpily about an offer for help. The ones who want to and can be independent just say "no thanks" and go on being independent.

Offering help is a nice gesture and I'm sure few people take that badly. Just make sure to offer and then respect the person's wishes, don't force them to accept your help.

Answer 5

I agree. I saw a man recently, who was obviously struggling, but had a very determined look on his face. I was afraid to offer him help because I thought it would offend him. I wish now that I had found a way to approach him and let him know that I just wanted to help, but I just didn't know what to say.

Answer 6

Your thinking is on the right lines. However, ensure that this is not a camouflage for unweillngness to help. If you do help make it seem quite natural and not an obligation.

Answer 7

Please ask. Sometimes they might want to do it on their own. Sometimes, they might have finally met their physical limit and may need a hand.

It is hard to ask for help sometimes...in my case...I keep trying to go on without help. It is hard to know if someone might laugh at me or give me a hard time for asking for help.

I hope this helps, good luck!

Answer 8

Everyone is diffrent.. if your concerned someone needs help then ask.

Being proactive is safer then waiting to be asked.. Not alot of people can ask so esily..

Answer 9

Don't offer help UNTIL they ask for it. They can get plan nasty with you, and assist them only as needed.

Answer 10

thats why you always ask them if they need help anyway sure they may want to be independent but its nice to know that someones willing to help if you ever need it