Living with a disability is not easy, any type of chronic illness can throw you off balance and can affect your social life and your working life. It is vital that you are able to adapt your home if you have had a recent diagnosis. It is by no means inexpensive but looking at ways to that could help you may be helpful for future work on your home and if any charities or support systems allow you to implement these systems into your home.
Physical Aspects
Stairlift – if you struggle with getting up and down the stairs, you could look at a stairlift or some type of lift that will allow you to get up and down the stairs especially if you live alone. If you have home help, you may want to ensure that you have carpet that has a good pile to ensure it grips well to slippers and banisters on both sides so you can hold onto a rail on both sides of the steps.
Ramps – if you have a wheelchair, you may want to look at a ramp to make getting in and out of your house, office, car much easier. Handicap ramps can be of huge assistance and allow better access and improve your quality of life around the home and outside.
Wet room – showering and bathing can be difficult when you have some type of disability. You may worry about getting in and out of the bath without slipping. Some baths can adapt to allow you to walk in and sit down but also another good alternative would be a wet room. This allows you to stand and the water drains easily. It means you can also have a little more independence when showering.
Mental Aspects
Alarms – if you are concerned about being home alone and something happening to you, or some type of emergency, you need to ensure that you have alarms and contact bells that you can use if you should need them. Many of these alarms are connected to a computer that will send help asap. This is also important for your home, you must ensure you have all the numbers you need nearby. It is never positive to worry if you are home alone.
Support groups – join online support groups on Facebook or on forums to connect with other people in similar situations. This can make a world of difference if you’re struggling with a diagnosis or if you are feeling unwell and want to see how others cope. It can be beneficial to you physically and mentally. Anxiety is a terrible thing that can have many physical knock-on effects, so assisting these will make you feel much better.
There are many things to do around your home that will make you feel happier and healthier. Be sure to research any aspects that you are interested in and mention to any support workers or family members, to see which would benefit you the most for more independent and happier home life.