Living with a disability? Read this post

Are you living with a disability or chronic illness? You’re not alone. Millions of people are in the same position and learning how to manage their lives both at home and out in the world.
Here are some tips to help if you’re living with a disability:

Be comfortable at home

Your home should be somewhere where you don’t need to worry about getting around, and feel safe and happy. If this isn’t the case, you may need to make some changes. Now may be the time to outsource some of the chores and other tasks so you have more time for the things that matter like spending time with family and friends. If you can, hire a cleaner who can come and make sure your home is clean and tidy without the need for you to do it yourself. You may also want to ask your family to help you get rid of anything you’re no longer using, which can get in the way.

If your bedroom is upstairs and you’d like to keep it that way, you may need to install a stairlift to maintain your independence. This will ensure that you, your family, and your friends all have peace of mind about you living at home (especially if you live alone).

Make it safe

If you have trouble getting around, you may need to make a few changes in your home. One of these could be installing a ramp so you can easily access your front or back door. It’s also a good idea to consider your bathroom- are there enough grab bars located in easy to reach places? Do you have a walk-in shower or bath, a seat in the shower, and non-slip mats to keep you safe? Bathrooms are arguably the most dangerous place in the home, so you’ll need to prepare them accordingly.

Keep the lines of communication open

If you’re someone who has only recently become disabled, you may be finding it difficult to accept your new limitations. For this reason, it’s important that you continue talking to friends and family members, and let them know how you’re feeling and why. You may also need to talk to a professional who can help you process any grief or frustration you’re feeling and give you some tips and tools to help you stay positive through the transition (even on your bad days).