Being involved in an accident or suffering from an illness that leaves you disabled can be a jarring and challenging experience. All at once, it seems, your entire life has shifted in a way you might not have ever anticipated.
While you will naturally need to go through a period of adjustment, it is important to know that there are plenty of ways in which you can stay independent in your life. It is true that certain changes will need to be made, and depending on your specific situation, you might need to become more comfortable with asking for help. However, independent living is still very achievable in most in instances.
If you have recently found yourself in a situation where you are disabled physically, here are a few ways in which you can continue to live in an independent manner.
Find a WAV
If the nature of your disability is one in which you are still able to safely operate a car, then you might need to make a change to the type of car that you have. While a standard car, especially a smaller model, might not be practical anymore, there are certain types of cars called WAVs, or wheelchair-accessible vehicles, that are.
Such cars are equipped with ramps or lifts that can help you to get in and out of your car with ease. There might also be special straps that help to keep your wheelchair comfortably in place when the car is in motion.
Even if driving on your own isn’t in the cards anymore, WAV cars can be incredibly useful things to help you get around so that you can go about your daily life without complication.
Make Your Own Choices
When you find out that you have a disability, you will naturally need a bit of help as you adjust to things. However, it is important to remember that your life is just that: yours. As things become more settled, you should make a point out of making your own decisions instead of relying on someone else to make them for you.
You are perfectly capable of deciding what you want to do with a day, where you want to go, and even what you want to eat. By taking control of smaller decisions at first, you can come to a more confident place of being able to make bigger decisions for yourself.
Make Adjustments to Your Home
Another practical way in which you can remain independent is to have certain modifications and adjustments to your home. You might need to have a new bathroom fitted that is going to be easier to use and safer to get around in. Such changes are relatively easy to make and can result in a great deal more independence in the home.
If you have concerns about your home at the moment, it is worth having an expert out to evaluate things and show you how your home can be more accessible.
