It is a tough time in life when someone you care about becomes physically disabled. Not only does their life drastically change, but yours will too. When someone newly has to cope with the pressures and stresses that come with living with a disability, it is only natural that they will need support from their loved ones. Depending on your relationship with the person, you may need to be a listening ear or a regular helper. Here are a few ways you can make sure your loved one is well cared for and copes with the change in circumstances as best as they can.
Listen to the Medical Professionals
The first and most important step when a loved one becomes physically disabled is to make sure that the information and recommendations from the doctor are noted. It can be an emotional time for a person when attending appointments during the transition period of growing accustomed to their physical disability. This is why having someone there to also listen to what the doctor has to say can be extremely helpful. Take note of the next steps and be there for your loved one should they find the situation stressful.
Adapt Your Home
If you and your loved one share a home, it might be a good idea to consider adapting different parts of your house so that they can feel comfortable using their space freely. For example, kitchen counters can be lowered, bathrooms can be redesigned, and furniture can be rearranged to make it easier for your loved one to move around. This is particularly important if your loved one regularly uses a wheelchair. Depending on the size of your home and your budget, you could even install a lift so that your loved one can easily access other levels of the home.
Plan for Different Routines
When someone becomes physically disabled, many of their usual routines have to change in either small or large ways. You can help your loved one by making these changes as straightforward as possible. For example, you could look for used wav cars for sale to see if alternative vehicles could make the daily routine of your loved one simpler. Since becoming physically disabled can be so hugely disruptive to a person’s lifestyle, you can greatly help your loved one by looking out for ways to make their routines smoother.
Go at Your Loved One’s Pace
Although some of this advice may be applicable to you and your loved one’s situation, not everyone with a disability has the same needs. If you are ever in doubt as to what your loved one wants from you, your best bet is to ask them directly. They might be outwardly very brave and confident about their new disability but find the changes challenging, or they might need someone to talk to when the disruption to their lifestyle becomes overwhelming. Don’t treat them any differently except to offer your support whenever you can.
