How To Make A Disabled Person's Life Easier?

Living with a disability is very tough. They come in various forms – intellectual disability, physical disability and mental disability. Even the smallest change in a disabled person’s life can make a world of difference in his or her life.

Here are some ways you can contribute to making a disabled person’s life easier –

1. Identify the basic needs of the concerned person

The basic needs like bathing, toiletries, paying bills, cleaning, shopping, and eating – can the person perform these tasks on their own or are they being limited by their disability? 

What you need to do is sit down with the concerned person and discuss all of these things. 

2. Make sure adequate support is available at all times

If the concerned person is not self-sufficient when it comes to the activities mentioned above, then you need to start thinking about support. Can a family member turn into a caregiver? Or should you hire a full-time caregiver?

It is very important that one’s basic needs are accounted for as they are essential in enhancing the quality of life of a disabled person.

The person will feel less stressed that his or her basic needs are being fulfilled. Moreover, they also experience emotional satisfaction knowing that there are people around who care for them.

3. Configure your home 

You can consult an occupational therapist for this purpose. They help people adjust their life to cope with disabilities. Here are some things you need to keep in mind –

• If a person is at risk of falling, then you may need to ensure that they have a call button on them at all times to call for medical help.

• Toilet related tasks might be easier with handrails for some people.

• If the person used wheelchairs, and it’s a multi-storeyed house then ramps are necessary. 

Based on the problem, an occupational therapist will evaluate your home and give suggestions and solutions so that the concerned person’s life becomes easier.

4. Get a pet if they are interested

Pets like dogs have been shown to improve the moods of people living alone. What you need to consider is whether the person can take care of the pet. If they can then you should consider getting them a pet. A pet contributes significantly to one’s sense of responsibility and overall wellbeing.

Living with a disability is difficult, so every little way you can show your support can mean a lot to a disabled person.