Getting Ready for Spring While Dealing with a Disability

Everybody has spring chores and tasks to better prepare for the warmer season ahead- but when you live with mobility issues or disabilities, there are additional considerations to ensure safety, access, and convenience. Get ready for spring with some common-sense strategies.

When Spring has sprung, make sure that you are ready for the season ahead with some tips to prepare. If you have a mobility issue or limitation, warmer weather brings certain challenges that, with planning, can be dealt with and conquered.

Dealing with a disability? Get ready for spring with these tips:

Maintain Areas of Access

Taking care of access to the property should be a goal of your spring maintenance; this includes taking the time to inspect walks, paths, and driveways to ensure they are flat, safe, and able to be traversed using any mobility aid, if applicable. This may also provide an opportunity to look at areas for improvement and upgrades, as needed.

Test your Detectors

Spring is also the time to check and test your smoke and CO2 detectors. Replace batteries in your backup systems but test out your wired detectors to ensure you are safe from these risks. Don’t have a Carbon Monoxide detector? You should; CO2 is a silent killer. Invest in a detector from your area hardware store or supplier.

Clear the Gutters

Gutters can present a dangerous hazard if not maintained. When the gutter troughs fill with leaves and debris, they become heavy and run the risk of breaking loose. If this occurs, you could sustain property damage- even a potential injury! Keep gutters clear to maintain the flow of water from the roof and away from your dwelling. Hire a professional roof contractor to clean the gutters- or ask for a recommendation from them.

Trim Back Foliage

Landscaping is another springtime chore that should not be neglected or overlooked. Trim back trees and foliage to remove any dead or damaged branches that could break free and cause damage. Also, think about your visibility both in and out of the home when you trim trees; make sure to preserve privacy while also providing you with a good view of your surroundings. Maintaining the landscape and trimming foliage also reduces the risk of a fall outside your home.

Replace Filters

Your HVAC system will work more effectively and efficiently if you clean and replace the air filters regularly. When these become clogged with dirt and dust, the system must work harder to cool or heat the home, which drives up energy costs month after month. Stock up on the right size filters for your system to ensure you have what you need this spring and year-round.

Protect the Property from Pests

Got pest issues? Unaddressed pest problems can compromise the integrity of buildings, ramps, and walkways, creating safety risks. Do yourself a favor by contacting a local exterminator to make an annual visit- and to spray for pests relevant to your region. Often, by the time a consumer notices a pest issue, it has already become an infestation.

Travel Sensibly

Planning on taking a spring holiday or vacation? Make the effort to become informed regarding spring travel plans; that is, call ahead to ensure your accommodations are accessible, that your therapy pet is permitted, or that you have what you will need to be comfortable when away from home. If you have children, check out area attractions and sights that may be of interest to them before leaving. This will also dictate what you should bring along to keep them entertained on and off the road. Never book a room at a hotel or lodging that doesn’t provide you with proper assistance related to accessibility and your disability.

Prepare and Plan Ahead

Plan ahead for emergencies this spring. If you rely on a power wheelchair, try to have a backup manual wheelchair available. You simply never know when there could be a power outage or issue with equipment. Also, consider these tips to make sure you are ready for whatever comes along:

• Provide someone else in the household with directions as to how to operate your mobility equipment.
• Have a backup battery for any battery-operated equipment.
• Create a repair kit for your distinct mobility aids with items like WD-40, tubes, and a patch kit.
• Obtain an air pump for quick inflates of equipment with tires.
• Maintain a list of emergency contacts, including your providers, loved ones, and mobility aid support to access in a hurry.

Depending on where you live, spring is a welcome respite from the rigors of wintertime and blustery weather. When you are getting ready for spring, visit the mobility experts at Pacific Mobility; they have the equipment and aids to ensure you have ample access, convenience, and ease- while staying safe- this spring. Call or visit today!