How To Achieve a Measure of Autonomy and Independence for Those with Disabilities

There is no time like July 4^th to assert and achieve a measure of autonomy and independence- particularly if you live with disabilities or mobility issues. After all, autonomy is a vital part of aging in place and making decisions that impact your life and the way that you live. Increase your independence with devices and equipment that improve accessibility in and around your home.

Celebrate Independence Day by doing something that increases your own freedom and overcomes hurdles. Consider making the choice to utilize mobility equipment, like lifts, ramps, and chairs, that can make your environment more accessible, convenient, and easy to navigate. What better way to assert your own autonomy this July 4^th? Enjoy the comfort and convenience that these aids offer.

Consider these tips to achieve a measure of autonomy and independence this summer:

Sample Some Mobility Solutions

Create your own sense of independence with the high-quality mobility equipment that can make your home, yard, and vehicle a lot simpler and more accessible. Does your home have a second level? Do you struggle with ascending the stairs? Stairlifts can help; in fact, there are numerous devices, aids, and gadgets that increase independence for users in a wide variety of ways, whether it be getting you in and out of the shower safely or assisting you in driving your vehicle out and about. The possibilities are endless. Make your life easier so that you can be more independent without worry or strain. Here are some mobility solutions that may work for you:

Stairlifts

A stairlift may seem like a big step- pardon the pun- and it is, however, it also is an effective way at creating a safer home environment with less risk of a fall. Some individuals have abandoned access to the upstairs of their home- why? Enjoy the convenience of a stairlift to transport you upstairs, around curves, and up risers to your bedroom, bathroom, or other areas of the home that may be up a level. Furthermore, stairlifts can be installed outside, too, so your porch, patio, or favorite outdoor living space is accessible to you.

Pool lifts

Do you have a swimming pool? Some individuals with physical limitations may struggle to get in and out of their pool, which can impact how frequently they choose to swim and enjoy their amenities. Especially for those consumers that live in Southern California, a pool is something that you should be able to use and enjoy; a pool lift makes it smooth and seamless to get in and out of the water.

Car and Vehicle lifts

Individuals with physical disabilities that impact getting in and out of their vehicle may miss driving. A vehicle lift can help those with mobility aids, like chairs, stow their equipment and safely get behind the wheel. A mobility issue may impact your ability to drive, which in turn, compromises your overall autonomy and freedom. A vehicle lift may preserve your independence and let you enjoy driving once again.

Ramps

If you are thinking about a ramp, consider one of the new portable ramps. These fold for easy transport and storage, so you are never caught without a way to gain access to where you want to go. Also, these ramps are a cost-effective alternative to building a more permanent structure. These work for chairs and scooters, but also help with a low-impact, low-rise entry to your home, porch, or other areas of your property.

Turn to Technology

Technology makes it easier to be independent and it continues to build on and develop solutions for those that live with disabilities or limitations. Stay connected and keep on top of the latest developments in technology that are geared toward making life easier for individuals with mobility issues.

Accept Offers

When someone with a disability is trying to live autonomously, they may get a lot of offers of help or assistance- accept them. Let others do things that make your life more accessible, and therefore, more autonomous. When you are able to complete your activities of daily living, like preparing meals or bathing, you are more likely to age in place and live life on your own terms. If part of this independence is allowing someone else to participate and share in your life, let them. Enjoy the kindness of others whenever possible!

Stay Social

Some individuals may isolate or withdraw due to physical limitations that impact their comfort in socializing. Socialization is an integral part of the healthy aging process; studies indicate that those who interact regularly with others experience higher life quality and overall life satisfaction. Mobility aids are one way to foster social venues and engagements.

You are Not Alone

It may also help give you a boost to know that nearly one-in-five seniors over the age of 65 live with some type of disability. In this country, that equates to around 18 million people; you are not alone. This also reinforces the point that quality mobility solutions are widely used and needed- don’t you deserve this very same advantage in your own home? Call or visit a mobility professional to learn more.

Do you yearn to be more independent? Make your home a more accessible and convenient place with these suggestions- and assert your own autonomy with quality equipment and mobility aids from Pacific Mobility in the Bay Area today.