One of the most difficult parts of living with a disability is the loss of independence. Many disabled people feel that they are completely reliant on those around them. Whether it’s help with cooking, cleaning the house, or getting around town, they feel that they are no longer able to function without the help of others. This can have a negative impact on mental health, even leading to a fully depressed state. Fortunately, this does not have to be the case. There are many things one can do to live independently, even with a serious disability.
The Benefits of Independent Living
First, let’s talk about the benefits of living independently. First, there’s the greater personal freedom. The ability to make one’s own decisions when it comes to daily life is something everyone should have. There is also mental health to consider. Being able to function independently in day-to-day life increases confidence and improves self esteem. Finally, when a disabled person is able to function independently, the quality of their life improves significantly. They no longer have to wait for a friend or family member to be available to help them. They can do what they want, when they want.
Common Challenges to Independent Living
Disabled people face a number of challenges every day that make it difficult for them to live independently. Some of the most common of these include:
- Mobility and Accessibility Barriers: How limiting this challenge is will depend heavily on the specific disability. Many disabled people have trouble getting around independently. They may not be able to drive themselves or require a wheelchair-accessible vehicle. This challenge does not end once arriving at the destination. Despite the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), many buildings are not easily accessible for people with disabilities due to stairs, narrow doorways, or other structural components.
- Financial Concerns: A disability can prevent a person from working, which often leads to them not having money for shelter or basic necessities. For this reason, many disabled people become dependent on a family member for financial support.
- Social Isolation: Due to a lack of adapted transportation, exclusionary environments, and higher rates of chronic unemployment, disabled people have much fewer opportunities to participate in community life and build relationships.
With all of these challenges, it is not surprising that disabled people have trouble asserting their independence. Now, let’s get into what can be done to mitigate these challenges.
Creating an Accessible Living Environment
If you’re disabled, one of the best things you can do to regain your independence is to make your living space more accessible. The first step is home modifications. This can include ramps, grab bars, and wider doorways. Anything that will facilitate your ability to easily move through your home is a modification worth making. Next, you should plan for emergencies. Have fall prevention strategies and a way to call for help anywhere you happen to be in your home. Not only will this give you the confidence to be more independent, it will also help friends and family feel more comfortable giving you the space you need to be independent.
Financial Resources That Support Independent Living
To truly be independent, you will need money. Luckily, there are a few programs that can help with this. These are:
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): SSDI is a federal program that provides monthly financial payments and Medicare to individuals who have a long-term, severe disability that prevents them from working. SSDI payment amounts are based on your lifetime earnings before your disability began, rather than your financial need. The application process can be confusing, so it is best to hire an SSDI lawyer to help you.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI): SSI is a federal program that provides monthly cash payments to adults and children with disabilities, blindness, or those 65 and older who have little to no income and resources. SSI does not rely on work history, but can only be received by those with very little income and assets. Typically, under $2,000 for an individual or $3,000 for a married couple.
- ABLE Account: An Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) account is a tax-advantaged savings and investment account. It allows those receiving benefits, such as Medicaid or SSI, to build savings without losing their eligibility to receive those benefits.
Using one or more of the programs, you can have your own resources, allowing you to be free from depending on friends or family for financial support.
Redefining Independence
It is important to remember that there are different forms of independence. You may never reach the level of independence you experienced prior to your disability, but that is no reason to give up. Even a small increase in independence can make all the difference when it comes to your quality of life and mental health.