Many people experience a loss of mobility at some point in their lives. This may be due to an injury, illness, or age. For some, this decreased mobility is sudden and unexpected, whereas some health conditions can cause a slow decline in mobility. If you are experiencing the latter, there are steps you can take to prepare for life with limited mobility so that you can hold on to your independence and continue living a fulfilling life.
Make Improvements to Your Home
Most buildings in the world were not designed with people with limited mobility in mind. This is why you may have to adapt your home in order to make it more comfortable and convenient for you as your mobility declines. Handles, railings, ramps, and obstacle-free pathways through your home will keep the space practical and accessible to you. If your home has more than one story, consider moving your bedroom and other main rooms to the lower floor for easy access.
Use Practical Equipment
More and more products enter the market every year that are dedicated to improving the lives of people with mobility restrictions. A piece of equipment that has been used by plenty people for decades now is the electric mobility scooter. Once you find a scooter that works for you, you can buy the necessary parts for it at discountscooters.co.uk. The sooner you learn how to safely operate a mobility scooter or electric wheelchair, the easier you’ll find it to adapt as you go. Work out what mobility equipment would be most useful to you and your specific requirements.
Reach Out to People Who Care About You
The people in your life who love you will want to make sure that you get all the help you need when going through the difficulties of mobility limitations. Don’t be afraid to let people know how they can help you. Although you may feel embarrassed or too proud to ask, remember that it’s normal to need outside assistance every now and then. There is no harm in letting people know that you could use their support since those who love you will want to make it easier for you.
Protect Your Mental Health
Changes to your physical abilities, including restrictions on your mobility, can have a negative effect on your mental health. If you are struggling to face the challenges of living with limited mobility, you might find it useful to speak with a mental health professional who can guide you through painful feelings and reassure you about leading a fulfilling life. You may appreciate having the opportunity to talk to an outside party who can offer honest and constructive advice.
Changes to your health can come with feelings of fear and uncertainty, which is perfectly natural under such emotionally-demanding circumstances. If you were once more mobile than you are now, losing that level of mobility can feel like a significant shift in your life. If you are in a position where you can see that your mobility is going to decrease, you can plan ahead and maintain your independence.