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Living with disabilities is never a simple journey, as they pose physical challenges along with financial implications.
Recently, an incident involving a disabled gentleman in Leeds who was unable to access his non-functional bathroom for a lengthy period of four months has shone a light on the fact that the resources offered to individuals living with disabilities may not always be reliable. Hence, self-reliance becomes increasingly critical in these situations.
The incident in Leeds concerned Mr. Hanson, who after suffering a stroke, was confined to his living room for a period of four months due to negligent council response, holding his case in low priority, causing slow progress in his living condition improvement.
Modifying Your Home
One of the initial steps is to tailor your living space to accommodate your specific needs. The costs related to modifying your home greatly depend on your personal condition and kind of disability.
For instance, bathrooms usually demand enhancements, these could be efficiently dealt with by splitting it into individual areas. Primary modules would include an accessible toilet and a shower/bath area, facilitated by installation of walk-in baths and grip handles around the toilet. This is not a full-blown renovation but affordable modifications.
Further modifications in the house again depend on your individual needs. You might have to purchase special equipment or you could simply reorganize existing items for better accessibility.
However, some areas like the stairs might need greater attention and money, as the support from the council may not always be reliable or substantial. It might get expensive, but there are usually rental or installment payment options available for those facing financial crunches.
Earning a Livelihood
Of course, to support this, some form of income is necessary. If your disability is not a barrier for you to work, then you should manage well. If not, seeking disability benefits could be considered.
However, it is essential to note that support from governing bodies, such as the council, is not always foolproof. Although these instances are rare, it’s not ideal to find oneself in such a position. Hence, saving some money is advisable. It might seem difficult with the limited income from disability benefits but even the smallest contribution helps. These could in time accumulate into a decent savings pool or serve as a cushion during emergencies.
Conclusion
While this isn’t an exhaustive guide to living with disabilities, it does underscore the importance of self-sufficiency where possible. You reduce the chances of poor support from other bodies by saving up and planning for future needs.
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