Some of the most common complaints among people living with a disability are that they wish they’d known more about what to expect and that they’d had more information. There’s no doubt, with around 4.4 million Australians living with a disability, we could be doing better when it comes to supporting and informing them. In this guide, we aim to give you more information about living with a disability – from what you can do to limit its impact on your life, to the kinds of services you can access, and how.
Explore our comprehensive NDIS & Disability Services Guide for in-depth insights and support options tailored to your needs.
Coming to terms with a disability is never an easy thing, but it can be made much more so by being prepared and knowing what to expect. We all tend to take our health and that of our loved ones for granted until it’s taken away. If you or your loved one has experienced a disabling injury or illness, knowledge is your greatest asset. Learning what to expect, including what symptoms may occur and how the illness or injury might cause a disability to develop over time, gives you the power to make decisions about your life, your care, and how you’ll manage your disability. This knowledge and these decisions are not only empowering for anyone living with a disability but can also help carers and loved ones.
Although no one expects or welcomes the diagnosis of a disability, it doesn’t have to define you or the way you choose to live. When coming to terms with a disability, there are a few things that can help:
No matter the type of disability you are living with, making a plan is an important thing to do. It helps you ensure your wishes are carried out, your quality of life (however that looks to you) is maintained, and more. Questions you should ask yourself include:
Any disability, be it a physical or intellectual disability, or the result of ageing, will impact your life in a big way. But although you’re facing limitations that make certain aspects of your life more challenging, armed with knowledge, a plan, and a willingness to do things a little differently, you can reduce the impact a disability has on your life.
Creating a care plan: Your care team will create a care plan, in consultation with you, your loved ones, and any funding or support programs you are involved with. Whether it’s an aged care plan for Australians over the age of 65, or a plan for delivering services under NDIS funding, we can assist you in being prepared for living well with your disability.
There are many different types of disabilities, and the symptoms they cause look different for everyone. That’s why it can be hard to know where to turn or what to expect, especially when wondering how to live independently with a disability.
Knowing what kind of care is available can also be a little confusing. That’s why it’s important to consider getting support from an expert care service. Care services, available at home or in dedicated care facilities, are can be available for people experiencing:
Many Australians living with a disability choose to stay at home, living as independently as they can, for as long as possible. Depending on your disability, you too can choose to remain living at home, with a bit of extra support.
In-home care services like those from Care For Family are designed to make it easier for those living with a disability to live safely, happily, and independently. Helping you to maintain your independence and quality of life is our mission, and our dedicated, expert care team assists you in doing just that. The types of services we offer to help you live safely at home, include:
Find out more about our disability care services here.
Whilst care services are a valuable resource for anyone living with a disability, many people also find it important to do what they can to reduce the impact of their disability. Although your disability can mean certain limitations to what you’re able to do, there are plenty of things you can do to support your own health and well-being.
Physical activity has important health benefits for everyone, and for those living with a disability, it can be beneficial in reducing the impact of the disability. In consultation with your doctor and specialists, you can participate in physical activity to:
Although a disability can sometimes mean limitations when it comes to physical activity, keeping active simply means adjusting to a new normal and focusing on the things you can do. Be sure to speak with your doctor and/or an experienced physical therapist about the kinds of activities that are best (and most enjoyable) for you.
Living with a disability can mean facing the challenges many older Australians face, a few decades early. From getting tired more quickly than you used to, to having to battle constant fatigue, reduced mobility, or a loss of the strength you once had, it is a learning curve. But learning to conserve your energy, or ‘pick your battles’ can be the key to living well with a disability. Instead of giving yourself a hard time for having overdone it, learn to listen to your body and take breaks as and when you need them. Getting this right can help to reduce fatigue, pain, and frustration and help you better manage your disability so that it has less of an impact on your daily life.
Many types of disability cause pain, whether it be chronic ongoing pain caused directly by your disability, or secondary pain that results from overdoing it, having a slip or a fall, or injuring yourself. Managing pain is a tricky balancing act that should be discussed with your doctor. Your main priorities should be to reduce your pain (and prevent it where possible), whilst limiting any unpleasant side effects that pain medication can cause. Know that this too is a learning curve, and takes some time to get right. Don’t ever feel embarrassed to bring it up with your doctor and loved ones – they’re there to help and support you on this journey.
Your not-so-secret weapon in reducing the impact of your disability is making use of supporting devices and equipment. As we learn more about disabilities and how we can support those living with them, the types of devices and equipment available are evolving. From a wheelchair, to rails for getting around the home, to eating aids, and more, your therapist can help you to know what equipment is available for you and what will best suit your needs.
Doing what you love: You might find some of the activities you once loved are not possible any longer, due to the disability. For some, it means no longer being able to do a job they loved. Rather than focusing on what you can’t do, now is the time to find new interests and passions. For you, that might mean getting in touch with disability support groups where you can connect with others who know what you’re going through. Or it might mean getting involved with events, activities, or communities that have nothing to do with your disability.
Some of the things you might consider include:
No matter what you choose, do something that gives you purpose and reinforces that you and your loved one are not defined by a disability.
Here at Care For Family, we are experts in providing care for Australians living with a disability. Our team is compassionate, highly trained, and experienced in delivering care solutions that help you maintain your independence while living safely and happily in the place you choose. For more information about our care services, or for additional resources to help you in living with your disability, get in touch with our team today.