The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that more than a quarter of Americans live with disabilities, and 12.2 percent of those have difficulty moving around independently. Disability is the one minority group that anyone could join through illness or injury.
And as we age, muscle weakness and other issues can cause difficulties walking and performing daily tasks.
Like many people, I have a dynamic disability: My body feels different from one day to the next, and I need a different aid or tool depending on my symptoms that day and what I’m doing. If you have an injury or condition that’s affecting your mobility, I recommend adapting your home and procuring mobility aids before you really need them (for example, before you fall, hurt yourself, or get stuck somewhere). That way, you’ll know exactly how they work and can view them as tools for freedom to help you live a more independent life.
If you are finding it harder to do things around the house, it’s absolutely possible to make your home more accessible and easier to live in. The first step is to identify what you find a bit more challenging and then determine whether there’s a tool or solution that can make it easier. There’s no point in struggling! The hacks below have worked for me and people I know, but needs are different from person to person; you might find something else that works better in your home.
