Disabilities come in a variety of forms. Not all of them are permanent. Some are temporary and may require few or no adjustments at home. Others, even though temporary, may require adaptations to accommodate the new circumstances. There may be some things you will need help with, and there will be other things you may learn to do differently.
Small Adjustments
A sprained ankle that calls for crutches is an example of one who is temporarily disabled. So is a broken leg or arm. While these situations may not call for great modifications, some adjustments may be needed. Those tweaks could be something as simple as eliminating throw rugs or rearranging the furniture so walkways are easier to navigate with crutches.
Learning to write with your non-dominant hand can be frustrating and time-consuming if you want to write legibly. Working on the computer may have to be set aside until your broken finger or hand is better. However, one of the many dictation apps or software can solve the problem. By the time you’re healed, you may not want to write or type again!
Extensive Modification for the Temporarily Disabled
Depending on your disability and prognosis, you may be considering accommodations of the more extensive variety. If you are going to be in a wheelchair for a while or need the use of a walker, you may want to consider a ramp, if you have stairs leading up to your door. Some families have found it necessary to convert a room downstairs into a bedroom for a while, as an alternative to navigating the stairway up to bedrooms.
Installing handrails in the bathroom and purchasing special equipment to help with personal care, showers and bathing are sometimes required, as well. In the case where a wheelchair or walker is necessary, you may need to rearrange furniture to make space. It is also important to make sure there are no loose rugs to catch on the legs of the walker.
Assistance with Making Changes
When you or a member of your household is temporarily disabled, you may not have a clue about what changes need to be made in your home. You can find help online through a variety of organizations. Your health professional will also help you identify resources. In some situations, it may be possible to have a home assessment performed, in which a professional will go through your home and offer suggestions on how to make it suitable for the disability.
Dealing with a disability takes special fortitude and patience. At Frohlich, Gordon & Beason, P.A., we understand how frustrating this new life can be no matter how temporary it is. We specialize in personal injury law, so if your temporary disability is the result of negligence or the fault of another party, contact us for a preliminary consultation. The first consult is complimentary. If you live in the Port Charlotte, Englewood or North Port areas, call us to discuss your potential case. We are the lawyers who care, and we are always glad to help.