There are currently many supported living services that offer people, young and old, who suffer with physical and mental disabilities the chance to live independently. These services are very important and offer people who are disadvantaged the opportunity of real choice and control over their own lives and also give people the freedom to pursue their own goals and aspirations in life. This includes providing autism support for those suffering with autism that would like to live independently.
It is important for everyone to understand how these independent living schemes work and the importance of such initiatives. This includes people who have no direct contact with a person that suffers from a disability. This article discusses some of the ways that individuals are helped to live independently despite personal problems with health.
How a Home can be Adapted for Independent Living
Many people who would like to live independently may need their home to be adapted in order to support them to best deal with their disability on a daily basis. Before moving into a new home, a person suffering with a physical or mental disability will need to be assessed by the Social Services. This assessment will determine first if an individual is a candidate for independent living and will then help to establish what adaptations need to be made to the home.
Such support in the home may involve widening doorways or installing ramps in the home to cater for those who are in a wheelchair. Improved access to certain parts of the home may also need to be implemented – for instance, a chairlift may be installed so that a person can get up and down stairs. A downstairs bathroom may be necessary. Heating and lighting systems will be adapted to suit personal needs of an individual and the controls to monitor these systems will be easy to use and clear.
Social Services or Improved Housing Associations may also be able to provide support in the home for disabled individuals who care for any minors that they have living with them such as children or other dependants.
Becoming Integrated in the Community
One of the foremost principles of independent living is providing support to disabled individuals to help them become a valuable part of their local community. This is achieved in a number of ways. Disabled individuals can be helped to learn practical life skills and domestic skills such as cooking, cleaning and shopping. Those pursuing independent living will also receive help on how to manage their finances.
Another very important part of the independent living scheme is giving support to help disables ones attend college, learn new skills and get involved with work placements as well as simply having the confidence to get out and about in the community. Many individuals that suffer from a disability also suffer from a lack of confidence and thus they may need support from carers, family and friends.
With support in the home, support to pursue goals and become a part of community and the help needed to learn essential life skills it is now easier and more attainable than ever for those with a disability to lead a fulfilling life as part of the community.