Being involved in an accident can be a very traumatizing experience, leaving you feeling lost and deflated. It may have also had an impact on your mobility, making it harder to carry out daily tasks as you did before the accident took place. This can be a very distressing time, but it is essential to try to remain positive and keep hold of as much independence as possible. Here are some ways in which you can stay independent at home after an accident.
How to Stay Independent in Your Home After an Accident
Exercise
If you are restricted in your movements, some gentle exercise is advised to stop your body from seizing up. Although these exercises might be painful at first, it’s important that you keep doing them to avoid any problems further down the line. Your doctor will advise you on what type of physical activity is safe and beneficial for you to do, depending on your particular injury. If you are concerned about any pain or discomfort, see your doctor for further consultation.
Home Adjustments
If you are now facing permanent restrictions to your mobility, you will need to make some adjustments at home to help you stay independent and get around more easily. You might need support bars installed by your toilet or bath/shower to help you get up and down.
Additionally, if you now require the use of a wheelchair, having access ramps installed at the entryways of your home might be necessary. You might also want to consider having domestic lifts, like the ones provided by Terry Lifts, installed to help you get to the upper floors of your house.
Therapy
It is common for people who have been involved in an accident to need physical therapy treatments as part of their recovery. Your doctor will have told you if you need this sort of care during your consultations and referred you to the correct facilities if needed. If your doctor hasn’t discussed this with you, but you are concerned that you might need physical therapy, get in touch with them to discuss your options.
Wellbeing
As mentioned previously, accidents are traumatic experiences and can have an impact on your mental health. If you are feeling depressed or anxious after an accident, seek professional help to guide you through this difficult time. Specialist counselors will be able to give you the best care in the aftermath of your accident, helping you to recover safely from any mental health issues that have come about as a result.
You can also practice good self-care at home by eating a balanced diet, practicing mindfulness techniques, and spending time with loved ones. All of these activities will help you to stay independent.
Respect Your Limitations
Being independent doesn’t mean that you will never need help from anybody. The reality is that you might need some assistance from time to time, even with tasks that you used to be able to do on your own. Don’t be embarrassed or reluctant to ask for help when you need it.
Final Thoughts on How to Stay Independent…
It can be tough to adjust after an accident, but remember that it is possible to remain independent.
