Whether you have a disability or not, we all prefer to live in our own home for as long as possible. Unfortunately, a physical limitation can make you more dependent on the help of others. But sometimes staying at home is certainly possible. With the help of certain housing adjustments – and possibly help from others – it is possible to stay at home in your own confidential environment. Below are three tips for continuing to live at home with a physical disability.
Nursing and/or care at home Nursing and/or care at home for people who need it is generally reimbursed by the health insurer. This can be for, for example, the administration of medicines, help with showering, domestic help, support with physical care, shopping service and meal service. A district nurse determines what is needed and who provides the care. This can be, for example, the district nurse himself, but also a carer or a home help.
Adjustments in the home
With a physical disability, it is sometimes necessary to make adjustments to the home and/or to purchase aids. Examples of adjustments in the home are:removing thresholds, having wider doors installed, a hoist, an electric door opener or a stair lift. Specific adjustments can also be made in the bathroom or kitchen. This can be quite expensive, and not everything is always reimbursed by the municipalities. For example, a stairlift costs around € 1500. Not an amount that most people can spend just like that. Fortunately, you can already rent a stairlift from €70 per month.
ICT applications
There are more and more ICT applications that improve the quality of life and housing. For example, by automatically switching the light on and off, opening curtains or turning on the heating. These types of ICT applications are also called home automation. Home automation ensures that processes in a home are automated by applying electronics. A home in which home automation is used is equipped with the necessary comforts. Home automation ensures that a house or building is made 'smart'. With home automation, physically disabled people may be able to continue living independently for longer.
