Tips & Tools to Help Regain Independence with a Disability or Chronic Illness

*Note: Whilst this post is sponsored by Age UK Mobility, all opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Living with a disability or chronic illness, whether visible or invisible, can transform the simplest everyday task into a challenging beast. One that requires tremendous effort to overcome, and saps you of energy when the day has barely begun. Here are some tips to regain independence.

Chronic illnesses and physical disabilities mean that they will probably last for a lifetime. As such, it might not be so bad of an idea to implement some home and lifestyle changes that could possibly improve your quality of life. Whilst some of these addons may be big ones, many are also small tweaks with beneficial tradeoffs.

1. Medications and Therapies

I recently asked the Twitterverse in the form of a poll, “As a disabled or chronically ill person, what do you think gives you the most independence?”, and the responses were overwhelming.

The option that received the most number of votes was ‘pain meds’. For me, they are a big help when I have no choice but to get a task done, when I’m travelling, or when I want to attend an event. Sure, the pain will probably return with a vengeance after, but sometimes it’s also worth it to be able to do ‘normal’ things and participate in life. It’s nice when you can create some beautiful memories that will last a lifetime.

Many people also tweeted at me to clarify, as medications that enable one to function cover a wider range than that. One woman said that HRT (hormone replacement therapy) helps her migraines, and sometimes it is anti-anxiety meds or steroids you need instead. Not quite pain relievers, but with all the same goal of regaining a manner of composure and independence. Long term medications such as biologics or immunosuppressants that work can be big game changers as well.

2. Mobility Aids

Next in the poll were mobility aids; wheelchairs, walking canes, rollators, scooters and crutches all fall under this wide umbrella. The all-terrain mobility scooter someone owned sounds like a practical unicorn! Smart crutches also sounded interesting, and many of these aids are customisable to fit your individual needs.

I’ve also read many blogs written by disabled people, and if there’s one thing I can conclude from them, it is this: their mobility aid is their biggest tool to freedom and independence, and many regretted not using them earlier.

There is a stigma attached to mobility aids in society, where you’re expected to be completely paralysed to ‘qualify’ the use of one. The younger you are, the closer the scrutiny. But as one blogger wrote (I’m so sorry I forgot who!), we need to pave the way for acceptance within society. In order to normalise it, we need to get out there and be seen collectively.

3. Exercises & Body Movements

Exercise is a pretty generic term; it could mean crossfit, marathon running, yoga in its various styles or stretching. Many people with chronic pain find it hard to even get out of bed, much less exercise, but some gentle movement when you’re able to can help to improve your flexibility and stamina.

If you suffer from a form of arthritis, strength building exercises can be helpful in providing support for your joints over time. Many of these exercises can be done in a pool as well, which helps to reduce friction and pain, and take some weight off your joints. Christa Fairbrother is an instructor who focuses on aqua yoga for arthritis, and whose blog I’ve followed for some time. Here she shares some simple hand exercises you can do to keep those joints mobile.

You can also be mindful and sneak in a light stretch every now and then whether you’re lying in bed or sitting in your chair, to prevent stiffness that might feed into a vicious cycle of yet more pain problems. Never force yourself to do more than your body can handle however; the aftermath isn’t worth it. But a light push here and there can have cumulative effects, thus increasing your physical capabilities over time.

4. Digital Tools & Electronic Devices

Digital tools for both in and outdoor use are plentiful in modern society. There’s always something new and upcoming on the market. Kickstarter is a good place to see what I mean. Just open their website and chances are, you’ll find some imaginative health-related gadget on their home page.

The Amazon Alexa and Google Home are some well-known equipment that you might have heard of. People have transformed their homes into accessible hubs, and use them as a control station for lights, locks and more. They can also be set up to be a robotic personal assistant, reminding you of important events every day. (You can read more about resources for the home in this post I wrote here.)

Two popular tools within the chronic illness community itself are the Quell and Oska Pulse. The former is a pain reliever that works through external nerve stimulation, and the latter works on a cellular level. Many have claimed that these devices help them manage their pain better, and therefore enable them to get more done with their day.

P.S. I also chanced upon development of this smart glove for the blind while going through my newsfeed. It provides the user with detailed feedback about their surroundings, and looks like a pretty amazing tool to me. But I’d also love to hear some feedback about it from those who are actually blind or visually impaired themselves!

5. Foods, Diets & Supplements

Yes, food can be used as a tool to aid in your fight against chronic disease as well, and a powerful one at that! Whilst it doesn’t cure, many people have reported feeling much better after a change in their diets. This is especially critical if you suffer from some form of digestive, gut or bowel related disease.

Chronic pain from autoimmune disorders stem from inflammation, thus it’d make sense that a low and anti-inflammatory diet would be beneficial. This includes but isn’t limited to: nuts such as walnuts and almonds, fatty fish such as salmon and tuna, fruits such as berries and oranges, and vegetables.

Curcumin is a component of the spice turmeric, and is a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. It also has the most clinical evidence to date, on its effects on inflammatory disorders such as Rheumatoid Arthritis. Supplements often need to be paired with another compound to boost its bioavailability (the amount that’s actually absorbed and used by your body). Piperine, a compound found in black pepper, boosts the effect of curcumin by up to 2,000%. A word of caution: curcumin is a blood thinner. As with all supplements, do verify its interactions with your current medications, protocols or illnesses before consuming.

Other popular diets espoused by others with chronic illnesses are the AIP, Paleo, FODMAP, ketogenic, and more. Some patients have found relief through strict adherence to these diets, and they might be worth trying, if you’re someone who is able to stick to the plan! 😉 Do your research and work closely with your health practitioner, as you don’t want to become malnutritioned.

6. Home Modifications & Ownership

The place where most of us with chronic illnesses or physical disabilities feel the most comfortable in is at home. This is where we remove our inhibitions, and can take a breather both mentally and physically. It is the one place where you can adapt your environment to fit your own needs. From the bedroom to the kitchen and bathroom, there are many things both big and small that you can do to make life a little easier for your individual needs at home.

Marina Carlos is a disabled blogger, who created a thread on Twitter showing how she has adapted each room in her own home to fit her needs. I found it insightful as she highlights issues that I wouldn’t have otherwise paid attention to, such as the height and size of mirrors. She shows us how she lays out her bedroom and bathroom, to make transfers to and from her wheelchair more convenient. She also talks about how she organises her wardrobe and kitchen for easy access. I’d recommend checking the thread out for more insight!

A stairlift can help you to stay independent as well, by allowing you to access different levels of your home with ease any time, any day. There are many different kinds available: straight, curved, outdoor, previously owned and even those that are able to carry wheelchairs. They can be custom made to fit the shape of your staircase and individual needs as well.

Home ownership can give you a bigger sense of independence as a disabled person, yet is no easy feat either. It is important to know the pros and cons, and also your rights as a home buyer. There are a number of programmes and resources out there to help with the purchase of your own home, or even repairs and modifications.

7. Alternative Therapies

As chronic illness patients we get few answers from medical textbooks. Our hope dwindles as treatment after treatment option gets struck off the list. As such, many of us are desperate and/or willing to try alternate therapies in search for some hope. Acupuncture and physiotherapy are some well established ones, and work pretty well for some people who suffer from specific problems such as migraines, menstrual cramps, back and neck aches.

I’ve tried flotation therapy, which I didn’t find helpful for my physical pains, but did give me the best sleep I had had in a few years. TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) is also popular here in Asia, but is something I avoid due to my blood clotting disorder. I also tried an Ayurvedic regime for a while, which is adapted based on your body type. I actually found it somewhat effective for my general wellness and energy levels, though you do need to put quite a bit of work into it every day!

Apart from these, there is a wide plethora of alternative and complementary therapies out there. They might be worth checking out, but only after you do proper research from accredited sources, and get the green light from your doctor. Give it a few tries if you think it might be for you, before writing it off. Who knows, it might complement your existing medical treatments, and build your body, confidence and independence back up over time.

In Conclusion & Some Disability Bloggers I Recommend

These are just a few tools and resources that enable those with disability or chronic illness to go about their day as best as they can. An interesting mention from the poll is ‘voice’ as a tool for self-advocacy; speaking up for what you and others need can and does make a big difference! Free travel passes and disability parking signs also received a few mentions, and have enabled disabled people to get out and about with a bit more ease. Attitude, mindset and support from friends and family may be intangible, but play a big role in helping a person to move forward, bit by bit.

Whilst I live with numerous chronic illnesses, I do not have a physical disability that requires the use of a mobility aid. As such, I thought I’d take this opportunity to share a few blogs that I read and find insightful. I hope that they provide you with more real life experiences and resources, especially if you’re newly diagnosed:

• Wheel Escapades: Gemma is a lover of tea and cakes from the UK, who blogs about accessibility and life with a wheelchair.
• Trend-able: Lainie’s site is a great resource for women who want to look their best, whilst using orthotic or prosthetic devices.
• Top Lady Talks: Lynley was left suddenly disabled after a pelvic fracture, and shares about her ‘new life’.
• Gin & Lemonade: Lorna’s blog covers a diversity of topics, from parenting with disability, writing, travelling and more.
• The Bimblers: Rob and Bridget are an elderly couple with quite a list of disabilities and illnesses amongst themselves. Yet they continue to travel and encourage others to do so. Apart from accessibility and travel, there are also many practical mobility resources on their blog.
• Sarah Lynn 358: Sarah lives with Spina Bifida, a disorder of the spine, and her posts revolve around and discuss societal perceptions and stigmas about disability.

Over to you – what other tools do you use that I missed out on? Or what on this list did you find particularly interesting, and would like to try? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!

Read Related Posts:
• How to Maximise Accessibility & Improve Your Quality of Life at Home
• Useful Home Resources I Never Knew Existed (and Learned About from Other Chronic Illness Blogs)

This list is just a rough guide, and nothing in this review should be taken as medical advice. Always be sure to check with your doctor before you start on any new treatment or protocol.

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Sources:
1. Hewlings, S. J., & Kalman, D. S. (2017). Curcumin: A Review of Its’ Effects on Human Health. Foods (Basel, Switzerland), 6(10), 92. doi:10.3390/foods6100092
2. Ghasemian, M., Owlia, S., & Owlia, M. B. (2016). Review of Anti-Inflammatory Herbal Medicines. Advances in pharmacological sciences, 2016, 9130979. doi:10.1155/2016/9130979