Having a disability is something at least 14% of all working individuals will have to deal with at least once in their lives. Either way, people with long term and short term disabilities need to adapt to this life-changing time in order to forge a better and brighter future for themselves. Here’s the rub: just because you’re suffering with this disability, doesn’t mean you have to give up on all the fun things life has to offer. You could still find a way to remain active, to enjoy yourself, and the company of your family and friends.
Sure, in the beginning you may not think you want any of those things. In fact, it can be easy to just lie in bed and dwell on what’s happened. This is a tough period of adjustment, but with the help of certain facilities or people you can make this time a little shorter. And once you’ve gotten over adjusting to what’s happened, you’ll be able to enjoy the life you have with the people surrounding you. The first thing you have to do is accept the help you can get, and it can come in many forms.
Here are a few:
Family
It’s important to lean on the people around you. You might not find a lot of support from people you worked with or even people you thought were your friends, but family is there to stay. Through thick or thin, you can usually rely on them. Don’t be afraid to ask for help with things that are a bit beyond you at the moment – like shopping alone, unpacking groceries, or even taking a shower. It can be embarrassing, but it’s a necessity because you don’t want to injure yourself further.
However, it’s always important to learn to do things by yourself. Remember, this is about learning, and not just about giving up and letting everyone do things for you. So, ask for help when you absolutely can’t do without it, but try your hardest to do things on your own. Don’t ever risk injuring yourself further whilst doing them, however. Invest in a house cleaner, a yard service and other services that you can afford in order to make your life a little easier.
Charities
There are other options for individuals with long and short term disabilities, which can offer great support. Luckily there are certain charities that go out of their way to help people with disabilities get back on their feet.
Goodwill.org is an organization which has set out to enhance the quality of life for those suffering from a disability, and even help them get back into the working arena and start earning some money again. Joining with charities like this one can really help your plight and help you to help others who have similar problems. An equal amount of giving and receiving help will really open up your perspective and give you back the control.
Benefits and Governments
In order to get all the help you need, you’ll need the security of an income while you get back on your feet. There are benefits for people with short term and long term disabilities, which support people who need some income to get going again. In Louisiana for instance, Louisiana Disability Law allows individuals who have become ill or suffered a disability to claim benefits from the state.
The process might seem complicated at first:
- Filing a claim (short or long term)
- Disability hearings
- Tests which measure your ability to work
- A possible rejection
- Appeals and more
But with the help of a lawyer who has experience in this area, you can claim benefits and get the support you need from the state government.
Always remember to seek help from your family, claim for the benefits that will make everyday life easier, and to partake in a charity or activity that will be fun and help you overcome this difficult period in your life.
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This is a post by Ashley Williamson. Ashley is a freelance writer and an occasional guest-blogger. When she is not working she likes to travel and read as much as she can. If you have any question feel free to leave a comment.