Tips to Transitioning to Independent Living for People with a Disability

Starting the journey towards a more independent lifestyle can be a scary and challenging time for a person with a disability and also their family members.

There's mixed feelings and anxiety for all involved when a loved one seeks more independence and opens up a world of possibilities and new experiences. 

For family and caregivers, ensuring a loved one is safe, healthy and happy when they move out of the family home can cause stress and anxiety.... 

However, it is also an exciting time and allows people with a disability to feel more empowered by being in control of their life.

As a leading Australian specialist in disability and aged care equipment, we work with hundreds of clients nationally who are transitioning to this new and exciting chapter of their lives, so we've learnt a few tips on how to manage this transition with less stress and more positivity:

Planning is Key

To prepare your loved one for independent living, you need to equip the person with a disability with the necessary skills, knowledge and understanding of the world.

Many people have lived their life under the protection of family, loved ones and caregivers so they may not have a thorough understanding of how the world works, and this can take time.

Set realistic goals to teach and practice skills they'll need once living independently, as the best time to do this is while still living in the family home.

Set Goals

Prior to leaving the family home, people with a disability should know and be able to do the activities they will have to do independently. These can include everyday activities like cooking, cleaning, catching the bus, personal care and managing their finances.

Practising and setting goals to understand how to do these activities while still living in the family home allows the person with a disability to feel safe while they learn, and also builds confidence within themselves.

It's also reassuring to family that they know their loved one is capable and confident to undertake these everyday tasks.

Build Healthy Habits

Keeping healthy can make a huge difference to everyone's mood, mental health and positivity, so take the time to practice and build healthy habits into your loved ones new routine - it's essential to make sure they're living life to the fullest whether it's socialising and activities, or exercise and self care.

Finding Support

Being independent doesn’t mean you have to do it alone! Big life changes can be hard for anyone so make sure you create a support network for the person with a disability of family, friends, caregivers and paid support staff.

This can make a world of difference to your loved on as they adjust to the changes and challenges of independent living.

Enjoy this Exciting Time
Living independently and having choice and control is an exciting time in anyone's life. For people with a disability, it's an opportunity to thrive on their own terms and opens up a whole new world of opportunities.

Be positive, encouraging and excited for the person with a disability and this will build more confidence in themselves to get out into the world and live their lives to the fullest!