It’s easy to talk about barriers to independent living and the possible solutions for those barriers; however, it’s impossible to tackle them without understanding the causes. So what does cause obstacles to independent living? Read on to find out.
Physical and sensory causes
Some of the physical barriers to independent living are obvious, such as mobility, wheelchair access, and the inability to walk long distances or stand for long periods. However, people living with severe developmental disabilities may also have mobility issues or rely on bulky equipment to get around. Anyone using hospital equipment at home, such as breathing apparatus or a hospital bed, may find it harder to live independently, too.
Some people with disabilities find it challenging to navigate streets and public spaces as most settings are not really designed with disabilities in mind. For instance, buses have narrow alleyways, offices are up flights of stairs, and attending medical appointments is complicated by hearing loss or D/deafness.
Mental or psychological causes
Many people with severe disabilities can’t live independently because of their disabilities. Severe learning or developmental disabilities may mean that carers or at least supported accommodation are necessary.
However, for some people, mental and psychological distress is a challenge. Severe psychological illness or distress can make it unsafe for someone to live alone, and they may need help remembering to take essential medication.
Another reason psychology can pose a barrier to independent living is a lack of self-confidence. Someone who has recently acquired a disability or whose confidence has just taken a knock may feel that they can’t live independently, even if they actually can. This in itself poses a barrier to independent living.
Financial causes
Living independently often comes at a prohibitive price, and finance is a significant barrier to living independently. However, there are many ways around this, and it’s one cause that actually does have a lot of solutions. For example, there is secondhand equipment, loaning, financial loans, and grants.
Nevertheless, if someone can’t adequately manage their own finances, they will require support with this, which is where systems like conservatorships come in.
Social causes
Family and friends usually want the best for us, but sometimes what they think is best and what we actually need is different. For someone living with disabilities, relatives can be smothering. Carers and other community workers can also make bad decisions, especially since they usually don’t know the person with disabilities, as well as the family, does.
Other social barriers to independent living include behavioral issues, demographics, and minority identities. The quality and types of healthcare available are affected by zip code, as well as demographic, and any of these things can cause a barrier to independent living.
With so many barriers to independent living, it can seem like the idea is overwhelmingly challenging. However, there are many solutions to these problems, and with technology becoming more accessible every day, there are regularly new options that someone with disabilities could use to gain more independence.
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