Adjusting to disability
Becoming disabled through illness, injury, accident or a worsening medical condition can affect many areas of people’s lives. This could be family, work, money and health. This article lists some of the things you need to think about. Your doctor (GP) Your local doctor (GP) will be central to much of the health support you receive whether you have a progressive illness (something that develops over time or in stages) or a sudden disability caused by, for example, an accident.
You may also come across doctors and consultants and their teams who specialise in certain conditions and disabilities at hospital and clinics. Health and social care support Becoming disabled means you may need support from health and social care services for the first time. A health and social care assessment with the social services department of your local council is the first step.
You may be entitled to a package of support which could include home care help, disability and/or health equipment and adaptations. Direct payments allow you to arrange your own support instead of receiving it directly from your council - if you are assessed as needing help.
You may also be entitled to a grant to help you adapt your home or be offered alternative accommodation such as supported housing.
Your local council will have its own website detailing the support available to you at a local level. Support groups and organisations Keeping in touch with other disabled people can be a good way of getting informal advice and support – especially if you are newly disabled. Your family and friends Family members and friends may suddenly find themselves in a ‘caring role’. They are also entitled to an assessment of their needs as a carer. They may be entitled to receive financial support such as Carer’s Allowance.
If you are a parent or thinking of becoming one, there is information on Directgov covering having a baby, parental support, schools and more. Mental health Becoming disabled can sometimes affect a person’s mental health - often there is a period of adjustment needed. If you experience mental health problems your doctor or another health professional may refer you to a specialist like a psychotherapist, community psychiatric nurse or a counsellor. These professionals will work with you to help you find ways of dealing with problems you are experiencing or concerns you may have. Financial support If you become disabled you may be entitled to financial support to help meet extra costs as a direct result of your disability. This ranges from disability benefits, such as Disability Living Allowance, VAT relief on products and services related to your disability, Council Tax reduction through to grants to help adapt your home, where necessary. Work, making adjustments and your rights If you become disabled while in work there are many things you, and your employer, can do to enable you to remain in employment. You do have employment rights under the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA).
Adjustments to either the workplace, processes and your duties could include providing practical aids and technical equipment to help you, or organising a phased return to work, alternative employment within the same company or perhaps part-time work.
Whether you are in or out of work, Disability Employment Advisers at Jobcentre Plus offices or jobcentres can give you support and advice about work. Driving and your vehicle Whether you are a new or experienced driver, you must let the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) know about any medical condition or disability that may affect your driving. If you become disabled you can get your vehicle adapted. Your rights in everyday life People who become disabled are likely to face new challenges in everyday life - from accessing services to understanding disability legislation and rights and sometimes discrimination.
|