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Maybe for your family the change came slowly, giving you time to plan and prepare. Maybe it happened in the blink of an eye—with no warning at all. Regardless of how the disability became part of your family, one thing you know for sure—life will never be the same again. According to the U.S. Census Bureau,* over 49.7 million Americans live with disabilities every day. In today's world of innovative technology and rapid medical advancement, those affected by physical and developmental disabilities are living longer, more active lives than ever before. In fact, people with developmental disabilities are, for the first time in history, outliving their parents. Life with a disability—although more productive today—is still challenging. Every day you are faced with a barrage of obstacles and hazards, as well as discreet prejudice. |
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A Changing Home for a Changing Lifestyle |
Technology has enabled us to adapt our world to accommodate those with
special needs. Shopping malls and restaurants have implemented solutions
for those in wheelchairs, corporations have adapted work spaces for
blind and deaf people, public transportation can now be relied upon by
those with physical impairments. If all of these things can be done to
commercial locations, your home should be no different.
Depending upon the disability in your family, any number of
modifications can be made to your home to allow everyone to live
independently. Kitchen counters, bathroom sinks, stairs, furniture,
computers—just about anything you can think of—can be modified
to suit people with disabilities. Ramps can be installed on homes to
allow for wheelchair access. Support bars can be installed in the
bathroom. Talk to an occupational therapist about what changes should be
made in your home to help make it a safer and more productive living
environment. |
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A disability can have profound effects on family dynamics. Veteran parents suddenly faced with a special needs child can feel nervous and tense. Couples may need to learn how to understand and love each other more intuitively. Siblings may misinterpret the extra attention given to a sister or brother with a disability. Honest and consistent communication is the key to growing your relationships through a disability. Talk about how your roles and feelings are changing. Discuss how the disability has changed the family. Moreover, talk about nondisability issues as well—especially with the person affected with the disability and the primary caregiver. Communicating day in and day out about nothing but the disability can get exhausting and cause people to feel as though the disability has taken over their lives. Deal with the past, but focus on the future. The potential financial issues your family faces could be overwhelming, and without much warning could mercilessly deplete your savings. Try our disability calculator, "Disability Insurance Needs," to get an idea of the amount of disability insurance protection you may need. When you have a clear idea of your needs, contact a Northwestern Mutual Financial Network Representative for assistance. |
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To learn more, contact
one of our Financial Representatives |
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