How to Help a Relative with a Disability Be More Active

Do you have a relative with a disability that would like to be more active but is finding it difficult? Those with mobility disabilities, in particular, can often feel as though they are homebound thanks to the lack of accessibility. The good news is that there are some steps you can take that will make being active much more realistic for your relative — it just takes a little research, planning and understanding. Getting disabled relatives more active is not only essential, there may be more options than you might think.

Purchase a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle

This tip would be especially useful if you live with a relative who has a disability and you are often the person caring for them and helping them get around. Wheelchair-accessible vehicles make it possible to get around much easier and more comfortably. You can check out such options as the accessible vehicles for wheelchair users from Allied Mobility, which is known for having a wide variety of wheelchair-accessible vehicles that range in size, features and price.

When purchasing a wheelchair-accessible vehicle, you’ll need to determine whether it has an electric or foldable (manual) ramp and what type of wheelchair restraint is used. You will also need to decide whether you prefer to lease or buy it.

Don’t forget to apply for a Blue Badge which will make parking much easier, but do be sure to understand your entitlements as a Blue Badge holder. There are many limitations to what you can and can’t do, so ensure you don’t get caught out and end up with a hefty fine!

If you don’t live with a family member who has a disability and you won’t be responsible for getting them around daily, you can always look for a wheelchair-accessible vehicle that is available for hire on an as-needed basis.

Speak to Professionals to Get Advice

It’s also wise to speak to a trained exercise professional or a doctor about what activities can be done and what is safe. It’s important to ask how often they should engage in physical activity, for how long and what the intensity level should be. This will at least give you some sort of guideline to work within.

Bring the Gym to Them

Sometimes it can be useful if you bring the gym to your loved one instead of going out. You can use such things as weights, exercise balls, resistance bands and other low-impact items that focus on getting their heart beating and muscle-strengthening. Experts tend to suggest five days a week of cardio and two days a week of muscle-building activities as a baseline.

The items you bring to their home will need to be tweaked so that it works for their needs and abilities.

You may not even need any gym equipment as this seated exercise video demonstrates. This a great example of easy ways for getting disabled relatives more active!

Look for Classes They Can Join

Another great tip is to look into local exercise classes they can join that are built around people with similar needs. Depending on their physical abilities and the specific focus of the classes, you could sign them up for such things as:

• Aquatic therapy
• Water aerobics
• Hand-crank bicycling
• Wheelchair sports
• Seated volleyball
• Rowing
• Tai Chi
• Yoga

You may be surprised at the variety of available classes. Be sure to let your relative decide which one appeals to them most.

The fact is that staying active is healthy for the body and mind, so it shouldn’t be overlooked. For those with a disability, it can take a bit more planning and effort, but it’s about creating a healthy habit and you can help with that task.