The word home can have several different meanings and carry various emotions for different people. Merriam-Webster defines the word “home” as a building that serves as living quarters for one or a few families. When you hear the word, what comes to mind? Housing (a physical space), which is a great need for individuals with disabilities, or is it people that make you feel safe? Whatever, your definition, we all deserve to have a place to belong.
In this article, we go through some tips to help think through housing opportunities, especially for individuals with disabilities.
Plan ahead
Planning is so important when thinking about housing. It is helpful to have ideas or strategies in place before the need for housing becomes more critical. Planning can simply involve asking yourself a few questions or asking them of a loved one with a disability:
- Where do you want to live long-term? Is there a specific location you have in mind?
- Do you want to live independently, or do you want to live with loved ones?
- Do you have the skills to live independently (cooking, transportation, caring for a living environment, communication skills, etc.)? If not, what skills do you feel you need help with?
- Are there any specific supports you need in place in your living situation? A good place to start is to evaluate your current living situation and see if any of those supports can be continued in a new place.
- What is the timeframe for moving?
- Do you have the financial assistance to afford a new living situation?
- How can loved ones assist in conversations about future living arrangements? How can you express your needs and desires regarding a living situation?
- What type of transportation do you need to live in your community? Do you need to be close to public transportation to get to work or various appointments?
Get Creative
Costs of living are very expensive right now, and it can feel quite overwhelming when trying to figure out how to make ends meet. There are several programs that may help with the costs associated with housing that you may qualify for. However, you want to get creative in finding ways to assist with cutting down on housing expenses.
- Thinking about creative living situations, would you be open to having roommates or living with a family member?
- Get assistance from close friends and family to help you locate the best environment for you.
- Avoid rental traps. Always make sure you sign a lease when renting housing. It can seem tempting to not sign a lease, especially if it is from a close friend or family, but it is extremely important to have a lease, so expectations are outlined clearly.
- Know your rights as a renter or homeowner. Finding a new place to live can be challenging. However evictions and being displaced can also add extra stress therefore it is important to understand your legal rights before agreeing to a living situation.
- Think through both short-term and long-term living situations and emergency living situations. Life can be unexcepted, so it is a good idea to have a plan in place if an emergency comes up and you are no longer able to maintain your long-term living opportunity.
- If you are recovering from an addiction or other mental health illness, there may be specific housing opportunities available for you.
Make it accessible
It can feel overwhelming to even think about a new living environment because it may or may not be accessible for your current needs. So, a few tips that may help make it accessible, may just be what you need to lower your anxiety over the move.
- Take a tour of the place before you agree to live somewhere to determine if it meets your needs.
- Talk with the Landlord about making the housing more accessible or ask for specific accommodations.
- Use technology to make your living environment more accessible. There are several smart devices that can help you live independently.
- Think through what activities you need help with and what supports you already have in place to help you.
- Think through the best location for you to live especially if you might need more help on a regular basis. Living closer to family and friends might be a good idea so you have support closer to you.
- Once you move in, make it your own. Make it comfortable, so that your new housing feels like a place that you can rest and enjoy.
Individuals with disabilities may experience more barriers when looking for housing but thinking creatively about accessible living situations and support may make all the difference in the world when finding your home. Everyone deserves to have a safe place where they can belong, a place to call home.
If you need assistance to ensure that you find resources available to you, contact Pathfinder at 800-640-4636. Whether you live with family or by yourself, know that you have a place to belong with Tennessee Disability Pathfinder. You can always find a place to call home with us.