About seventeen percent of children in the US live with a disability, and all children, regardless of ability, are at risk for stress during a family move. You may notice more outbursts, adherence to inflexible routines, or even emotional withdrawal in the days leading up to your move. Your child’s disability may make certain activities like house-hunting difficult if you do not adequately prepare.
If your child has a physical disability and uses a wheelchair, crutches, or other assistive devices, you may need ways to make a move easier and more accessible for your whole family. Consider these tips from Project 70Forward well in advance of your move to guarantee the entire process goes as smoothly as possible.
1. Prepare in Advance for House Hunting
If your child is old enough to understand house hunting, do your best to include him or her in the process as much as possible. Pack your supply bag early and put it in the car the night before you venture out. On the day of the outing, ask your realtor to tag along in your car instead of your family riding in the realtor’s vehicle. The Lighthouse Autism Center suggests that you should be prepared to stop often to provide your child with any necessary care, including snacks and emotional breaks.
Do your research ahead of time so that you know the general costs for housing where you want to live. That way, you can direct your search to areas and homes that match your needs. For instance, there are over 100 accessible homes in Charlotte alone. Knowing that information can help you understand your options. A more narrowed search will be easier on your child, if they accompany you.
If you choose to work with a realtor, consider seeking an individual who has worked with people with disabilities and accessibility needs. This experience benefits the house-hunting process and allows the realtor to find exactly the type of home you want. When you’re ready to sell your own home, calculate how much you can make from the sale by including your realtor’s fees, your outstanding mortgage balance, comparable sale prices in your area, and the expected price of your new residence.
2. Schedule Home Improvements Quickly
Once you have purchased the new home, make some intentional renovations to suit your family’s needs. If your child uses a wheelchair, understand that they will likely experience a great deal of stress if their wheelchair cannot fit through the doorframes of your new house. It’s best to address this design flaw before it becomes an emotional issue. The same goes for ramps or lifts.
Bathrooms are another aspect of traditional houses that may need to be adjusted for your child’s needs. Make sure that the counters and toilet are at appropriate heights, and that the bathroom itself is large enough for a wheelchair, walker, or crutches, if needed. If your child has sensory issues, consider adding noise-reducing insulation or padding to rooms they are likely to frequent, like their bedroom and the living room.
Schedule any necessary improvements before you move into the home or make a plan to complete them within the first month of moving in. Knowing that your child will soon be comfortable and able to settle into a routine can take the pressure off a stressful move.
3. Work With Your Therapists to Transfer Services
If your child regularly attends physical, occupational, or speech therapy sessions, you may be anxious about the quality of services in your new location. Work with your child’s therapist to locate a new facility that offers the same level of support. If you’re looking for more options, choose a place that includes expanded services such as primary care, alternative medicine, mental health, and options for long-term care.
You might want to ask your child’s therapists for specific recommendations for the move, or if they would recommend connecting your child with a traditional therapist to ease them through the transition. These are experts who have been working with your child for awhile, and are aware of their needs. Let them help you to determine an appropriate plan to help your child successfully manage the move.
4. Minimize Stress Before the Big Day
As you begin packing, take time to go through your belongings. This is a great time to decide what you really want and what you’ll use. Then, plan storage options to keep things organized at your new home. Clutter can be a major source of stress. It’s tempting to handle all of the moving logistics yourself to save time or to ensure your move goes according to your plans, but don’t be afraid to outsource the move day stuff. If you let professional movers handle the big things, then you can focus on helping your child through the stress and anxiety that is likely to come.
However, before you commit to one, thoroughly research moving companies before settling on one. The movers will calculate the cost based on several factors, including the distance of the move, whether the truck will only contain your belongings (or those from other households), and even the day of the week you schedule the move.
Do Your Best to be Patient
The moving process can cause anxiety for anyone, not just people with disabilities. You have the advantage of preparing for specific setbacks that you know your child will encounter. Take care to plan and keep your child’s accessibility needs in mind from the house-hunting phase to the moving day itself to minimize stress for everyone in the family.
Project 70Forward is working to support and empower people living with disabilities. Call (704) 561-1134.
