Mobility Aids for Hidden Disabilities

Living with a hidden disability can make living alone or managing daily tasks at home more complicated, limiting an individual’s mobility and impacting independence. In this blog, we’ll be exploring the importance of home equipment and mobility aids for those living with a hidden disability, including how these products provide better support, comfort and improved quality of life.

What are hidden disabilities?

The term hidden disabilities, also known as invisible disabilities, is used to describe mental, physical or neurological conditions that are not immediately obvious to others. Unlike visible disabilities, where an assistive or supportive device such as a wheelchair is recognised, hidden disabilities often go unnoticed, and as a result, individuals with one may face greater challenges navigating different areas of their lives.

Type of hidden disabilities

Because they are not always visible, hidden disabilities can make aspects of mobility, communication and cognition harder for someone, with people around them likely to be less supportive. Raising awareness about the different types of invisible disabilities is crucial in fostering greater understanding, empathy, and inclusivity in both personal and professional settings. Let’s explore some of them.

Chronic Illness disabilities

Hidden disabilities can be incredibly uncomfortable for an individual. Those living with conditions such as fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome (ME) may experience severe pain throughout their body, causing muscle stiffness, numbness and sleep disturbances. Chronic illnesses like these can impact mobility and make simple tasks such as simply dressing and undressing a logistical nightmare.

There are some assistive products that can help those struggling with these disabilities. This can include ergonomic furniture, specifically tailored to fit an individual's body, like a rise and recline chair, heated blankets which encourage blood circulation and regulate body temperature, as well as grab bars and handrails, which makes it easier to transport oneself throughout the home.

Neurological disorders

Hidden neurological disorders can affect a person’s mobility, cognitive function and energy levels, often without visible signs. Conditions like epilepsy involve unpredictable seizures that can affect consciousness and motor control, while multiple sclerosis is a progressive condition where the immune system damages nerves, leading to fatigue and impaired mobility. Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that causes tremors, stiffness, and impaired balance, often progressing gradually and impacting both motor and cognitive functions.

It’s important to create a home environment that supports people with neurological disorders and the associated disabilities with assistive products aimed at maintaining their independence. Walking aids such as strollers or canes are great at providing additional support and stability, particularly if an individual is fatigued or their energy levels decrease rapidly. Additional steps to create a hazard-free environment, such as adding padding to furniture corner pieces and installing non-slip mats in key areas like bathrooms and kitchens, can reduce the risk of falls or injuries from occurring.

Mental health conditions

Mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression or PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), are also classified as invisible disabilities, with symptoms having a profound impact on an individual's life. Anxiety causes excessive worry, which can interfere with routines and make it harder to hold down a job or areas of a social life, causing vulnerabilities and isolation. Depression creates persistent sadness and doubt, casting similar aspersions that can affect a person's ability to hold an interest in things or feel a sense of belonging and self-worth. PTSD meanwhile affects a person’s mental focus, ability to sleep with ease and sensitive flashbacks resulting from traumatic past experiences.

Someone who is struggling with a mental health condition should consider tailoring their home environment to be calming, peaceful and plentiful. Dedicating time and space to relaxation can foster mindfulness, with home comforts like blankets, bedspreads, candles and books helping to create a sense of calm. Organisational tools, such as calendars or notes with daily reminders, can help someone continue with routine and a sense of responsibility. Physical aids, like yoga mats or resistance bands, encourage light exercise, which has been shown to improve mood and reduce anxiety.

Home Products to support those with invisible disabilities

Adjustable beds

An adjustable bed can be beneficial for someone with an invisible disability. This is because a user can adjust their sleeping position, tailoring it to their specific comfort and needs which can help to reduce pain and inflammation.

Waterproof bedding

Waterproof bedding, including waterproof sheets, mattress protectors or absorbent bed pads, are designed to be both durable and comfortable, shielding mattresses and pillows from excessive moisture and odours.

They are a great home product for those who suffer from severe incontinence, which might stem from one of a number of invisible disabilities, such as Parkinson’s disease. Incontinence can not only feel uncomfortable, particularly if coupled with additional mobility challenges but is also mentally distressing. By providing an extra layer of protection, waterproof bedding ensures not only better peace of mind but a more enjoyable sleep experience too.

Rise and recline chairs

Rise and recline chairs, like our bestselling Oak chair, provide both comfort and assistance by allowing users to adjust the seating position to their preferences. The rise feature helps lift a person into a standing position, minimising strain on their legs, knees, and back. While the recline function allows the chair to tilt backward, offering a more relaxing posture that reduces pressure on the spine, hips, and joints.

Internal and external grab rails

Internal and external grab rails are a great option to have around the home as someone with a hidden disability. They provide additional support and enhance the safety of a home. They can be installed throughout areas of the home, including tricky-to-navigate spaces such as a wet bathroom or narrow entranceway. Grab rails can help to prevent slips or falls and provide additional balance to those suffering with impaired mobility and muscle weakness.

Touch lamps

Touch lamps are a practical solution for those living with an invisible disability. Their tactile nature, which removes the need for a switch button, which can be cumbersome to some, allows individuals with reduced dexterity or motion to turn their lamp on or off with greater ease. Additionally, many touch lamps come with adjustable brightness levels, which is beneficial for those who may experience sensitivity to light, such as those with migraine disorders.

Orthopaedic pillows

Orthopaedic pillows, such as our Mammoth pillow, are uniquely designed to support areas of the body like the neck, back and spine. They are a great option for those living with conditions causing chronic pain, such as fibromyalgia. This is because they help maintain proper alignment during sleep, which can alleviate pressure points and reduce the risk of waking up with neck or back pain. As a result, orthopaedic pillows help promote better, more restorative sleep which makes it easier to wake up feeling refreshed.

Speak to the Oak Tree Mobility team for support on rise and recline chairs and beds.

If you’re looking to alleviate the symptoms caused by a hidden disability or simply want to explore Oak Tree Mobility’s premium range of rise and recline chairs, adjustable beds, and bath lifts, we’d love to hear from you! Contact us today at 0800 999 2781. During your call, you can also schedule a free product demonstration in the comfort of your own home. Our friendly Mobility Experts will tailor the demonstration to your unique needs, showcasing a variety of fabrics and helping you find the perfect solution for your home and lifestyle.