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Healthcare in Rural vs. Urban Areas for People With Disabilities
There are many parts of the country where healthcare facilities are few and far between, hence the term healthcare desert. In fact, studies show that nearly 80% of rural areas are medically underserved. That means that people can’t find a hospital or medical care when they need it, and the few hospitals that do exist are overcrowded and understaffed.
Healthcare deserts are especially negative because, with fewer options for medical assistance, there is a greater chance for rural versus urban residents to experience chronic conditions. These can include anything from obesity to early death from ailments like heart disease.
This is especially concerning for those in the disabled community. If medical care is difficult to reach, then people with disabilities will have an even harder time when they may need it most. On top of that, people with disabilities are less likely to be employed, especially in an urban area with fewer jobs, so it is often hard to get proper care even if there is a nearby facility.
Make Your Home More Accessible To Avoid Health Scares
If you live in a sparse urban area or rural healthcare desert, then it is a wise idea to do what you can to make your home more accessible so you can avoid potential accidents and trips to the hospital. There are several additions and adjustments that you can make to your home to make it more accessible.
You can start in the bathroom by modifying your bathtub, toilet, and other potentially slippery areas with grab bars that you can hold to remain steady. Also, consider adding a seat to the shower and a handheld shower head so you can bring the water to you instead of straining to reach it.
If you get around with the assistance of a wheelchair or walker, then you will want to make certain adjustments to your home to avoid a fall or injury. If your house is elevated, then you should seriously consider a ramp that will help you access your home. If you spend any time upstairs, then you should also think about installing a chair lift or consider moving your bedroom downstairs so you don’t have to take the risk.
It is also a good idea to reconfigure your home so that you have everything you need within arm’s reach. Plus, opt to install bright LED lighting so you can make your way around the home without incident.
Consider Telehealth
If you have a health concern at home and you don’t need to see the doctor in person, then consider scheduling a virtual doctor visit.
Telehealth platforms have evolved over the years and, if you don’t have a healthcare center nearby, you can use your computer to talk to a real doctor and get the advice that you need. You can schedule appointments online, show pictures, and even have your prescription filled without leaving home.
Telehealth is an especially good option if you are hearing and vision-impaired because you can often use screen-reader software to read the information that you may not be able to see in the office. These general healthcare inequalities affect people with disabilities beyond rural healthcare deserts, so you can use them to your benefit anywhere in the country.
Moving Forward With Your Healthcare
It is unfortunate how devastating healthcare deserts can be to the disabled community. However, by making your home more accessible, utilizing telehealth, and taking care of yourself, you can still live a healthy life.
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