Published March 2026 with NewsCanada
Going through a life event that impacts your mobility can make familiar things feel new, or possibly frightening. Having to adapt to your living space is often frustrating, and it can be tough to know where to start. But you can reclaim your space.
Here are some tips that can help make the journey back toward independence easier:
Start with a strategy
A loss of mobility can also bring a loss of confidence, as things that used to be simple suddenly aren’t—at least, the way you used to do them. Instead of looking at each task, skill or activity as its own challenge, you can take a step back and view them all as parts of adjusting to a new way of owning your space.
Try starting with the smaller tasks. This can help you build a sense of confidence and momentum that can make tackling the larger things easier. It’s important to be kind and patient with yourself—you’re having to make a lot of adjustments and learn new things, and it’s alright if that’s not easy.
Consider working with an occupational therapist
They’re trained to break down tasks to manageable parts based on your needs. It’s a collaborative relationship: an occupational therapist works with you to develop strategies, find tools or resources and learn skills to match your life and situation. These professionals help people regain or develop new skills, adapt to their surroundings and get back to doing tasks and activities that matter to them.
In Ontario, they have to adhere to a set of professional standards. They also have to be licensed by the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario, which is a public resource for clients as well as their caregivers.
Depending on your situation, regaining a feeling of control and security in your living space may take some effort, but it’s possible. With the support of an occupational therapist, you can get the tools you need to make the transition and reach your goals. Learn more about what they do and what to expect at coto.org/ot.