Why Respiratory Disorder Patients Should Apply for a Disabled Parking Permit

Disabled parking permits are provided for individuals who are experiencing a medical condition that makes it difficult for them to walk long distances. This can include anything from cardiac conditions and vision problems to the use of a prosthesis or loss of mobility. Individuals with respiratory illnesses are another group that can benefit from owning a handicap parking placard. These patients can see a wide variety of advantages from obtaining a disabled parking permit.

There are many respiratory disorders that qualify a patient for a permit. Individuals who have been diagnosed with conditions like asthma, emphysema, cystic fibrosis, COPD, and others all likely have symptoms that make it challenging for them to complete any kind of physical activity. These patients often have serious trouble breathing and sometimes have to depend on portable oxygen or inhalers. Because of these breathing difficulties, patients can experience a loss of mobility. This means they’re unable to walk long distances without needing to rest or becoming distressed with their breathing. In some states, if a person is unable to walk more than 50 feet without stopping to rest, they’ll qualify for a disabled parking permit. In other states, it can be as much as 200 feet. Either way, if a physician can determine that walking long distances creates worsened respiratory issues, a person can qualify as disabled.

Here are just a few benefits that respiratory patients can discover with the use of a handicap parking permit.

Can make outings easier

Without a disabled parking permit, people with respiratory disorders have to face a long walk through the parking lot anytime they want to run errands or go to doctor’s appointments. It can be stressful for them to balance taking care of themselves while still being productive. It can also be challenging to maneuver through a parking lot with an oxygen tank. Therefore, having a handicap parking permit means patients can always park closer to their destination, creating an easier experience for every outing.

Better able to conserve energy

Living with a respiratory disorder can mean that a person has to carefully plan out their day to make sure they’ll have enough energy for everyday tasks. A close parking place can allow an individual to conserve their energy for their errands and appointments. They can take care of what’s important to them instead of worrying they won’t feel well enough to get through the day. A handicap parking permit can result in a respiratory patient being able to hold onto their valuable energy any time they leave the house.

Possibly allow for less dependence on oxygen

Because respiratory patients sometimes have to depend on oxygen or other breathing assistance after exerting themselves, a handicap parking placard might mean they need these aids less. Without having to trek across a parking lot, patients’ respiratory systems can actually be in less distress. Depending less on oxygen during the day can also help the patient feel just a tiny bit healthier, along with allowing them to move around more freely without an oxygen tank.

Can travel more easily with an oxygen tank

For respiratory patients who require constant oxygen, a disabled parking permit can make it easier for them to travel around. Parking in a designated handicap parking place likely means there’s more space to enter and exit the vehicle, which is necessary when transporting an oxygen tank. Patients will find it’s easier for them to get around with their tank if they can park in more convenient handicap parking spaces.

Provide the patient with more autonomy

Patients with breathing issues can often feel dependent on others. As they rely on other people more, they can start to feel less capable of taking care of themselves. A handicap parking permit means that patients can better get around without too much assistance. Closer parking places means the patient (either as a driver or just as a passenger) can navigate their way out in the world without needing to have someone at their side. An increase in feelings of autonomy can result in a patient having a better outlook on their health and their life as a whole.

Respiratory patients can obtain all of these advantages by applying for a handicap parking permit. First, they’ll need a licensed doctor to complete an application (that they can get at the Department of Motor Vehicles office or website). A trusted doctor can help determine whether the respiratory disorder patient would benefit from owning a disabled parking permit. The physician just indicates how long the patient might need the permit (either temporarily or on a permanent basis) and then they sign the completed form. After sending it back to the DMV, the patient will receive their handicap parking placard in the mail.

As frustrating and scary as it can be to have breathing problems, there are steps patients can take to make their lives a little easier. Becoming a handicap parking permit holder means that individuals can take care of themselves while still being self-sufficient. A permit doesn’t just signify a closer parking place; it can also be a symbol for a person who has decided not to have their life be defined by their respiratory disorder.