While most people across the country are feeling the effects of the cost of living crisis, those living with disabilities are finding it especially difficult.
The rising cost of goods, electricity, and gas are adding financial pressure on those who have to pay extra just get by day-to-day. For example, those living with painful conditions such as arthritis may rely on keeping the heating on to help ease suffering throughout the body.
People diagnosed with arthritis and other conditions that affect the joints, muscles, neck, and back - musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions - face additional costs during the cost of living crisis, such as paying for medicine, food, and travel - all of which have been increasing in price.
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Charity Versus Arthritis ran a survey that found that among those affected by arthritis or MSK, nine in 10 are worried about the cost of heating their homes this winter, with nearly a third already skipping meals or eating less. Moreover, 94 per cent of those surveyed said the cold in winter makes their condition worse.
James Taylor, director of strategy at disability equality charity Scope, says: “Life costs more if you are disabled. Many disabled people have no choice but to power life-saving equipment and now the cost of powering an electric wheelchair or a ventilator has doubled in a year.
“Scope is being inundated with calls from disabled people with nothing left to cut back on and nowhere else to turn. Our research shows that half of disabled people say they will be struggling from October, and won’t be able to afford essentials.
“It’s no longer a choice between ‘heating and eating’, many disabled people can’t afford to do either,” adds Taylor. “Some have been pushed into debt to pay their bills, others are cutting back on showering and turning off their fridge, but it’s still not enough.”
A Government spokesperson says: “We know that living with a long-term illness or disability can impact on living costs, which is why we are supporting six million disabled people with an extra £150 payment.
“This is part of the £37 billion package of support, which will see eight million low-income households receiving at least £1,200 in support this year, including £650 in direct cost-of-living payments and all households will also receive a £400 discount on their energy bills.”
How to pay less when living with arthritis and MSK
According to Versus Arthritis, there are a variety of ways to help cope with your condition while tackling the effects of the cost of living crisis.
Pain medicines at a cheaper cost
Painkillers such as ibuprofen are a very common and recommended treatment for alleviating pain from arthritis. However, the costs can begin to skyrocket when purchasing from big brands, but there is actually no point in paying for the label.
Regardless of whether it's a big-name brand or a cheap own-branded tablet, the ingredients are the same nonetheless. Furthermore, you may be able to receive pain medication free of charge on prescription in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland.
In England, you may be paying prescription charges but it's worth examining whether you can receive a prescription pre-payment certificate which helps to cover all prescription costs for a set period, regardless of how much you get.
At-home rubs
Rub products can help to alleviate pain in the joints, however, the products can get pretty expensive. For a cheaper alternative, you can try using warm olive oil instead.
Meanwhile, if you're using gels or creams that contain anti-inflammatories then try switching to own-branded products, rather than big-name labels.
Don't be tricked by supplements
Always check the label of supplements. More often than not, you'll find that they don't actually make any claims about treating arthritis.
There is also little scientific evidence that supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin actually do anything to alleviate pain from arthritis. The only exception to this are omega-3 fatty acid supplements which may help those with rheumatoid arthritis.
If you take supplements regularly, try going off them for a few weeks and see if you notice any difference.
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