Understanding a disabled person’s condition and impact is the cornerstone of providing excellent care. Spend some time familiarizing yourself with it so you can have more meaningful discussions with those under your care, and avoid any potential roadblocks on their journey. Know more at https://www.greaternortherncs.com.au/.
Adults with disabilities require regular aerobic and muscle-strengthening physical activity to improve their health and reduce symptoms associated with chronic illnesses.
1. Take care of yourself.
Caregiving for someone with disabilities can be exhausting work. To maintain good health and build meaningful relationships while giving more of your time to caregiving tasks, it’s essential that caregivers find time for themselves.
Be sure to get enough rest and find ways to have fun, and plan ahead for the future. According to research done by Burke, only half of families caring for disabled individuals have created plans for their relative’s needs in the future, with many being hindered due to financial restrictions or unwillingness to discuss difficult topics. She suggests researching community services and government programs while writing down medical histories or storing them on phones or other devices for later reference.
2. Ask for help.
Most of us expect to live long, healthy lives; so when illness or injury strikes unexpectedly, it can trigger overwhelming emotions and fears.
There are plenty of resources to assist disabled individuals in leading active lifestyles and meeting health objectives, while many families find respite careexternal icon (short-term or temporary care for disabled family members) provides much-needed respite care.
Burke notes it can be challenging for many families to plan for the future of a disabled loved one due to financial limitations and unfamiliarity with government services, as well as an unwillingness to have difficult discussions about needs and preferences for fear that such discussions might upset their loved one and may create emotional strain.
3. Take care of your family.
If you are caring for someone with a disability, it’s essential that you spend quality time with family and friends. Doing this will keep your spirit positive and ensure a healthier outlook on life.
Focusing on what your charge can do rather than what they cannot is also key in building their self-esteem and confidence. Encourage them to chop their own vegetables or take the dog on an outing around the park – giving disabled people agency can make all the difference to their self-esteem and sense of independence.
Jeneva Stone from Bethesda, Maryland says her family has made plans for when her son needs residential care, including setting up a special needs trust and an ABLE account (a savings account designed for people with disabilities). They’re also exploring options like shared decision making, power of attorney and supported living.
4. Talk to your doctor.
Many disabled individuals rely on various health and welfare services, yet very little research examines their perspectives about how those services are provided.
Avoid using condescending words such as “handicapped,” “differently-abled,” and “physically challenged.” People living with disabilities do not appreciate being addressed in this manner.
Discuss with the disabled individual their ability to follow instructions and maintain health appointments records. It would be beneficial if conversations, treatment recommendations, billing statements and receipts could all be recorded as logs for easy reference in future conversations or bills received.
Noticing disability should not mean giving up. With help from family, friends, and community members it may be possible to regain some level of independence – the more empowered someone with a disability feels the better it will be for all involved.
5. Attend health appointments with your charge.
People with disabilities are sometimes overlooked when it comes to receiving regular preventive health care due to physical or mental limitations that make attendance at their doctor’s office impossible.
Disabled people must feel secure that their doctor’s offices are accessible, and should be able to share their medical history and symptoms with their healthcare provider so that they can be effectively treated. Euphemisms or slang should never be used when communicating with those living with disabilities as this may make them feel like an inconvenience; use direct language instead to make them feel more at ease. Keep in mind that disability does not always equal incompetency – sometimes help may simply be required with issues such as balance, coordination, articulation or walking issues.
