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Tips for Caring for an Adult with Disabilities

If you are a family member who cares for someone with a disability, whether a child or an adult, handling personal, caregiving, and everyday needs is hard work.

Home care services are not limited to seniors. Adults with chronic needs or disabilities can also benefit from a professional caregiver to help them live independently and help you – the family caregiver – keep stress at bay.

Working closely with families who have loved ones who are autistic and those with Down’s syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, and other intellectual and developmental disabilities, we have found the following caring tips to be extremely helpful:

Educate Yourself. Gather as much information about the family member’s condition. Meet with their health advisors and specialists to understand their situation today and what to expect in the future. Becoming more informed will help you make more knowledgeable health decisions and improve your understanding about any challenges your family might face.

Grow Your Support Group. Family members and friends can provide support in a variety of ways. Oftentimes they want to help but are not sure how to ask. Determine what you need and give specific instruction on how they can assist you and your family. Here are a couple of other ways to grow your support network:

  • You and your disabled loved one could join a local or online support group based on needs and interests. A support group can give you the chance to share information and connect with people who are going through similar experiences. A support group may also help you overcome the isolation and fear you may experience as a caregiver.
  • Search for local and national groups that provide services, recreation, and information for people with disabilities.

 Be an Advocate. The family member with a disability will need advocates to ensure that they get the best service, support, education and care he or she needs.

  • You and other family members should familiarize yourselves with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Family Medical Leave Act, and other state and national provisions. Knowing how and when to apply them to your specific situation could be the best thing you do.
  • Keep other caregivers and health providers informed of any special conditions or circumstances that could impact care.
  • Keep documents of his or her medical history current.
  • As a family caregiver, you need to be an advocate for yourself. Let your employer know about your situation. Be open and discuss what you need to be able to support your loved one.

Remember Self Care. Caregiving is hard work. Caring for a family member with a disability can be very rewarding, but also extremely challenging. It is important that you stay healthy for yourself and for those in your care.

  • Set time for yourself to read a book, go for a walk or take a nap.
  • Ask for help or hire an in-home caregiver to help you with companion or personal care on a daily or weekly basis.
  • Make respite care part of your vocabulary. Schedule breaks or vacations so that you can get refreshed and be an even better caregiver.
  • Keep on top of your physical and mental health.
  • Exercise and eat right.
  • Spend time with your family and friends.

Family members caring for a loved one living with a disability play such an important role. The care you provide allows them to maintain a sense of independence and remain in their home. Adding services that a non-medical home care provider brings to your family can support the quality of life of the person living with a disability and help you to allow them to grow and experience life to their fullest.

 

This article is provided by Scott Topping, Owner, FirstLight Home Care of Honolulu. For more information, visit us online at Honolulu.FirstLightHomeCare.com or call us at (808) 600-3733.

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