Caring for a differently-abled loved one requires lots of patience, care, and understanding. The journey is challenging, and you need a strategic approach to cater to their physical, emotional, and technological needs.
So, let’s find all the different ways you can make their life easier and help them feel confident and self-dependent!
1. Ask if they need help
It’s wrong to assume that your loved one always needs help. Instead of always trying to help them with the most minute tasks, ask them if they need a hand.
Learn which tasks they need help with and which they prefer doing alone. This will make them feel like an equal and not a burden for being different.
2. Hire a caregiver
While you might be more than willing to help out this loved one, you may burn yourself out. You also need a break or need to work, whether at home or the office.
So, it’s better to seek the services of a trusted and experienced healthcare recruitment agency Australia and find the best in-home care support.
You can opt for different services, including personal activities, behavior support, daily household tasks, travel and transportation, and more.
Instead of admitting your loved one to assisted living arrangements or other care services, this is a much better option for flexibility and independence.
3. Invest in home modification
To enhance the daily life of your disabled loved ones, consider some home modification projects. For instance, if they have trouble using the toilet or bathing, install grab bars in the bathroom, raise toilet seats, and walk-in showers.
If they use walkers or wheelchairs, widen all doorways and install both outdoor and indoor ramps for enhanced safety. Secure the rug to the floor with non-slip mats to prevent accidents. Make sure every staircase is secured with handrails.
Wheelchair-bound loved ones can’t reach top shelves. So, consider getting all of their necessities in inaccessible areas.
4. Get some alert systems
Several fall alert devices are available in the market. These can be worn like watches or pendants. They come with a switch, which, when pressed, rings an alarm at home or notifies loved ones or care support about the emergency.
Besides these, install security cameras around the home just to be careful. You can monitor them remotely using apps. Ensure fire alarms and smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are functional. Replace their batteries on time.
5. Spend time with them
Reports from 2021 show that 1 out of 5 disabled individuals (19%) aged 15-64 faced social isolation. Social isolation can deteriorate both emotional and physical health. So, try to offer your loved one plenty of emotional support by spending quality time regularly.
Invite other loved ones as well and spend a day talking about daily life, family, music, recent happy incidents, and work. Go on long drives, movies, and concerts, and partake in recreational activities together.
6. Get a pet or plant
Disabled individuals always feel they are less than others, so nobody relies on them. Eliminate such negativity by getting them a companion, like a furry friend or a house plant. Depending on their abilities, whichever they can care for effectively, choose that.
7. Never violate their personal space
Most family members get used to helping disabled individuals and forget to respect their personal space. For instance, they may dislike others touching their mobility and safety aids and equipment without permission. If necessary, always let them know you’ll move/touch them before you do.
You must always knock on their doors. Don’t discuss their disability or anything embarrassing related to it with others. You must also warn others from saying such things.
8. Be cautious of your words
While discussing their disability, don’t paint it in a negative life. For instance, don’t use terms like “wheelchair bound,” “handicapped,” or “abnormal.” This sounds like the individual is helpless.
You must also avoid saying things like, “I’m so sorry you have to live with this.” They imply that they are not living a “normal” life and their situation is tragic. Disabled individuals fight with negative emotions every instance. Such statements only dampen their spirits.
Don’t show unwanted sympathy or stare at their disabled body parts. In fact, don’t try to make conversations out of it. If anyone else does any of these, don’t wait and tell them that you won’t entertain such conversations.
Conclusion
With these mindful and supportive methods, your loved one will feel supported and live with dignity and independence. So, embrace these measures today and make a difference now!
