Having a family member with a disability can have some obstacles that need extra help to maneuver. Here are some tips on how  To Take Proper Care Of A Person With A Disability

 

How To Take Proper Care Of A Person With A Disability

Caring for a person with a disability is a challenging task and it requires dedication and patience. If you are the caregiver of a person with a disability, you need to know how to deal with it and give the best care for them and yourself.

Disability is a broad definition for a wide range of health conditions, not only hearing or visual impairment. If you recently started caring for a loved one with a disability, here are some ways to take proper care of them without neglecting your own health in the process.

Look For Financing Options

If you are responsible financially for someone with a disability, it can put a significant strain on your budget depending on how severe the disability is. Working more hours while caring for them will stress you mentally and physically. Fortunately, there are governmental financing options for caregivers of disabled people. Disability insurance will pay for some or all of the medical needs of the patient which relieves you of having to undertake a considerable amount of the expenses. Search for tax-exempts or tax deductions for individuals who care for their spouse or child with a disability.

Do Your Research

Every disability has its challenges. So even if you already know how to take care of a person with a disability, you have to do your homework to ensure that you provide them with the care and support they need. By knowing all about the disability, you will better understand what to expect and how to care for them and avoid the things that trigger them.

It will also allow you to be emotionally prepared, which means that if they are easily triggered or have frequent emotional breakdowns, you will be aware of all the steps that you need to take to calm them down.

Manage Incontinence

Some disabilities make the patient lose control over their urination and defecation processes. While it is difficult for anyone to see their loved ones incontinent, it is also hard for the person themselves. Keep an open mind, don’t judge them, and show them it is not their fault that these things happened. You have to protect areas of the home such as couches, chairs, carpets, and other furniture from incontinence by getting underpads, diapers, and wipes. Those products will ensure that there are no urine or feces stains on the furniture and no foul smells.

Ask For Help When Needed

Caring for a person with a disability is not an easy job, you should always be alert in case of an emergency, and ensure that all their needs are met. However, for you to do so, you might not have enough time to care for their surroundings and clean the house. You need all your attention and effort to go to them and not the house.

The best solution for that is to hire someone to help you with the house chores. Cleaning, cooking, laundry, and getting groceries take a lot of time that you might not have. You can ask a family member or a friend to help you with the groceries and easy chores once or twice a week or you can hire someone to handle these things full-time.

Make the House More Accessible for Them

Each disability can affect the person’s navigation around the house. You need to know how to make the house more accessible for them so they won’t fall or bump into furniture or walls. Buy equipment that will make their life easier and make them move with more freedom. Ramps are perfect for people in wheelchairs as they can move without help from others. Each disability has its unique challenges, and it’s your role to facilitate their navigation around the house.

Take Time for Yourself

Overwhelming yourself with the responsibilities and tasks will not do any good for either you or the one you care for. It is essential to spend time doing things you enjoy whether that’s having a coffee, dancing, or going out with friends. You can hire a nurse or ask a family member to care for your disabled loved one and you go to spend quality time that will energize you and keep you fresh to take on these responsibilities again.

Caring for a person with a disability is a considerable responsibility and a challenging task. With proper preparation, it can be easier for them and you as well. Make sure not to strain yourself financially, physically, and emotionally when keeping up with their needs. Learn more about their disability to be able to help them further and understand that there is no shame in asking others for help. Spend time doing the things you enjoy to have the energy to do your best for them.