caring for someone with a disability of any kind presents numerous challenges, but this doesn’t mean that life with a disability cannot be fulfilling.
For most people, a fulfilling life means having control over their day-to-day activities and being able to choose how they live.
More than 1 million disabled people in the UK live alone, and many more lead independent lives with help.
So, who is regarded as a disabled person? you might ask;
A disabled person is anyone with a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on their ability to carry out day-to-day activities by themselves. These impairments could include:
- Loss of limbs
- Multiple sclerosis
- Heart Disease
- Downs Syndrome
- Learning difficulties
- Mental health problems amongst a host of other conditions.
For this, they require extra help and support from time to time and for some conditions the individual might require 24/7 supervision to be able to carry out day-to-day tasks and function at the capacity they wish to.
Research shows that An estimated 14.6 million people in the UK had a disability in 2020/21. This represents 22% of the total population.
The prevalence of disability rises with age: in 2020/21 9% of children were disabled, compared to 21% of working-age adults and 42% of adults over State Pension age.
Living with a Disability
With Improvements in medical treatments and healthcare delivery, more people are living with a disability now than ever before.
For a person to manage with long-term health problems, a care package needs to be provided. This is inevitable. Depending on the area of disability, the person may be able to remain at home or live with relatives or may require longer-term residential care.
These days a lot of disabled people are opting for care packages that allow them to live in the comforts of their own homes. Living with their family and having control of their lives.
5 Tips for caring for someone with a disability
If you are looking to take on the responsibility of caring for a loved one with a disability or you are looking to hire help to do so. Here are some tips that can help you make the process smoother;
1. Determine the type of care the patient requires
When caring for someone with a disability, you will have to decide on the best type of care that will be suitable to achieve the level of fulfilment your loved one might desire. In situations like this, simply asking them what they’d like is one good way to achieve this.
The care type can range from residential care homes to live-in care packages.
If a healthcare professional is needed i.e. doctors and nurses, and how often they will be.
You will need to determine the duration and specific needs of the patient to be able to make the right choice as each option provides unique benefits. The type of care can also be influenced by your budget so this has to be put into consideration too.
Here at Joyful care, we provide high-quality, individualized care for people of all ages and several conditions where you feel most comfortable – Your home or community. Our services are designed to help you or your loved one regain and retain independence in the comfort of your home.
2. Take breaks to recharge (if you are the Primary carer)
If you decide to take care of a family member living with a disability, it is paramount to take breaks for yourself.
Caring for people can be tasking especially if you are not a professional.
Depending on how much care the patient requires, you’ll be able to decide how many breaks you can afford to take.
Note, During those breaks, you will need to provide a replacement for yourself in case the patient cannot be left by themselves at all.
These breaks allow you to take time to do other stuff and also recharge. If you’re a person who works then you’ll need to find a balance in between.
3. Explore Respite care
When you are responsible for caring for a disabled loved one, the job can get overwhelming sometimes and you might just need a break to get away for some time. Of course, you can’t afford to leave such a person all by themselves, you will need to make arrangements for someone else to take your place while you’re gone.
This scenario is regarded as Respite. Respite care simply allows someone to take over from you (the primary carer) so you can take a break, refresh or in cases where you have some other pressing matter to take care of. After all, you have a life of your own.
You will need to vet the new carer to make sure they are suited for the task and that your loved one is in safe hands.
4. Do your Homework
Because different types of disabilities present different challenges, it is important to research and study especially if you aren’t knowledgeable about it. Learning more about the disability of whoever you will be taking care of, it allows you to be more effective in supporting them.
You will be able to avoid some bumps on the road and deliver the best care possible.
For example, if the patient has a sensory disorder, by equipping yourself with the knowledge to deal with such cases, you would know what might trigger them and then avoid those triggers.
The same goes for if you decide to hire someone to care for a loved one with a disability, the carer should be an absolute professional in dealing with such cases.
5. Be Patient, Empathetic and Compassionate
Patience as they say is a virtue, caring for someone with a disability can be challenging and requires lots of patience. Patience to deal with their needs at all times.
You must also exhibit empathy and compassion when administering care, this should come easy since it’s your loved one and you genuinely care about their wellbeing.
These three traits are vital to caregiving and if you decide to put your care or that of a loved one in someone else’s hands. You want to make sure that you or a loved one is being taken care of with the decency and dignity you so require and ultimately that they are in safe hands.