Caregiving requires time, dedication, patience and empathy – not forgetting being prepared for any emergencies that might arise.
Many families turn to professional disability care ndis provider Melbourne in order to assist with caring for disabled family members, which often includes daily assistance with activities of daily living as well as medical management.
1. Be a good listener
Be mindful of your body language when communicating with those living with disabilities, including yourself. Make eye contact and use nonverbal cues such as eye movements to indicate that you are listening.
Good listeners avoid providing sympathy – that is, feeling sorry for someone and trying to lessen their suffering – by being an empathic ear instead. Additionally, good listeners do not talk over or interrupt people during conversations.
2. Don’t be afraid to ask for help
Caring for someone with disabilities can be exhausting both physically and emotionally, so family carers need to set aside some time for relaxation and recharge, such as day trips or respite care breaks.
Being open and honest about living with a disability will help reduce misunderstandings and frustration.
3. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if they fall
Giving disabled people as much control and autonomy over their daily lives is crucial for physical and mental wellbeing. This could mean anything from giving them control of the vegetable cutting to encouraging them to go for a walk with you.
Respect a person’s personal space by not touching, moving or grabbing their wheelchair or mobility aid without express permission from them. Communicate directly with them at eye level for best results.
4. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if they are disoriented
People with disabilities typically share similar needs to everyone else: to be treated with dignity and have their humanity acknowledged.
Do not be embarrassed to seek assistance for a disabled loved one who appears disoriented; accepting help does not indicate weakness; in fact, accepting help may save their life! Consider joining a disability support group which will give you access to caregivers and families dealing with similar circumstances.
5. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if they are sick
Caregiving for disabled people can be rewarding, but it’s important to keep in mind that you cannot do everything yourself. Make sure to stay healthy and maintain your own interests; do not allow caring for others to become your focus completely.
Avoid using euphemisms and patronizing language when speaking directly with patients. Instead, focus on their abilities rather than their disabilities.
6. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if they are confused
Don’t assume a person with disabilities doesn’t want help – offer it! Just ensure to first seek permission before providing specific assistance for what they require.
Giving disabled people agency is crucial to their physical and mental wellbeing, reducing stigma against disabilities, and seeing their faces light up when they succeed!
7. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if they are tired
Family carers need time off. Disability care provides respite so family members can go shopping or exercise, attend social events and just have some down time themselves.
Keep in mind that disabled individuals know better what they require than we do, so offer assistance but don’t be afraid to say “no”. And, if they ask for it, follow their lead.
8. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if they are hungry
Families of disabled household members can struggle to meet everyone’s daily needs, which can create mental, emotional and financial strain as well as making accessing nutritious food harder than before.
Many people with disabilities are having difficulty accessing enough food. With COVID-19 lockdowns, mask mandates and restrictive social distancing in place, it may be hard to make their way to a grocery store for groceries.
9. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if they are confused
Families often serve as primary caregivers to disabled adults living in their household, which can be both helpful and taxing. While this arrangement can provide some support and empowerment to family members, it can also create strain.
Make an effort to use “people-first language” when talking with those with disabilities. This can help avoid mistrust and misunderstandings between yourself and them, and may allow for easier communication with people experiencing similar situations. Consider joining a support group; this way you’ll meet other like-minded individuals who understand exactly how you’re feeling.
