Over 60 million individuals in the US live with a disability of some kind. The term disability means something a little different to everyone. To some, it’s hearing loss or vision impairment.
For others, it’s a permanent disability that makes it difficult for them to perform essential daily functions without assistance.
If you’re caring for one of these individuals, you’re aware of how challenging it can be. It’s not easy to handle the needs of another person and yourself at the same time.
We’ve got a few tips that will help you tackle being a registered carer. Keep reading to learn more.
Think About What You Say
No matter what type of disability a person has, they’re still a person. You should talk to them as such. Raising your voice isn’t going to solve anything, and talking slower when addressing the individual you’re caring for is insulting.
The tone of your words isn’t the only thing that you’ve got to watch. What you say has the potential to cut like a knife. You don’t want to make the person you’re caring for feel like a burden or like a lesser human being.
Do Your Homework
When someone you love is diagnosed with a permanent disability, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with it. Doing so will make it easier for you to make important decisions regarding their health.
Look up the condition to find out what kind of difficulties the person in your care may face every day. Talk to their family to make sure everyone knows the ins and outs of the disability as well.
Build a Support System
One of the biggest mistakes you can make when helping the disabled is to try and handle everything on your own. It’s okay to ask for your help. Even the best healthcare system would need help from the best NDIS software to ensure every procedure is going smoothly.
Build a support system by talking to the family of the person in your care. Chances are, they want to help and can do small things here and there to take some weight off your shoulders.
You can also find forums online full of people in your same situation. They give great advice.
Don’t Forget to Take Care of Yourself
Don’t get so swept up in caring for your loved one that you forget to take care of yourself. Needing a break doesn’t make you selfish. Everyone has their limits.
It’s okay to delegate some of care tasks to the disabled individual’s family. In the evening, do something relaxing like take a hot bath or get out of the house for a bit.
Continue pursuing your hobbies and friendships. If you put your entire life on hold, you may begin to resent the person in your care. That’s the last thing you want.
Caring for Your Loved One With a Permanent Disability
There are a ton of challenges that comes with caring for a loved one with a permanent disability.
If you don’t take a break now and again and allow the disabled individual’s family to step in and help, it can be easy to get overwhelmed. It also helps to research your loved one’s condition, and don’t forget, they’re still a person. Make sure to treat them as such.
For more information on disabilities and being a caregiver, visit the Healthy Living section of our blog.
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