It is not cliche when it is said that disability is not inability. Yet, some of the most strong-willed individuals you will ever encounter are disabled. Most of them have a strong zeal for life and achievements that will be shocking. Many have a refreshing view of life, with a majority appreciating everything that comes their way.
While some may need a bit of support to get by, others have mastered the art of being self-sufficient and only seek help if it is necessary. Below are a few tips that can help anyone better care for a disabled individual without demeaning or interfering with their dignity.
Understanding the Person, You Are Dealing With
The worst thing you can do when dealing with a disabled individual decides what is right for them. Just because they cannot move or do certain things does not mean they cannot decide or think for themselves.
Always give them room to choose and participate in the decisions that concern them. For example, you can always ask about their preferences when deciding on something that has options. This is one of the best and easiest ways to maintain their dignity as a caregiver.
Also, note that all disabilities are not equal. What may be challenging for one disabled person may not necessarily be a hurdle for another. Make sure to ask how you can assist before making demeaning assumptions. Sometimes all it takes is to ask the disabled individual or close family members who have their best interests at heart.
Invest in Movement Aids
Again, depending on the disability, some people may need help with movement. While some cannot get by without a wheelchair, manual or electric, others prefer using crutches, cane walkers, or knee walkers. Involve disabled individuals in the decision-making to help them feel confident about the choice made.
You can also suggest options you think would favor them better. Explain to them how this works and how helpful it can be to users. For instance, power scooters are easy to manage and help disabled individuals beat fatigue. However, rather than forcefully making them adopt this new option, you can make them understand why it is favorable.
Emphasize Stress Management
Your goal is to always find ways to manage stress levels. As a caregiver or someone close to the disabled individual, your goal is to help them manage life stresses effectively. You should concentrate on ensuring they have a good work-life balance. Monitor their social, mental, and work relationships.
Disabled individuals, like the abled people, need to strike a balance in life. Let nothing overwhelm them as this can be detrimental to recovery or management of their conditions. Stress intensifies the negative symptoms and may lead to other subsequent complications.
Health Comes First
Whenever you are taking care of a disabled person, make sure that their health is a priority. This simply means letting them have the right diet and exercise. You can also do checkups to ascertain that everything is working as it should.
Engaging the disabled in activities that exercise them physically, mentally, and emotionally can help improve their overall well-being. If possible, try your best to ensure that they experience minimal stress, anxiety, or uncontrolled life pressures.
Help them Find Meaning.
Sometimes disabled (especially the severely disabled) individuals tend to suffer from depression and other mental illnesses because they feel hopeless. The fact that they find no meaning in life can be detrimental. This mostly happens to people who were once normal and, due to an accident, find themselves disabled.
Such people struggle with finding new meaning in life, especially if their previous life followed a specific trajectory. It can be difficult to convince such people that life can be normal again, especially if, due to disability, they can longer pursue the things they were previously passionate about.
As the caregiver in charge of them, your focus should be on helping them realize that one can redefine their life’s purpose and lead a fulfilling life as a disabled. Help them find the zeal for life again, even if it means taking them through counseling sessions and therapy.
You should always encourage them to ask for help. As a caregiver to a disabled person, you may not always know how to help, especially if the issue is not obvious. Build a good relationship with the person you take care of. Once you are at a point where they can trust you, encourage them to always ask for assistance whenever they need it. It can be detrimental if a disabled individual suffers in silence. Some issues they deal with can be sorted out if they are arrested in good time.
Common Challenges Disabled People Face
A good caregiver helps to understand the challenges the disabled face. You may be surprised at how much they go through without disclosing it to anyone. For example, many people may discriminate against them, while others openly disregard them as incapable. Sometimes, physical assaults could also occur because of their vulnerability. Knowing these challenges will help you find better ways to support the disabled.
Final Thoughts
The journey of a disabled individual is different and unique to each case. Caretakers learn as much as they can if they are to offer better care. More importantly, love and respect the disabled at all times.
