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Helping You to Care for a Disabled Relative
Caring for a disabled relative can be tough; in many cases you’re relied upon 24/7 to care for someone who is unable to care for themselves. Even caring for someone part time can be physically and mentally draining.
There is no denying that this amount of devotion to someone is something admirable and a clear sign you love and care for them greatly, but even the best of us need space to relax, unwind and have some ‘me’ time. Many organizations are set up for carers to help them take care of their disabled relative or else give them a place to stay while the carer spends some time alone. It is about choosing what is right for your situation, and allows each member of the family to live happily.
There are two general types of care: supported living and residential care. Both of these can adapt and work with your situation as well as they can to make you and your family happy and comfortable. There are also a number of aids available that can help with everyday duties. Let’s look at these types of care in a bit more detail.
• Supported Living – Supported living is a type of care where the patient is cared for at home by professionals. If you’re caring for a family member in their home, then you yourself are offering a form of supported living.
Professional carers usually work as part of an organization or business where they come in once or twice a day to help out; this could range from getting the patient out of bed, dressed and washed, cooking meals for them or taking them to the toilet.
If you’re finding it difficult to cope with caring for a relative and are considering placing them in residential care, professional supported living may offer a solution. In the case of many patients, remaining in a place where they feel at ease helps their condition; those with physical impairments, learning difficulties or mental illness may need a familiar environment to feel safe.
• Residential Care – Residential care is given to patients in a residential house rather than in their home. There are many different kinds of residential care available; some provide care around the clock with a range of different carers on hand to provide help. Others offer a form of independent living where the patient does not need care 24/7 but cannot live on their own completely.
Residential care offers a social aspect as well, allowing patients to interact with people they can identify with and have something in common. It is also great for those whose relatives live too far away or in an unsuitable place where they cannot care for them properly. Residential care allows those to live as independently as they like, depending on the condition of their disability.
Some residential care units accept patients only during the day or even for just a couple of days a week. This can allow the full-time carer the space they need, while also potentially, allowing the patient some much needed socialization.
• Assistive Technology and Disability Aids – assistive technology refers to pieces of equipment designed to help those with a range of disabilities such as deafness or blindness to cope with tasks that we take for granted.
Disability aids often refers to mobility equipment such as scooters, wheelchairs and devices to help with bathing.
Both assistive technology and disability aids can help relieve some of the duties associated with looking after a relative as they ease the difficulties associated with day-to-day living.
Understand that you do not have to look after a disabled relative alone. There are many options and organizations available to you that will do everything they can to make sure everyone is happy and comfortable. It is important to do careful and detailed research into facilities you are interested in to make sure your disabled relative gets the best care they can.
Mothers 3rd Arm was developed for parents but we pleasantly surprised how it helps the disability and special needs community. We are glad to help and thank you for supporting us. Please share this article with your friends, family and check out our Bottle Holders.
This article was written by Amy Fowler on behalf of Voyage, who offer supported living services and access to activities for adults with learning disabilities.
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