Approximately 2% of the population of the United States has an intellectual disability, making it likely that everyone knows a person who requires assistance in order to perform their day-to day-tasks. During adolescence, that care is given by the parent, but as the parents age and can no longer care for their children, or they pass away, the care is left to other adult children or family members.
For someone that has never provided this type of care before, they can be left feeling they lack the education needed to perform this type of care. Here are some tips for caring for adults with intellectual disabilities.
- You Are Not Alone
There are organizations designed to help determine the best routine of care for your family member. This care can come by way of respite and in-home services. To determine the best plan of care for your loved one, consult with a behavior consultant Carmel IN. They can assist you in locating services to provide the best care for your family member.
- Focus on Their Abilities
Often, when people think of people with disabilities, they focus on things that can’t be done. Yet, when you focus on things a person who is disabled can do, you are able to focus on the positive things they bring to not only their lives, but to yours as well.
- Educate Yourself
The best thing you can do for you and your loved one is to educate yourself regarding their disability. If your family member is deaf, let them teach you sign language. If they have Down syndrome, get involved in your local Down syndrome organization. The more you learn, the more you will appreciate their challenges and milestones.
It is likely that most people will come face-to-face with a disability at some point in their life. The best thing you can do is treat your loved one with the same compassion you would desire if the situation were reversed.
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