How To Care for Adults With Disabilities

Adults living with disabilities require a helpful and patient caregiver. Just like every person, they have daily tasks and responsibilities to adhere to. When it comes to caring for them, it’s necessary to recognize their needs and assist in the best possible way. Understand how to care for adults with disabilities for beneficial advice.

Understand Their Needs

Gather as much information about the person’s condition to understand the care they need. Once you gather learning material, assess the needs of that individual adult. People with disabilities have limitations, but every case is different. You must understand the individual to know the different ways to improve quality of care. For example, an adult who has an intellectual disability may need help reading a newspaper but may be physically highly functional.

Use Clear Language

When talking to an adult with a disability, it’s imperative to use clear language. Use simple sentences to express your thoughts and make sure you’re talking at an even pace. Avoid talking fast and using long words that are hard to understand. Take your time communicating to ensure the individual interprets the message, and don’t be afraid to ask comprehension questions. For example, you might say, “When you’re done eating, put your dish in the sink.” Then, you’d ask the follow-up question, “What did I ask you to do after you eat?”

Assist When Needed

Depending on the nature of the disability, adults require different levels of help. If the person has a physical disability, you’re expected to perform tasks like lifting objects or moving the person around. In cases of intellectual disabilities, your assistance is needed to help with developmental skills such as reading and writing. Before caring for the person, fully understand what your responsibilities will be.

Be Patient

Patience is key when learning how to care for adults with disabilities. Given their mental or physical limitations, it takes the individual longer to develop specific skills. The person may need more time performing daily tasks, and that’s ok. Allow for the time and space needed to foster a peaceful environment. Not only will the adult feel relaxed, but you will too.

Caring for an adult with a disability is difficult, but it doesn’t have to be an impossible task. Listen and truly understand their needs. Don’t be overbearing, but act as a helping hand. You will form a lasting connection while being a great aid.