Having the responsibility of looking after a loved one with a disability is, in itself, a demanding task, and increasingly challenging for those who are required to balance this with looking after other family members and working a full-time job. Although caring for your loved one may seem the best option, it can be mentally and physically demanding. An enormous amount of stress can be alleviated if you, as the carer, are aware of the best ways you can successfully support your loved one’s health.
As your loved one’s carer and family member/friend, it’s only natural that you wish them the best quality of life possible. Taking some time to research and really understand their condition in detail, whilst listening to advice from a professional carer is always a great place to start, since learning about the condition will allow you to provide a better level of care. It’s also important to ask your loved one about their needs (you may need to involve a professional, however, if they are suffering from a cognitive impairment). By showing that you’re interested in listening to your loved one’s feelings and involving them as much as possible, you’ll build a strong trusting relationship.
Seeking peer support is essential for you, as a carer, to maintain social contact with likeminded people whilst also being able to share and receive useful advice. Whether it’s a local group or online forum, simply making the effort to maintain social connections can help to boost your personal happiness, which is important in ensuring that you remain positive when providing care.
It’s essential that, if your loved one is suffering from a physical disability, their living space is safe and accessible. You might find that your loved one will benefit from hand rails or ramps, or increased space throughout for wheelchair access. Initially, this could involve having a deep clear out of the space and adjusting the position of furniture, before considering more appropriate equipment.
In addition to physical disabilities, your loved one may also suffer with a cognitive impairment, which can make it difficult to communicate. If this is the case, make sure to increase your use of facial expressions and body language – but make sure that it’s friendly, pleasant and respectful. You can also use body language to show affection, since human touch is valuable for those who struggle to communicate.
At the core of providing great care is, first and foremost, ensuring that you look after your own physical and mental health. It’s very difficult to provide a good quality of care to others if you’re unhealthy. Take a read of our previous blog, which offers advice on how to continue looking after yourself whilst you’re caring for others.
If your loved one’s physical difficulties would benefit from professional support, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with a member of our team. From neurological rehabilitation to physiotherapy and a range of on-site facilities, our rehab centre is well designed to suit differing needs.