Caring for your family members with special needs like seniors can be quite challenging, especially if you are living with loved ones who have physical or mental disabilities that require extra care and attention. Caregiving at home can be tough, but it is one of the best ways to show your support for your loved ones and their health.
What is disability care
Family members who are medically diagnosed with disabilities that can hinder them from living their normal lives require some form of disability care. This means that they will rely on the assistance of a caregiver to accomplish tasks that they are used to doing alone. Oftentimes, patients may exhibit some form of denial and resist help from others. Caregivers are either trained professionals or family members who have ample medical knowledge about the person’s health.
How to deal with resistance to care
As mentioned, patients who are used to going about their daily lives on their own may find it difficult to accept that they now need help to accomplish simple tasks. Feelings of frustration over the inability to even open jars of food can trigger high amounts of stress in highly independent individuals.
It is indeed hard to help someone who does not want your assistance, but it is not impossible. With patience and careful planning and coordination with a health provider, you will be able to give your best form of care to your loved ones. Here are a few tips:
- Understand the effects of the medical condition – Before even planning action steps, it is imperative the whole family understands what is happening to your loved one, and how his/her medical condition is affecting quality of life. Ask your healthcare provider about the medical condition and what changes to expect over time. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and consult whenever there are significant changes to behavior. Ample knowledge and understanding provides the family the opportunity to become fully prepared for what may come ahead.
- Sit down and discuss what needs to be done – Some people with disabilities are more prone to accidents and other untoward incidents. Assess and address what changes need to be done and consult your family member if they are comfortable about it.
- Take it slow and don’t be afraid to try again – There is no one-stop shop in addressing your loved one’s health needs. Proceed with care and always strive to be rational in your decision making.
- Seek support for yourself – The initial stages of caregiving can really test one’s patience. This is why it is important that as a caregiver, you also give importance to your own physical, mental, and emotional health needs. Maintain a support group that consists of your family members and friends who can help you in your responsibilities as a caregiver.
- Don’t be afraid to talk about finances – Caregiving is not cheap and can take a toll on your family budget. Sit down and discuss the costs of medical care at home so you can set aside some money to cover for your expenses.
It takes a community of trusted friends, family, and health providers to provide the best kind of care for those who need it the most. You are the best advocate for your family member right now, so it is imperative that you stay positive and enthusiastic about your current condition.
What matters the most is that you keep an open mind about what needs to be done in order for you to maintain balance in your own life. Take a rest every now and then and learn how to delegate your tasks. Always consult your doctor before administering treatments to ensure safety and efficacy of the patient’s medications.
General disclaimer
Your doctor will always be in the best position to give the appropriate medical advice for your condition. For suspected undesirable drug reaction, seek medical attention immediately and report to the FDA at www.fda.gov.ph and UNILAB, Inc. at 8-UNILAB-1 or productsafety@unilab.com.ph. Always buy your medicine from your trusted drugstores and retailers.
Sources:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/caregivers/in-depth/caring-for-the-elderly/art-20048403
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/servicesandsupport/disability-and-aged-care
