Whether you’ve been caring for a disabled relative or loved one for a long time, or happen to be completely new to the whole thing, you may find that it can be tiring physically and emotionally.
While a labour of love, being a carer is equally both rewarding and exhausting, and sometimes a little support or help along the way can do the world of good for both you, and the person whom you are caring for. So whether you’re just starting out and are scouring the internet for WAVs for sale, or you’re a seasoned carer who just wants a little extra advice, we’re here to help. Without further ado, here are a few top tips for caring for someone with a disability.
Stay Active Where Possible.
Staying active is important for not only your loved one, but for you too. While limited mobility and a need to rest can provide limits to what you and the person in your care can do, being active when you can is important for physical and mental health. Exercise is known to have a profound effect on anxiety, depression, and getting a little fresh air will improve your general mood too! A weekly exercise could be a good starting point, whether that’s a walk, exercise class, or another appropriate activity. Only you can judge how much you both can handle, so trust your knowledge, and the doctor’s orders!
Kit Out The House If You Can
Kitting out a house to be completely disability-friendly can be a hefty cost in some cases, but it is also a necessary one. If your home wasn’t wheelchair accessible before, for example, installing ramps or chair lifts can be an effective way of giving back a little more independence to the loved one in your care. Independence is valuable to those who might otherwise not have very much of it, so every little thing you can do to adjust yours, or their home to their disability is a worthwhile cost. In some cases, bringing up potential changes with support professionals could lead to you being pointed in the right direction
Follow Safety Cautions In The Home
Similarly to kitting out your home, simply making sure that it is safe and fit for use it just as important, if not more so. Some disabled persons may be more susceptible to slips, trips and falls, so ensuring flat ground and uncluttered walkways is a simple, but effective step to their care. At its essence, keeping up general tidiness and cleanliness within the home will do a world of good, and could save you unexpected injuries or difficulties in the future – on either of your parts!
See What Support You Can Find
There is plenty of support out there to help carers both young and older, so if you find yourself in a position where you’re caring for a disabled loved one, it could be worth reaching out to see what help you can get. From extra money, to support groups and helplines when things get a little on the tougher side, there is so much out there that you can utilise. It can be easy to forget to look after yourself when you’re focused on someone else, so a little bit of support to help you stay fit, physically and mentally healthy and as relaxed as possible is well-warranted.
