How to Take Care of Disabled People During COVID-19 Pandemic
Individuals living with disabilities support coordination Melbourne may require daily assistance in various tasks and/or have specific medical needs that must be met. Therefore, it’s crucial that we learn about their causes and ways we can support them.
Respect personal space and avoid touching or moving their mobility aids without permission. Also, be prepared to speak for them if they cannot express themselves clearly.
1. Take Care of Their Physical Needs
Maintaining social distancing norms during COVID-19 pandemic may make things challenging for people with disabilities, yet it is still essential that their basic needs be taken care of – this can be accomplished in various ways.
An elderly disabled person, for instance, may require replacement parts due to injury – for instance an artificial hip – this can be a challenging undertaking and might need the services of experts.
Help them learn to do things on their own rather than being dependent on someone else, to build up confidence and self-esteem. Engage them in discussions related to music or past happy memories from time to time.
2. Take Care of Their Mental Needs
Disabled individuals frequently experience both physical and mental health challenges. Treatment-related stress, pain associated with their condition and depression or anxiety as a result of feeling isolated all can contribute to distressing outcomes.
Encourage them to discuss their emotional needs with their doctor and join a support group where people who share similar experiences can find encouragement and advice from one another.
As it can be tempting to focus on what a person cannot do anymore, it’s also essential that we recognize their abilities. Help them develop a self-sufficient mindset so they don’t rely solely on you; an online delivery of essential supplies and food items might also prove useful in making life simpler for them.
3. Take Care of Their Emotional Needs
People living with disabilities often feel misunderstood and alone, so it is crucial that they receive emotional care. You can do this by creating a support network for them, spending time together, and keeping them connected to people outside their circle of influence. Respite care offers respite care options so they can have some alone time too!
Reminding ourselves that disabled people are just like anyone else is also key – they want to be treated with dignity and respect, just like anyone else would. Get to know them better so they feel that their disability does not define them – attend health appointments with them with questions for the doctor and highlight their strengths as an encouragement strategy.
4. Take Care of Their Social Needs
At times of pandemic and social distancing rules such as COVID-19, disabled people must have access to essential care. This may involve accessible transport options, food delivery services and providing enough supplies at home.
Make sure your charge has access to support groups, counselors, and other resources to combat isolation. Furthermore, try attending medical appointments together when possible.
Avoid using euphemisms and instead focus on what a person can do rather than their limitations, since most disabled people wish to be treated like any other individual – all they require is the chance. Caring for someone with disabilities is no simple task!
5. Take Care of Their Financial Needs
Individuals living with disabilities often face a number of financial concerns, from medical costs and daily living expenses, to equipment purchases such as wheelchairs or walkers. To assist with these costs, many disabled people may qualify for various government benefits programs to offset some expenses.
Some disabled individuals may qualify for personal budgets that allow them to choose how their care will be provided; as well as additional local welfare support and carer premium.
Though finding ways to care for a loved one with disabilities may be challenging, it’s essential that they be treated as people and as such are worthy of our love and appreciation for all they do for us. So make sure you find ways to express this love through meaningful gestures such as giving them gifts they enjoy or special acknowledgements of what they do for you.
