How to Care for an Adult With Down Syndrome

Caring for an adult with Down syndrome is unique for each individual and family. It is important that every person who has been diagnosed live a life similar to other people their age. The constraints society places on people with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities can cause the atypical lifestyle. An acceptance of differences and being respectful for the individual will help you to care for the adult in your life with Down syndrome.

Instructions

• 1

  Identify and remove barriers in the home that prevent your adult with Down syndrome from performing their own personal hygiene. Having the ability to take care of himself will help his self esteem and make your job of caretaker much easier. Sometimes a barrier may be the caretakers fear of losing control. Consider allowing the adult more choices over her own grooming, clothing choices and decorating taste. Even if you feel they are ugly or distasteful remember, everyone has their own likes and dislikes.

• 2

  Provide a daily schedule of things to do. This will help the adult with Down syndrome remember to do housekeeping chores, remember to watch favorite television shows, or remember to get ready for specific events. Schedules can be in words or they may be pictures.

• 3

  Develop transportation options for the adult. Teach the adult with Down syndrome to use public transportation or to call friends who drive when they need or want to go somewhere.

• 4

  Pick up the adult and take them to the grocery store to do their own shopping. People with and without disabilities like to maintain control over their own purchasing choices. Although it may be easier for you to do the shopping and deliver the items yourself, the adult will be happier and live a more fulfilling life when you can devote time to taking them shopping.

• 5

  Assist with finances. While the adult with Down syndrome should have control over their own finances, you may be able to help them balance the checkbook and budget their money. Extra money should be in the control of the adult with Down syndrome.

• 6

  Consider the need for assistive technology that will help the adult become more independent. She may be able to make her own shopping lists with a notebook and pencil.

• 7

  No one is completely independent. Do not expect the adult in your care to be independent either. Identify ways to help her accomplish difficult tasks or tasks she does not like.