How to Create a Home Environment for the Mentally Challenged

"Mentally challenged" is an umbrella term that is used to cover a spectrum of cognitive disorders that may range from Down's syndrome to autism. Many of these conditions have a genetic component, though some may have occurred as a result of illness or accident. In the past, many mentally challenged people were hidden away from society. Some were housed in institutions, and though many may have been well cared for in hospitals and homes, they were not encouraged to be independent. Sometimes parents cared for a mentally handicapped child at home. But then when the parents became too old to continue caring for the child, there was a problem. Current thinking is that people with a mental handicap can live happy lives as part of the larger community; they just need some support to do so.

Instructions

• 1

  Involve the residents as much as possible in designing and decorating the living space, especially the bedrooms. Each resident should have her own bedroom. Encourage the residents to add personal touches to their own space, particularly photographs and pictures. Avoid uniformity of decor and soft furnishing. Each resident could, for instance, choose his own bed linens. Ensure that residents have a measure of privacy that is commensurate with their safety and well-being.

• 2

  Develop routines and structure in the home, as people with a mental handicap usually respond well to routine. Smaller homes often work better because they are more like a family unit. Decide on the level of staffing and supervision. Some residents will function at a fairly high level in day-to-day life and may be able to shop and cook with minimal supervision. Other residents will require more help in these areas.

• 3

  Help the residents to have as much say as possible in the running of the house, as this will make it feel more like their home. Hold weekly meetings where small problems can be addressed before they escalate. Oversee washing up and cleaning routines so that the more willing residents are not doing more than their share.

• 4

  Encourage residents to invite family members into the house, and make sure that they have the privacy to do this. Help them to celebrate Christmas and other holidays by decorating the house, wrapping presents and preparing a special meal.