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Tips for Caregivers of the Developmentally Disabled

Caregivers, from family members to group home employees, need to separate their feelings from the situation at hand. If you are afraid that your disabled family member or client will fail and, in turn,you hold him back, how will he ever know success? He needs and deserves the same opportunities to live and grow as you do. As caregivers, you need to take care of yourself. If you are doing it on your own, try to delegate some of your responsibilities to avoid burnout. You need to live your life as well.

  1. Potential

    • Get to know the person or people you are caring for to help them reach their full potential. Avoid doing too much for them if they are able to complete tasks on their own. Provide assistance where assistance is needed only. The more independent a person with developmental disabilities can be, the better off they will be now and in the future. Give reminders as needed to complete their daily routine. Teach to their level of development.

    Medications

    • An important part of caring for people with developmental disabilities is watching for changes in mood, demeanor or physical, emotional or mental changes. These symptoms need to be reported to the person's doctor and the medication dose may need to be adjusted or eliminated. Anxiety disorders, phobias and depression are common in people with developmental disabilities. Medication can suddenly stop working. Some people with developmental disabilities, such as Down syndrome, will see a rapid decline in mental functioning by age 50.

    Daily Living

    • Daily living can be a struggle for many people who have a developmental disability. Many of them have difficulty with transition and if an emergency arises or an abrupt change in routine occurs, the results can be a major meltdown for the individual. It can be hard for them to cope with change or control the anxiety they might feel as a result of the transition. People with developmental disabilities may find it difficult to wait on line for a bus or at the store. They may have difficulties and even refuse medical examinations, making it harder to treat them. Some people with developmental disabilities have a difficult time getting their needs met as a result of severe communication issues.

    Self-Care for the Caregiver

    • Employees of group homes, hospitals or other facilities that assist people with developmental disabilities often work long hours. Family members with siblings or children with developmental disabilities may work around the clock. As an employee, it is important to take a mental health day for yourself from time to time to alleviate stress and catch up on your own life. It is important for all caregivers to honor the hard work they are doing, but they must recharge their own batteries to continue caring for another human being. If you burn out, you will no longer be able to help. Family members may need to find a day program or special school for their developmentally disabled family member to delegate the care giving to someone else for a time.

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