Non-medical home care can be a lifeline for not just seniors but for younger adults who have disabilities, whether cognitive or physical. Any adult with cognitive decline, traumatic brain injury, cerebral palsy, vision impairment, multiple sclerosis and more could benefit from in-home support.
Disability care services that support family caregivers and care for loved ones with chronic or specialized conditions can help families face the challenges in their daily lives by providing Companion Care, Personal Care, and even Respite Care to offer the family caregiver a much-needed break to take care of themselves and their needs.
Here are a few ways that home care services help adults with disabilities:
Mobility: If a person’s disability impacts their mobility, this can have serious consequences, dramatically altering their quality of life. Mobility issues can also cause falls, which is the fifth largest cause of death in the elderly (SOURCE: American Society on Aging). FirstLight caregivers understand the physical and emotional benefits that regular movement can provide, and they can assist with walking, climbing stairs and helping individuals navigate while at home or out in the community.
Personal Hygiene: Most adults with disabilities can learn to maintain basic hygiene with proper education and support – but performing these essential tasks can be challenging. In-home personal caregivers are specially trained in bathing, dressing, personal hygiene, and other personal care services that focus on preserving the dignity, comfort and health of each client.
Grocery Shopping and Meal Prep: Getting groceries is a common need for adults with disabilities who wish to maintain independence at home. Professional caregivers can help your loved one get the grocery items they need, as well as help them prepare regular meals that maintain a healthy diet, provide sufficient nutrition, and simply add joy and comfort to their day!
Physical Activity and Exercise: Physical activity and exercise can help adults with disabilities achieve their mental and physical potential. Bowling, exercise classes, gardening, team sports, dancing and swimming are all activities that can be used to promote good holistic health while having fun. Daily activity can also help those with limited mobility. FirstLight caregivers can assist (and oftentimes participate in) various physical activities and other hobbies with an adult with disabilities.
Transportation: Having help and support getting around town for both emergency and everyday needs is beneficial to an adult with a disability. Companion caregivers can provide these services directly, including shopping at specific stores for a client’s favorite or needed items or taking them to and from doctor appointments. They can also provide incidental transportation for clients who would like to run errands and socialize, all while ensuring the client’s well-being.
Disabilities can happen at any age due to illness, injury, or a genetic condition. In many cases, persons with disabilities require assistance with daily routines, such as bathing, dressing and household chores, as well as meal preparation, shopping, and getting around their house or local community.
The caregivers at FirstLight Home Care can provide companionship and personal care services for you and your loved one living with a disability. Contact us for more information on how FirstLight’s in-home services can help adults with disabilities.
FirstLight Home Care is proud to CHAMPION the family caregiver, offering empathy, advice, and support for those who provide countless hours of care to their loved ones living with Alzheimer’s. We want to provide a helping hand, relieve some of the stress that comes with caregiving, and give you back a few hours in your overwhelmingly busy day.