By Dr. Macie Smith
Do you or a loved one have a disability? You’re not alone. One in every four Americans are currently living with some type of disability. Now, you may not physically notice these disabilities in the world around you, but many types of disability can quietly affect the lives of the people you interact with every day.
SYNERGY HomeCare’s Adult Disability Care program helps enhance the quality of life for people living with a physical, intellectual or developmental disability.
Understanding the Different Types of Disabilities and How to Provide Support
Physical disabilities can result from things like spinal cord injuries, Traumatic Brain Injury, Multiple Sclerosis, stroke, and loss of limbs. Intellectual and developmental disabilities are associated with conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Muscular Dystrophy and Spina bifida. Sensory disabilities include people who are visually impaired or hard of hearing.
How Caregivers Can Support Individuals with Physical Disabilities
For individuals living with a disability, providing the necessary support can empower them to live independently and engage fully in their home and community, enhancing a sense of belonging and social inclusion. A caregiver can help provide personalized support in a variety of ways, from help bathing, dressing and grooming, to fall prevention and mobility assistance, light housekeeping, meal planning and preparation, transportation and companionship. Professional home care services can include breaks or respite for family caregivers, allowing them to recharge and maintain their own health and well-being.
From a few hours a week up to 24-hour support, SYNERGY Home Care can create a flexible Disability Care plan to help your loved one live their best life. For those living with disabilities, staying active and engaged can be the key to living well.
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SYNERGY HomeCare offers no obligation home assessments. Find a location near you or contact us to learn how we can provide additional support to you and your loved ones.
Dr. Macie P. Smith is a licensed gerontology social worker who is focused on helping families support their aging loved ones through long-term care. Specifically, Dr. Smith educates caregivers on how to care for seniors with dementia. She is an advocate for specialized care and assists others in finding a way to provide a better quality of life for individuals with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Dr. Smith has dedicated over 22 years of her life working in gerontology and assisting families in finding personalized solutions for dementia care. For more articles by Dr. Macie Smith, click here.
