Living with loved ones with intellectual disabilities

Living with persons with intellectual disabilities such as autism, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and Down syndrome can be a disheartening journey; particularly, when you are clueless on how to take care of them. Such people need help 24/7 due to their inabilities to attend to their daily needs such as;

·      Dressing

·      Bathing

·      Shopping

·      Moving

·      Ironing clothes

·      Driving

·      Feeding.

You’re literally required to run all errands for them without showing resentment; otherwise, they might feel resented and unwanted. In addition, they depend on you for emotional and financial support in order to get going. Loved ones with intellectual disabilities could be in the form of spouses, parents, siblings or even children. These human beings are usually sensitive and delicate meaning we always have to be extra careful when handling them. As a caregiver, you always to be at your best when providing basic care for a loved one who is intellectually challenged. In some cases where you have a loved one who cannot communicate effectively due to speech challenges, you’ll be required to speak on their behalf every now and then for their own convenience.

What can I do to be a better caregiver/parent to a loved one with an intellectual disability? 

Here’s what to do;

Be understanding and empathetic 

The first thing you should do as a caretaker to an intellectually challenged person is to be more understanding. Without first understanding their suffering, experiences, and special needs, it is difficult to take good care of them. On top of that, you are more likely to experience frustrations, emotional exhaustion and stress as a parent or caretaker due to the many challenges that come with your responsibilities. Having a better understanding makes it easy for people to show empathy without making them feel sorry about their conditions or circumstances. Understanding and empathy allow you to remain calm even in some of the most challenging situations when caring for those with intellectual disabilities.

Embrace patience and tolerance

In reality, taking care of intellectually disabled persons can be an energy-sapping and mind-draining experience for any parent or carer. Many are times where you have to battle with your own challenges and still take care of others. At this point, you need to embrace patience in order to avoid being a douchebag when meeting their needs. Remember, intellectually challenged people have got feelings too. They will get irritated, annoyed, frustrated and get hurt too when things don’t go their way. In such times, only patience and tolerance can help them get better.

Do your homework well

Most carers and parents are unable to take proper care of their intellectually limited family members due to lack of knowledge. Learning facts such as the causes, symptoms, prevention and treatment options for different intellectual disabilities can make your life and that of a disabled person easier. With facts at your fingertips, you’ll be able to predict or notice when someone with an intellectual disability needs your help. Having the ability to read symptoms as they occur puts you in a better position to make life-saving decisions efficiently. Finally; it also empowers you to find the right method of treatment for a loved one.

Be there when they need you

You need to consider incorporating loved ones living with intellectual disabilities into your busy timetable if you truly love them. Being too busy for them will obviously make them feel like a burden, unwanted and hopeless. Such people need assurance that you’ll always be there for them whenever they need your help. The truth is; no one chooses to be intellectually disabled. It’s only circumstantial. Prove to that loved one who has intellectual disability that you love them unconditionally by being there for them and it will not go unnoticed.

Bottom-line

Your unconditional love towards loved ones with intellectual disabilities is undoubtedly the key to taking effective care of them.

Psychologist Nhu Nguyen

Nhu Nguyen is a Registered Psychologist (AHPRA) with experience treating individuals in a wide range of mental health settings. On her days off, she shares her knowledge of mental health by creating online mental health and lifestyle resources.