Long Term Care for People with Disabilities
Thinking Outside the Box Has Increased Care Choices for Disabled
Sep 17, 2009
Having a family member with a disability can be a very stressful experience. Depending on the needs of the individual and the needs of the family, caring for the person at home may not be an option. Choosing to put a person you love into care of some kind can lead to feelings of guilt or a sense of failure may be pervasive. Even though being cared for at home is the preferred scenario for some, looking outside the home can lead to an improved quality of life for all parties.
There are many factors to consider when locating housing, and of course, to the maximum extent possible, the person with a disability should be involved in the planning. Of course, what may work for one person will be a disastrous fit for someone else. Among other things, the social and physical needs of the individual must be met within the framework of the care choice.
Some of the following options may not be open to all. Choices may be limited due to funding limitations, available spaces and physical proximity to options for care.
Group Home Model
This is a good option for many people. Group homes tend to offer a wide variety of services including recreational activities and options for vocational placements or educational program support. There tends to be nursing staff on hand for those with high medical needs. This model also provides a social aspect to day to day living and opportunities to develop friendships with understanding, like-minded people.
Drawbacks include a number of people residing in one place can lead to interpersonal problems; there may be limits on privacy; day to day living tends to be very regimented. This of course for some people with a disability is a necessity as consistency and routine leads to successful outcomes.
Supported Family Care
Supported Family Care is an option growing in popularity. In this scenario, a person with a disability lives with a family who provide care and support as necessary. The person is treated as part of the family, participating in family gatherings, going shopping and assisting in the home as able. A society or agency oversees the placement to ensure both parties are happy with the arrangement and to mediate any problems that arise.
This option suits both high needs individuals as well as those more independent. Often during the day the person will participate in some kind of program, either recreational, educational or vocational in nature.
One to One Worker
If funding is available, this option can enable a person with a disability to live at home (if this is his first choice) while giving the family respite from taking care of the day to needs of the individual. The worker comes to the person's home and assists the person with ADLs (Activities of Daily Living), perhaps helping with hygiene and grooming. Support can then be provided for the individual to access community programs such as swimming, or provide assistance with volunteering or education. This option provides great flexibility and variety and is a very client-centred model.
It can be isolating however unless the worker encourages participation in social activities or groups to meet others. The worker can be too much of a focal point for the individual and should the staff move on, it can be difficult for the person with a disability, especially if he doesn't like change.
Independent Housing with On-Site Support
This is a great option for the person with a need for independence, who has the skills and ability to cook and generally maintain an apartment. Usually a society or agency owns a group of small, self-contained apartments that are rented out to persons with a disability. A staff is on site 24/7 in case of emergencies and to check in with clientele. As opposed to living in a non-supported setting, it offers family members and the person himself a measure of comfort that a safety net exists.
This a sample of the options available. Families and the person with a disability know best what would work so it is important to consider all options. Also don't be afraid to step outside the box and think of your own innovative solution to meeting your loved one's needs. Without progressive thinking and opening up to possibilities, people with disabilities would still be housed in the equivalent of a big box store. Dare to dream.......who knows what idea will spring to life.
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