A large portion of the population that rely on support are people who struggle with both physical and cognitive disabilities. These individuals may participate in support treatment programs, but the full-time caregiving often falls on family members.
As COVID-19 continues to spread, many caregivers are finding that the support resources they have relied on are unable to provide assistance due to closures, lockdowns, or other precautions related to the pandemic. The concerns aren’t just from outside resources either. Caregivers and loved-ones of disabled individuals are increasingly worried about the safety of the family members they care for. While people with disabilities are not necessarily at a higher risk of contracting the virus, some could be at a higher risk because of underlying medical conditions. Naturally, caregivers are uneasy about sending their loved ones to outside resources for support.
Along with a reduced amount of support from outside resources, caregivers understand that assisted living facilities also pose a risk – which leaves family members seeking alternative solutions to support their loved ones.
Even before COVID-19 impacted our society, we knew that disabled individuals thrive when they are able to maintain as much independence as possible, and caregivers thrive when they have support. Home care services provide both—and more.
Disability Home Care
Disability home care is a service that provides in-home support for individuals with disabilities. These services benefit not only the individual but can also provide significant value to family members and other caregivers. In-Home care providers can assist by preparing meals, providing transportation to and from doctor appointments, bathing and showering, offering social interaction and much more. While places like assisted living facilities focus on set schedules, activities and meals for all residents, in-home care is developed around the needs of the individual.
- Support is given in the home. This means that the risk of contracting COVID-19 is reduced.
- Mental health is impacted in an important way. Closures of support resources can cause stress and the lack of socializing could cause an increase in anxiety and depression. In-home care can offer companionship and extra support that individuals rely on.
- One-on-one support is the basis of in-home care. That means that the care received is unique to individual needs and that the needs are met, consistently.
- Extra support can allow family members much-needed respite time to take a break and take care of themselves.
- While family members may be working from home, in-home care providers can step in and assist with daily living tasks and provide the extra care needed during work hours.
COVID-19 did not create a need for in-home care, but it has given caregivers and disabled individuals a need to find alternative solutions to outside support and facility living. From the comfort of your home, you can find the help and support that will allow you to integrate with today’s world with flexibility and ease. In-home care for disabled individuals is an empowering solution.
