Caring with a child or an adult with special needs is incredibly rewarding, but it can also be challenging. This is especially true if the individual you’re caring for has little or no capability for independence. They may rely on you for everything. That can be a heavy burden to bear, especially if you have other children or are a single parent. Even if you’re caring for another adult, you’re still taking on responsibility for another person.
Giving your special needs loved one as much independence as possible can be incredibly helpful for their self-esteem and their mental health. No one wants to feel helpless or be judged incapable of doing things. This is where Reliant Home Care Services can help. Our trained in-home care professionals can help your loved one live a full and happy life while still getting that help they need. For parents, our respite care can be a life-saver. We can give you time to focus on your own needs or the needs of your other loved ones without worrying about finding someone to provide care.
Understanding Special Needs Care
Special needs care can be difficult to define because it covers a wide range of needs. Some individuals may be fully mentally and emotionally aware, but they may face physical challenges that require a helping hand. Others may have mental or emotional roadblocks that make it difficult for them to function independently. Some individuals may need fulltime home care, while others may simply need someone to visit for an hour or so every day to help them with some basic tasks.
This is why there’s no one-size-fits-all care plan for those with special needs. Every person is going to be different, so every care plan has to be tailored to their needs and wants. Both are important. Providing care that someone doesn’t want typically ends in frustration for everyone involved, and it can cause additional wellness issues. Of course, sometimes your loved one may not realize they need care, which can be another challenge.
Regardless, Reliant is here to help you. We’ll provide a support system both for your loved one and for you and your family. This begins with an assessment to understand what’s needed. We then work closely with you and your loved one to create a unique care plan that addresses all of their needs while providing them a life with dignity, respect, and as much independence as possible.
Healthcare challenges
Those with special needs may face a number of different healthcare challenges. They may not understand the conditions they’re dealing with or why they need to follow certain diets or take specific medications. Some may not be able to physically care for themselves due to mobility challenges. Some may face communication barriers, financial limitations, or a lack of understanding and empathy. As a caregiver, you may reach a point where you simply don’t know what to do. It’s at these times that you need to remember that you’re not alone.
The Benefits of In-Home Care for Individuals with Special Needs
Taking care of someone, regardless of their level of independence, without help is often more than one person is capable of. Asking for help doesn’t mean you’ve failed or that you’re a bad person—it means you’re human. Even if you have another family member who is able to assist you in providing care, there may come a time when you both are unavailable or feel out of your depth.
That’s where Reliant comes in. Our team of care providers can assist with a wide range of tasks. We can help your loved one with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as getting dressed, bathing, using the bathroom, and preparing meals. We can also assist with exercises and fall prevention.
Those with special needs often find themselves without a lot of social interaction. They may rarely leave the house, and some may not have many friends to call on the phone. Having a regular caregiver visit gives them the chance to make a new friend and have conversations with someone who isn’t a family member. This can help with mental and emotional health.
Transportation is another benefit to in-home care. We can help your loved one get to doctor’s appointments and other necessary appointments. We will also assist with errands and other tasks. We know many people with special needs aren’t able to drive, and some have difficulty with public transportation. We’re here to make certain transportation is not a barrier to care.
All of our caregivers are trained to provide care, and we will match your loved one with a care provider who has the experience and training necessary to provide the required care. In addition to providing care, they can answer your questions and even teach you how to be a better caregiver.
One way they can help you provide better care is by letting you take time to rest. Our respite care providers help out on an as-needed basis. They can step in when you have an appointment, aren’t feeling well, or simply need to take care of some business.
Choosing Reliant Home Care Services
Reliant is here to make certain your loved one is able to enjoy independent living without fear of their safety. We’re fully dedicated to bringing the latest in home care to your family. Whether you need us every day or only a couple of times a month, you’ll receive the same high-quality care. Everyone we care for will have a fully customized care plan tailored to their needs. We will also keep in close contact with you and your loved one’s healthcare team to ensure this plan is still effective. If it’s not, we will make adjustments as needed.
To achieve these goals, we’re dedicated to employing certified, trained in-home providers. We’re also dedicated to continuing training and professional development. The healthcare world is always changing, and we will bring any of these relevant changes into the services we offer.
Of course, we don’t just offer in-home care for those with special needs. Our services include elderly care, veteran care, and care for those with Alzheimer’s and dementia. We can help those with chronic conditions, those with injuries, and even those who need a little temporary assistance while they recovery from surgery or illness.
Reach Out to Reliant Today
Whether your loved one with special needs requires a daily caregiver or simply needs a little extra help every now and then, you can rely on Reliant. Our team of professional caregivers has the training and knowledge needed to help a wide range of individuals. We’re here for you. Having special needs doesn’t mean your loved one can’t live a long, happy life with partial or full independence.
Our team is here to answer any questions you may have, even if you aren’t ready to bring in a care provider just yet. We can point you towards resources, including financial assistance programs, that may help you cover some or even all of the cost of care. Of course, we can also schedule a consultation and a meeting with our care coordinator if you do need a little extra help.
To learn more about what Reliant Home Care Services offers, reach out today. You don’t have to struggle to provide care on your own—you can rely on us!