Independence for disabled people entails, in essence, making sure that they have more freedom to make choices in life and that they are supported for the choices that they make.
The goal is to broaden the range of options available to disabled people in terms of the places they can live, the types of people they can live with, and the degrees to which they require assistance in order to go about their daily lives.
The end result of a society that allows disabled people to live independently is better social integration, meaning that the disabled person and his or her family feel more accepted and included in society as a whole. This is the ideal outcome of a society that allows disabled people to live independently.
You can support the person in your care in achieving the independence they deserve and want by acting as a caregiver. By encouraging it in their daily life, you may contribute to improving their mental health, self-esteem, and even general health as a result of their increased sense of purpose and motivation. Here are just some of the ways you can help achieve this.
Encourage participation
Fostering your client’s engagement in activities that are of interest to them is one of the most effective methods to assist them in feeling more involved and independent. You will be able to determine what their interests are through conversation, and from there it will be easy to choose the most appropriate course of action for them.
If your client has an interest in furthering their education, you should enquire as to whether they have an existing skill that they would like to enhance or a new talent that they would like to master, and then look for short courses offered by local educational institutions or even online.
Find local communities or groups that have shared interests if you have someone who is more interested in hobbies. Fishing, chess and other board games like mah-jong, lawn bowls, photography, book clubs, and other activities of a similar nature are examples of the kinds of indoor and outdoor pursuits that are typically widely supported. The mental health of your client can undoubtedly benefit from their involvement in a setting that consists of other people.
Focus on physical health
You may help the person you care for lead a healthier lifestyle by encouraging them to engage in physical activity and consume a diet rich in nutrients. Different types of physical activity, depending on what they are capable of doing, can assist to encourage and strengthen them in different ways. If the person you care about enjoys being outside, plan activities like hiking with them, but be sure to take into account their physical limitations. Individuals who struggle with movement may benefit greatly from activities such as cycling and swimming. Those who are unable to participate in cardiovascular workouts can still reap the benefits of other types of exercises, such as yoga and stretching.
Increasing one’s physical and mental health can both help one become more independent physically. It’s possible that the person you care for will feel more confident in their ability to do certain day-to-day activities on their own.
Search for opportunities to work or volunteer
Working offers people, regardless of whether or not they have a disability, a feeling that their lives have a purpose. Giving a disabled person the opportunity to obtain employment increases the likelihood that they will feel as though they are contributing to society. This in turn helps the impaired person become more independent. Gaining experience in the workforce or through voluntary work is another way to boost one’s self-confidence and interpersonal abilities.
Work that is performed remotely can be carried out from almost any location, providing a someone with a disability with the adaptability that they want. Encourage the person you care about to make use of any particular skills they may have, such as those in marketing or accounting, for example. It is more probable that they will find a job more meaningful if they are able to make use of the abilities they currently possess or if they are able to reignite past passions about the work that they do. As a caregiver, it is essential to ensure that the individual in your life is receiving a wage that is commensurate with the effort that they put forth. Although it is vital to encourage them to work independently and take charge of their career, you shouldn’t be hesitant to check in on them every once in a while, to ensure that they are getting an appropriate salary and benefits package.
How can ConnectAbility Australia assist you?
At ConnectAbility Australia we focus on fostering genuine inclusion for individuals within the community as well as meaningful relationships. Using neighbourhood amenities like libraries, parks, gyms, shopping malls, and other recreational venues, you can pursue more education and training, volunteer work, or leisure activities. Any obstacles that stands in the way of you achieving your objectives, aspirations, and dreams can be addressed by ConnectAbility in collaboration with you. Our NDIS Support Coordination professionals can help you find other services and supports in your community and take charge of your life by connecting you with them.
Additionally, ConnectAbility offers a variety of options for supported independent living (SIL) housing that can help you lead an independent life in a residence that satisfies your needs. whether it’s having employees on hand around-the-clock or providing sporadic assistance (concierge model) in a location that accommodates your demands. Find out more about how we can support your needs in the Central Coast and Newcastle by contacting us through the link here.
