Any care providers out there?

Question

In about a week, my husband and I are going to be completley certified to be a Family Home Care provider for a developmentally disabled adult. I am very excited to meet our new family member, but am also nervous about the adjustment. I am positive that it is the right decision, and I work in the field of disabilities, so I am aware of what to expect. Does anyone have this kind of home set up, and are there any suggestions? positive stories? bad moves?

Answer 1

People with disabilities do fantastic and have less behavioral issues due to the natural of the home enviornment. So the biggest issue is adapting the home to help the person be as independent as possible.

The home set up should be the standard one unless the person you are supporting has physical disabilities. Check and see if you need to have any adaptations made in the bathroom, i.e., higher toilet (seat attachment), grab bars in shower or bath, shower bend in shower, shower on a flexible hose, etc. Find out if the person can handle standard door knobs or handles. Do you have problems with the person getting the the cupboard, fridge, etc., and eating too much.

Figure out where the person's medication, if any, need to be kept. Does the person self-medicate or need help. Get a weekly med reminder, makes it easier. You made need to get a lock box for safety

What are you going to do for the person during the day or do they go to a day program/social or a vocational training program. What about transportation.

How does the person handle money. Set up a system of monitoring it including a local box.

As a home care provider I expect you will have various people checking/inspecting for all kinds of issues, from rights violations, to human dignity issues, to health issues, etc. Make sure you have a place for keep records like seizure information, notes on progress, etc. Make sure you have a copy of the guardianship papers, etc. Have a list of approved visitors if there is a guardian. Have a list of emergency numbers.

Have fun for the joys you give the people you support (PC instead of help) will be well worth the effort.

Answer 2

even though they may act somewhat like a immature person than there current age , try to treat them and expect from them the behavior and responsability of their age but take it day by day.