A good way to frame these questions is to say that you want to make sure they are happy, and want to help if you can. Another option, if you are uncomfortable asking such personal questions, is to set up an appointment with the family doctor, who has been trained to go over these questions in a professional and respectful way.
Note that ensuring the basic needs of daily living are accounted for and looked after is key to enhancing life for a disabled person. It not only lifts one’s spirits by alleviating stress that these things will be taken care of, but also helps someone living with a disability to feel supported and cared for by those around them as it shows that others have taken an interest in their well-being.
Is the person now a wheelchair user? If so, are there ramps to get in and out of the house? Whether or not they are in a wheelchair, are they able to get from one floor or the house to another if it is a multi-floor house? Is there any way to make this easier, such as with the installation of handrails? Bathroom tasks may also be made easier with handrails, for instance to help with showering and/or toileting. If the person is at risk of falls where they may not be able to get up to reach a telephone and call for help, do they have a medical alert button they can press and/or a medical alert bracelet detailing their medical conditions for if and when something happens and emergency medical personnel arrive? These are just some of the things to consider. They can likely give you the best indication as to things they are struggling with mobility-wise at home, and either you or the occupational therapist can then think of creative ways to help. The occupational therapist can also conduct a complete evaluation of the home environment that is much more thorough, and provide innovative solutions that we often cannot think of ourselves given that they work in this field and have lots of experience. [4] X Research source
For cases where the medical needs of looking after the disability are higher, consider transferring the person to a facility where this type of care can be available on an “as-need” basis, or even on a 24/7 basis. Another reason to transfer someone with a disability to a group care facility is to enhance their social connections. It is a fine line to walk, because some people get depressed at the idea of moving out of their home; however, others thrive as it gives them many more options of things to do during the day, people to connect with, and others who are in similar situations.
When you do visit, bring an excited energy to make the person feel wanted and appreciated. Also, make an effort to relate to them in the same way you did prior to the disability. This will show them that you see them as the same person, and that nothing has changed for you at the heart level as a result of the challenges they are facing with their body. This will boost their self-esteem and feelings of self-worth, because many people do not want to be viewed in a different light by their loved ones simply because of a physical disability or challenge.
Trying different activities may also help the disabled person to find something they are passionate about, which can rekindle their sense of enthusiasm for life. Having a passion with other people outside of the home can do wonders for one’s mental and emotional wellbeing (and note that mental health problems such as depression can be one of the greatest problems accompanying disability).
Pets have been shown to improve the mental health of people living alone. In studies of how people relate to dogs, for instance, it has been shown that having a dog increases your levels of oxytocin, which is commonly known as the “love hormone” (it gives you that great feeling when you hug, cuddle, or kiss someone, or otherwise connect with a living being such as a pet). Some disabilities would also qualify people for a “service animal. " Service animals are specifically trained to help with the given disability, such as guide dogs for people who are blind. Service animals are also available for people who are diabetic, autistic, epileptic, or suffer from severe anxiety, among other things. If your loved one’s disability qualifies them for a service animal, look into this option as well — it provides not only companionship, but also assistance moving through the world in a functional way.
Examples might be volunteer services such as knitting blankets or scarves for the homeless, volunteering as a mentor to other people with disabilities, or finding other services that they can do. There are also companies that specialize in employing the disabled for paid work and will even organize transport. This may be a good option to look into if the person is still interested in working. It is important to recognize not all disabled people are unable to make a career for themselves. A qualified individual such as an accountant, an architect, a phone-based salesperson, etc. , can still work from home with the use of a computer, so it is wise to inquire if their employer can find ways to keep their employee active.
