How to Understand a Family Member's Physical Disability

By eHow Relationships & Family Editor

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Disability can strike anyone, anywhere, anytime. If someone in your family is or becomes disabled, you can best cope by concentrating on the person rather than the disability.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Things You’ll Need:

  • Power Wheelchairs
  • Anger-management Counseling
  • Stress Management Counseling
  • Computer Mice
  • Computer Monitors
  • Computer Desks
  • Manual Wheelchairs
  • Wheelchair Gloves
  • Wheelchair Mini Ramps
  • Wheelchair Ramps
  • Internet Access
  • Support Groups
  • Computers

Step1
Consult with the medical professionals involved.
Step2
Consult occupational, physical and mental health therapists as necessary.
Step3
Consult disability and independent-living specialists.
Step4
Remain positive and open to the concerns of everyone in your family.
Step5
Exercise patience.
Step6
Realize that a disabled person must cope with guilt and frustration.
Step7
Listen and communicate. Hear what's being said, but think about what's been left unsaid.
Step8
Assist and support without coddling.
Step9
Take a caregiver break when necessary.
Step10
Support and encourage independence and self-responsibility.
Step11
Work to decrease social isolation.
Step12
Consider membership in caregiver and disability support groups.
Step13
Understand that a newly disabled person may feel he cannot reassert control over his life. Encourage him to do so.
Step14
Forget about the person's disability. Continue to love the person.

Tips & Warnings

  • A network of nonprofit, independent-living service agencies provides support. Check your local telephone directory.
  • Computers and Internet access are a boon to disability networking.
  • If the disabled family member is a child, siblings will need special help in understanding the disability and its influence on the family.
  • Temporary frustration and anger are natural reactions. There's no need to feel guilt.
  • Coping with a severe, long-term disability is stressful for the disabled person and for family members. Too much stress can cause depression. Understand your limitations and consult a counselor if necessary.

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Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 7/29/2006 Most people think that people with disabilities want to talk about themselves or the problem all the time. Wrong. Tell us what's going on with you and your life. A glimpse, however brief it may be, let's us forget our troubles.

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