How to Understand a Family Member's Physical Disability

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

1. Consult with the medical professionals involved.
2. Consult occupational, physical and mental health therapists as necessary.
3. Consult disability and independent-living specialists.
4. Remain positive and open to the concerns of everyone in your family.
5. Exercise patience.
6. Realize that a disabled person must cope with guilt and frustration.
7. Listen and communicate. Hear what's being said, but think about what's been left unsaid.
8. Assist and support without coddling.
9. Take a caregiver break when necessary.
10. Support and encourage independence and self-responsibility.
11. Work to decrease social isolation.
12. Consider membership in caregiver and disability support groups.
13. Understand that a newly disabled person may feel he cannot reassert control over his life. Encourage him to do so.
14. 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.