6.2.1: Developmental Disabilities at Home

In some cases, a person with a developmental disability may reside in a long-term care facility or group home. Workers in those environments help to provide care and support for the person. Other times, a family who has a member with a developmental disability may decide to care for their family member within the home. They may need to have extra help doing so. This is where the very important role of a Home Health Care Aide/Personal Care Aide comes in. They may help to provide assistance with completion of ADLs, provide supervision, teach positive coping skills to the patient and family, and serve as a source of respite (relief for the family) during times of high stress or high life demands. Their role is to help the family and patient in meeting their needs. They will provide emotional support in addition to completing physical care and home care tasks. Two of the most important roles providing care within the home are to help the person be as independent as possible and to always promote self–determination (making choices and plans for oneself).

Self Check Activity \(\PageIndex{1}\)

Multiple choice:

1. Which of the following is the best explanation for what respite means?

a). A nurse administering extra medication for the patient to help them sleep.

b). Providing relief for the family by providing supervision and personal care for the patient so the family can rest and do other activities.

c). Putting the patient in a room by him/herself with a TV to keep them occupied.

d). Giving the patient extra time to put their shoes on.

Answer

1. B

FEEDBACK:

1. Providing respite for a family means providing relief and assistance for a family who cares for a patient. Respite activities may include providing assistance with completion of ADLs, light housekeeping, emotional support, and providing companionship to the patient.

Caring for a Child with a Developmental Disability

Caring for a child with a developmental disability is the same as caring for any other child in the sense that they have the same basic needs. They need food, water, safety, love, a sense of belonging within their family and community, social interaction, and to develop a sense of independence and self-determination.

Unlike other children the same age, they may require additional care. They may not achieve the same developmental milestones, or they may achieve them at a later date than other children their same age. They may need extra help in school, or have additional members on their home health care team to help meet their needs. With extra support and treatment interventions, children with developmental disabilities can lead full and productive lives, filled with joy and happiness, just like any other children.

Self Check Activity \(\PageIndex{2}\)

1. Children with developmental disabilities have the same needs as other children, although they may require additional care and take longer to reach developmental milestones.True or False? ________

Answer

1. True

FEEDBACK:
1. All people, regardless of disability have similar needs: food, water, safety, love, a sense of belonging within the family and community, social interaction, and to develop a sense of independence and self-determination. While people with developmental disabilities may need additional care, support, and time to achieve goals and to meet daily living needs, they can still lead full and productive lives.

Caring for an Adult with a Developmental Disability

Caring for an adult with a developmental disability is the same as caring for any other adult in the sense that they have the same basic needs. They need food, water, safety, love, a sense of belonging within their family and community, social interaction, and to develop a sense of independence and self-determination. Unlike other adults at the same age, they may require additional care. They may not be able to do the same things as other adults their age. For example, they may not be able to live independently, or go to work, or have a family of their own. Or, they may be able to do many of these things, but need some additional support.

It is very important to remember that just because the adult may have impairments, they are not children. Even if they need to have complete care, they should be treated as an adult. They should be provided with opportunities to socialize with other adults, to make choices, and to be as independent and self-reliant as possible. Always treat adults with developmental disabilities as adults, not children.

Another aspect of working with adults with a developmental disability is to be aware that many also have sexual desires and needs, just like any other adult. Just because a person has a disability does not mean that they are incapable of sexual or emotional intimacy. People who have physical disabilities may need to make adjustments during sexual intimacy, but this does not mean that they are not capable of having sexual relationships or they do not desire them or have sexual feelings. Never make judgments or assume you know the sexual needs or behaviors of a person with a disability. Always be respectful of times needed for privacy.

Self Check Activity \(\PageIndex{3}\)

1. If an adult requires complete care, they should be treated and spoken to as one would a child. True or False? ___________

2. Adults with developmental disabilities have sexual interests and needs just like any other adult. True or False? ___________

Answer

1. False

2. True

FEEDBACK:

1. Regardless of the amount of care needed, all adults should be treated as adults, and not children. Home Health Aides/Personal Care Aides should take care to treat all adults, regardless of impairment as adults and provide respect for each individual.

2. While people with disabilities may need to make adjustments during sexual intimacy, this does not mean that they are not capable of sexual relationships, that they do not desire them or that they do not have sexual feelings. Always be respectful of times needed for privacy.