7.2.1: Home Care Goals for People with Physical Disabilities

Promoting Self-Care and Independence

In working with all people, it is important to promote independence. This is no different when working with people with physical disabilities. While they may have some limitations, such as not being physically able to walk or feed their selves this does not mean that a person with a physical disability is unable to be independent in all ways. Home Health Aides/Personal Care Aides should allow their patient with a disability to do all they can for themselves. They should not take over doing something just because they may be able to do it better or more quickly. Be patient and kind. Allow time for tasks to be completed and don’t rush the patient. When people feel they are working with someone who is patient and who gives them time to complete a task, they are more willing to try to do it themselves. This will give the patient a sense of independence and productivity. Never push a patient to do something they may not be able. This will only lead to a sense of failure and guilt.

Maintenance of Dignity and Self-worth

Caring for an adult with a physical 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, they may require additional care. This care may be temporary or permanent. Due to their disability, they may not be able to do the same things as other adults, or the same things they once were able to do, such as live independently, go to work, or provide their own self-care. Or, they may be able to do many of these things, but need some additional support and to learn how to adapt with special equipment.

It is very important to remember that just because the adult may have impairments that they are not children. Even if they need to have complete care, they should be treated as an adult. Be respectful, courteous, and kind. Promote the patient’s dignity by being mindful of providing privacy, respecting confidentiality, including them in decisions, respecting their rights, and valuing their differences. Respect the patient’s physical space and be mindful of handling prosthetic devices carefully and seeking permission prior to pushing a person in a wheelchair. They should never be forced to go somewhere they do not want to. Remember that you are an important advocate for your patient’s rights.

Preservation of Normal Life Style

It is important to always remember to provide and assist the patient in having as normal a life as possible. This means working to support the patient’s physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs. Home Health Aides/Personal Care Aides should seek ways to provide an environment in which their patient can be safely independent. Teach them to use adaptive and assistive equipment. Encourage them to complete tasks independently as much as possible. Provide encouragement and praise. Seek opportunities for the patient to socialize with others, to make choices, and to be as independent and self-reliant as possible.

Adults with physical disabilities also have sexual desires and needs, just like any other adult. Having 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 and 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 \(\PageIndex{1}\)

True or False

1. It is okay to call a person “disabled” if they have a disability. After all, they do have a disability. True or False? _____________

2. If a person needs total care or assistance with ADLs such as bathing, you should provide for privacy, especially when others are around. True or False? _____________

3. It is okay to take over dressing a patient with a physical disability if they are taking a very long time or if they make some mistakes when tying their shoelaces. True or False? _____________

Answer

1. False

2. True

3. False

FEEDBACK:

1. It is not okay to call a person “disabled” even if they do have a disability. Always use terms the patient and/or family prefers.

2. Patients regardless of disability or limitation should be provided with respect and privacy should always be maintained. For a person with a total disability who requires complete care, the HHA/PCA must remember that they are there to not only care for the patient, but to protect their privacy and dignity as well.

3. The HHA/PCA should encourage independence for all patients. This may mean that tasks will take longer than if the HHA/PCA completed the task on their own. It is okay to take extra time as this helps promote independence and positive self-esteem. This is an important task of the HHA/PCA.