If you have a loved one who’s currently having to deal with a disability whether it’s permanent or temporary, you may be wondering how you can offer your full support. Offering your support can make your loved one feel less isolated.
However, because of the sensitivity of the issue, you may not be sure exactly how you can offer support without seeming overbearing or showing pity. You need to strike a delicate balance. Here’s what you can do to show your support in the best way possible.
Educate Yourself
The most important thing you need to do right off the bat is educate yourself about your loved one’s disability. Don’t play any guessing games when it comes to this, do your research and find out all the challenges they may face as well as the resources and all the support services that are available for them to use. The more you understand the more you can realistically support them.
Listen and Empathize
As much as possible you need to make sure that your ears are in tune with what your loved one is saying to you. Make sure that you are a compassionate listener.
You should allow your loved ones to express their thoughts and feelings and concerns without fearing that you are going to be judging them. Try to validate their experiences as much as possible. This is why educating yourself is so important.
Don’t Threaten Their Independence
It’s critical that you try not to threaten the independence of your loved one in any way possible. You need to respect their autonomy.
This is especially important if this is a person who was used to being up and about and doing their own thing before they had a disability. They will not want to feel as if you are encroaching on their ability to be independent. You want to ensure that you are helping them to maintain their dignity at all times.
Give them Practical Assistance
You need to be upfront about providing assistance whenever possible. Don’t beat around the bush about this. Give assistance with daily tasks, transportation, mobility and even personal care needs if necessary.
You need to be as patient and understanding as you possibly can. Train yourself to be this way. Even if you are a naturally impatient person you have to throw that out the window in this situation.
You need to recognize that when a loved one is living with a disability, it comes with unique challenges and there are going to be setbacks. You have to be flexible and keep your expectations in check. Things will fall into place if you are consistent with your support.
The most important thing is that you need to shower your loved one with all the affection that you can. No matter what challenges you face, as long as your loved one feels loved and accepted you’re going to conquer it together.
If you have a loved one who’s currently having to deal with a disability whether it’s permanent or temporary, you may be wondering how you can offer your full support. Offering your support can make your loved one feel less isolated.
However, because of the sensitivity of the issue, you may not be sure exactly how you can offer support without seeming overbearing or showing pity. You need to strike a delicate balance. Here’s what you can do to show your support in the best way possible.
Educate Yourself
The most important thing you need to do right off the bat is educate yourself about your loved one’s disability. Don’t play any guessing games when it comes to this, do your research and find out all the challenges they may face as well as the resources and all the support services that are available for them to use. The more you understand the more you can realistically support them.
Listen and Empathize
As much as possible you need to make sure that your ears are in tune with what your loved one is saying to you. Make sure that you are a compassionate listener.
You should allow your loved ones to express their thoughts and feelings and concerns without fearing that you are going to be judging them. Try to validate their experiences as much as possible. This is why educating yourself is so important.
Don’t Threaten Their Independence
It’s critical that you try not to threaten the independence of your loved one in any way possible. You need to respect their autonomy.
This is especially important if this is a person who was used to being up and about and doing their own thing before they had a disability. They will not want to feel as if you are encroaching on their ability to be independent. You want to ensure that you are helping them to maintain their dignity at all times.
Give them Practical Assistance
You need to be upfront about providing assistance whenever possible. Don’t beat around the bush about this. Give assistance with daily tasks, transportation, mobility and even personal care needs if necessary.
You can also help them to find personal support solutions to assist them when you are not able to.
Your Patience Is Needed
You need to be as patient and understanding as you possibly can. Train yourself to be this way. Even if you are a naturally impatient person you have to throw that out the window in this situation.
You need to recognize that when a loved one is living with a disability, it comes with unique challenges and there are going to be setbacks. You have to be flexible and keep your expectations in check. Things will fall into place if you are consistent with your support.
The most important thing is that you need to shower your loved one with all the affection that you can. No matter what challenges you face, as long as your loved one feels loved and accepted you’re going to conquer it together.
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