Caring for a loved one who is mentally challenging is an awesome responsibility. Mental handicaps range from mild to severe in nature. It is important to understand as fully as possible the nature and extent of the person's illness in order to provide the best care possible. Establishing and implementing a plan of action is vital to being a successful caregiver.
Instructions
1. Research to gain as much knowledge as possible regarding your loved one's particular mental handicap. Set up information-gathering sessions with health professionals who specialize in your area of concern. Garner more information from reputable medical journals you can access through university libraries. Do this periodically as more studies are performed. Make sure to have professionals clarify anything you don't understand.
2. Determine the best living situation for your loved one. There are many considerations to consider, including age, degree of handicap, wishes of the person and financial concerns. Take your time and seek the advice of mental health professionals, family and close friends. Don't feel obligated to make the decision on your own. If you will be housing your loved one outside of your home, make sure to spend as much time as possible in the environment you are considering to get a clear picture of what his life will be like there.
3. Seek government assistance. Caring for a mentally challenged individual is costly and there may be programs in your local community that can help with financial concerns as well other issues. Make an appointment with your local social service agency to find out what's available. Again, you will want to check periodically as programs are often implemented, modified or even discontinued.
4. Develop your support team. It is important not to try to handle the care of the person entirely by yourself. Involve physicians and other health care workers, your family and friends in providing the best care possible. Listen and weigh advice before making critical decisions.
5. Keep abreast of possible treatments and medications. Document daily what happens when you loved one is on a particular treatment plan so you can discuss this with her doctors. Be ready to try different treatment strategies when one fails or becomes ineffective.
6. Prepare the living environment of the mentally handicapped so as to aid in their success. Remove any objects they may be unable to safely handle. Allow the individual to make decisions regarding decor and furniture to the extent possible.
7. Seek to "normalize" the mentally challenged's life as much as possible. Give him tasks he can accomplish and allow him to wash, dress and feed himself to whatever extent feasible. Remember that the mentally challenged may learn exceptionally slowly and often require breaking tasks down into small parts. Allow for much repetition and be prepared for having to "re-teach" as necessary.
8. Note patterns of behavior exhibited by the mentally challenged in order to defuse frustrations as much as possible. Remove your loved one from an environment that vexes him, particularly when he is learning a new task. Watch for significant patterns in mood--for example, he might become irritated, excited or exhibit distress at a particular point in the day. You can often help him cope with these feelings and behaviors when you know they are coming.
9. Get specialized education for the mentally challenged. If a child it may be possible for your loved one to attend a public school with resources for teaching the handicapped. You may want to seek out other learning facilities in your locale prior to making a decision. If your loved one is over 18 you will probably still want to seek out educational opportunities. Check with your local department of education as well as social services for guidance.
10. Petition for political support. Let political figures know if you believe your city or town can better provide for the mentally disabled than it is currently doing. Join activist groups to help get the resources your loved one and many others in similar situations need. Attend political events and rallies and try to meet with elected officials in person. Writing letters and editorials can also be effective.
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