If you have a loved one with a disability, finding the appropriate care and support can be overwhelming. Residential aged care facilities offer various services that enable individuals with disabilities to live fulfilling and independent lives. Let’s explore how residential aged care facilities can assist those with disabilities and what factors to consider when selecting one.
Accessible Facilities
Consider accessibility when selecting an aged care facility for someone with disabilities. Look for buildings with accessible entrances, wide doorways and no-step entryways; bathrooms should also feature grab bars and other assistive features. Without these features, it will be harder for your loved one to move around in the facility. If that’s a concern, keep looking until you find a facility with the features you need.
Qualified and Experienced Staff
Staff at residential aged care facilities are vital in providing care and support to residents with disabilities. Choose a facility that employ qualified and experienced personnel with specialized training. Ask about their experience. Have they worked with individuals with disabilities before? Do they know how to handle patients with disability? Knowing how to manage these patients compassionately and carefully to ensure they aren’t harmed or come to any hurt is vital.
Disability Employment
Some facilities also offer disability employment services, which may provide opportunities for your loved one, so ask about those options. If you believe your loved one may be an excellent fit for those employment opportunities, ask. Talk to the facility about that possibility.
Individualized Care Plans
People living with disabilities have specific requirements and needs when it comes to care and support. Search for a facility that offers customized care plans tailored towards each individual’s requirements and preferences. Personalized plans address the patient’s needs and unique situation, ensuring better care outcomes.
Accessibility to Healthcare
Access to healthcare is paramount for people living with disabilities. A facility with qualified medical professionals should be first on your list. That means there must be doctors, nurses and therapists available at the facility. In addition, inquire about any specialized care you may need, like physical or speech therapy. Not all facilities have these experts on board, so be sure to ask before choosing one.
Social and Recreational Activities
Social and recreational engagement and activities significantly improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities. Find a facility that offers a range of activities tailored to residents’ interests and abilities. That can help your loved ones
Accessibility of Assistive Technology
Accessible assistive technology can make a huge difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities. Look for facilities that offer assistive technologies like wheelchair ramps, lift chairs and electronic communication devices.
Maintain Access to Financial Resources
Does your loved one have adequate funds saved up for emergency expenses? Do they have enough wiggle room in their budget? Your loved one may require emergency funds for other expenses that may come up. Talk to them about setting funds aside to cover the cost of any additional treatment or medication they may require. Look for a facility that allows them access to an account that they can use for paying off the usual expenses. That gives them freedom over their finances.
Resident Rights and Dignity
Look at the policies and procedures of the facility. How do those procedures and policies safeguard residents with disabilities’ rights and dignity? Do they violate any rights? Do those policies protect their residents?
Cost and Financial Assistance
When searching for a facility to care for someone with disabilities, cost matters. Look for facilities with transparent pricing that fits within your budget; you may even qualify for financial assistance through government-funded programs to help cover some of these expenses. If you are handling most of the expenses for your loved one’s care, talk to your loved one or family member about the financial choices you’ll be making for them. Make them a part of the process, so they know what’s going on every step of the way.
Safety and Security
Is the residential aged care facility safe for someone with the kind of disability your loved one has? What security measures do they have? Are the entrances and exits secure? Do they have adequate lighting? What safety protocols do they implement and are those protocols enough to prevent accidents or injuries?
Communication with Family and Friends
Constant communication with family and friends is essential for individuals living with disabilities. Look for facilities that offer flexible visiting hours so that family and friends can stay in touch. Trustworthy facilities are often supportive and encourage families to visit residents.
