there is far more to it than what you think...

“I’ve learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.” - Maya Angelou

I have never seen the health professional department as full as today! It was buzzing with people coming and leaving at the same time! It was a special moment somehow as there was a positive atmosphere which filled the entire department. Was quite a moving experience. If I had to describe it I would use this YouTube clip to do so... 

 

 

 

Whilst running the Down's Syndrome group which was heading into the direction of a support group towards the end of it, I asked myself what exactly it is that the parents expect from a support group. In  the research called'Outcomes for Parents with Disabled Children' written by Beresford et al. (2007) a couple of aspects were mentioned that have given me great insight into working with carers and disabled individuals.

 

Carers very often feel that they have lost their identity as they are so preoccupied with their disabled child's needs. It is important to look at their own needs in order to maintain their identity.(Beresford et al.2007)

It is important for the carers to be emotionally and physically well in order to tend to their child's needs. Many however do not lead balanced lives which is important for the OT to examine, explore and then to intervene.

Possessing the relevant skills to look after their child is of utmost importance which is why it is so important for the OT to educate and teach the carers the needed skills as well as updating them about recent developments in the particular field of interest.

Many carers have reported in the study that not enough quality time is spent with the child as too much time is invested in caring for the child. The OT should look into finding a balance between these two.  
Family time is neglected on many an occasion. Father & mother time should be preserved as well as other crucial relationship as these form the support network which should be carefully cared for.
The siblings of the disabled child often feel the need to get involved in the well-being of their disabled sibling which the OT should take into consideration when drawing up a treatment plan.
The financial side of caring for a disabled child can become worrisome fro many which is why the OT should be aware of the grant system.
Lastly, it is important to the carers to not feel inferior but rather to feel apart of the transdisciplinary team that is working together with the disabled child.

(Beresford et al.2007)

 

These points have made me realize how 'fragile' this relationship between the carers/families of a disabled individual and the health professionals really is! Will definitely consider these in the next group session.  

 

 Resource

 

Beresford, B., Rabiee, P., and Sloper, P.(2007) Outcomes for Parents with Disabled Children, Research Works, 2007-03, Social Policy Research Unit, University of York: York.