Ten Ways to Make a Newly Disabled Family Member Comfortable During the Holidays
The holidays are a time of excitement and of
family reunion. The season demands good food, reconnecting with family
members and relaxation. Most holiday hosts have a good idea about what is
required to create a cheery atmosphere, but any tips aimed at boosting
festive comfort ought to be heard. Perhaps this year you have a newly
disabled family member and want to do everything you can to make their
holiday experience as pleasant as possible. Perhaps it's Grandma, who for
the first time, can't walk on her own, or even a younger cousin, struck
down by an accident or other life-altering disability.
The family might be nervous, and unsure of how to deal with the "500 pound
elephant in the room." Here are the top ten ways to make your newly
disabled family member comfortable for the holidays:
1) Make your home as accessible as possible. Consider entry ways, stairs
and bathrooms and do as much preparation as possible to ensure that the
person with a disability encounters very little frustration as they move
around the home.
2) Plan activities that everyone can participate in. Get creative and
think of games and outings that involve the whole group.
3) Talk to your kids. Be open with your kids about disability issues and
seek to foster in them the correct attitude toward people with
disabilities.
4) Watch the sympathy levels. Your family member is adjusting to
something new and may be starting to accept their new condition.
5) Don't make them feel like a burden. Be sweet and kind and make them
feel like you want them around, because it isn't easy having to ask for
help.
6) Watch your vocabulary. Use words that affirm the person first and
mention the disability second.
7) Ask questions. Don't be afraid to talk to your friend or family member
about their disability, if you don't mention it at all it may come across
that you are afraid of it or think of it as a disease. At the same time
remember that a person's disability and things relating to it is not what
defines them; don't make that your primary subject of conversation. Polite
and respectful acknowledgement and curiosity is the best approach.
8) Don't be too helpful. Don't do everything for your friend or family
member with a disability. Be available for help, but allow them to as much
as they want on their own.
9) Remember to give space. If your family member or friend with a
disability is in a wheelchair make sure that the pathways throughout the
home are wide enough and that you respect their 'no fly zone,' the area
directly above them. Don't go swooping over them with your arms full of
presents or a tray full of hot coffee.
10) Be thankful. Take inventory of your relationships and blessings and
delight in what you have. An attitude of thankfulness is contagious and
will encourage everyone it touches.
There you go. If you keep a sense of humor, make a good holiday dessert
and follow these ten tips and you'll have happy holidays indeed!
Visit www.Disaboom.com (OTCBB: DSBO) for more information and please
introduce your family and friends to the new online community where the
disabled network for information, support, employment and friendship.
To localize your article on this topic by featuring recently disabled
people and their family members from your city, please contact Peter
Shankman at (646) 522-9234 peter@shankman.com
Contact:
Peter Shankman
(646) 522-9234 Email Contact
