NDP Community

What do you think is the most important part of caring for someone with a disability?

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Athena Conlan
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From my point of view it's listening, watching, learning and understanding what people want and how they want to be supported no matter how they communicate. Basically treat people the way you would want to be treated!

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Mark Kulinski
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Read the person's care plan so you know what their needs are.
Communicate with them as in checking-in with them to see if they are OK with what you are doing.
Be respectful and attentive at all times.
Maintain their dignity.
Watch for non-verbal cues.

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ReSina BoyerReSinaReSina[Resina FirstName]
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I agree with the previous two answers. We can't be too prescriptive because everyone is different. The idea of listening, watching, learning and understanding is key.
From a pragmatic perspective I think think

• be self aware - understand your own values and how they might influence your decision making so that you can be open and non-judgemental when coming into another person's life
• Learn and understand risks (medical/health requirements)
• be flexible - you can't control how the time is spent, this is about the person you support
• be present - the time is valuable, add value!
• Take advantage of the myriad of learning and resources available online and keep learning - I have been in this industry for so long and can honestly say I learn new things every day
• Watch other people work - there is so much that can be learnt from other people

:)

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Nicole Leathem
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