5 Tips To Make Life Easier for Those With Cognitive Disabilities

A small yet significant portion of the population lives with some sort of intellectual disability. In many cases, this inhibits their ability to learn in traditional ways and may interfere with their understanding of certain abstract concepts. However, it does not mean these individuals cannot learn and function within society. In fact, many people with cognitive disabilities can master things like reading and writing, basic household tasks and preparing simple meals. With the right level of support and care, individuals living with cognitive decline or intellectual disabilities can thrive and blossom.

1. Offer Assistance Supervision as Needed

Just because someone has a disability does not mean they cannot do things on their own. Depending on the severity of a disability, however, varying levels of assistance and supervision may be necessary. Individuals with very limiting disabilities may need constant (or nearly so) supervision. That can mean an exhausting amount of extra work if you are the primary caregiver and guardian for someone with a cognitive disability. Keep in mind that caregiver burnout is a very real thing, and be sure to take time out for yourself as needed. Talk to friends and family members about sharing responsibility with you so you can get a break now and then.

If you cannot provide the level of care needed, there are plenty of resources offering help. Research what is available in your community and the surrounding areas; you might be surprised at the plethora of day programs that cater to individuals with learning disabilities or memory impairment. There are also fabulous residential and community programs that offer memory care services, which can be an excellent option for those battling dementia or other forms of cognitive decline.

2. Provide Access to Appropriate Activities

Individuals living with cognitive disabilities enjoy many of the same activities as anyone else. However, they may need some help or assistance to make those activities more accessible. It is imperative to provide access to appropriate social, educational and recreational opportunities to ensure growth. Support groups can be an invaluable resource for finding suitable options in the local community. Plus, it is an excellent chance fo your loved one to interact with others that share their disability and the accompanying frustrations.

3. Ask Them How You Can Help

A cognitive disability or memory loss does not make someone less of a person. Individuals with disabilities are more than capable of performing many everyday activities, so resist the temptation to do things for them without asking first. You can do more harm than good in many cases. Instead, ask each person what you can do to make life easier for them. It may be as minimal as helping them develop a system for keeping track of daily tasks or more involved, like offering assistance with cooking or laundry.

4. Learn Effective Communication Strategies

Cognitive disabilities can hamper conversation in many ways. However, there are effective strategies for communicating with people who have intellectual disabilities. You may have trouble getting an idea across to someone because they cannot understand what you are trying to say. In that case, learning how to reword your statements can be incredibly helpful. In other situations, you may need to break down steps a bit further than you usually would or offer visual cues. Using props such as a calendar or clock is often very helpful for those who have trouble understanding abstract concepts like time.

5. Be Aware of Linked Physical Limitations

For many people, intellectual disability is accompanied by one or more physical limitations. This can be a chronic condition such as cerebral palsy, sensory impairments like those associated with autism, or age-related conditions such as arthritis that develop throughout life. Because of communication barriers, these conditions can often get overlooked. Make an effort to learn how each person's physical and intellectual disabilities intersect and how you can support them.

A disability does not define an individual. By learning how to support those around you that are living with intellectual disabilities, you can help them achieve independence and personal enrichment.