Assistance for All Ages

Special needs care include children and adults that may require extra support with activities of daily living.

Therefore, it is important to choose respite or personal care that meets requirements and discuss them with the provider or service coordinator.

Some Things to Consider:

• You are the most knowledgeable person about your loved one’s needs, so it is important for you to share with the provider as much information as possible.
• Clients often act differently in a care setting than at home, so don’t be surprised if your suggestions don’t always work out.
• Caring for a special needs client is a partnership among the family, care providers, and any specialists involved.
• Care programs to make “reasonable” efforts to accommodate a client with a disability according to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

There are other resources that can help you.

In addition, family resource centers provide support and training.

Regional centers connect families of clients who have or are at risk of developmental disabilities to early intervention programs in each county.

Finding Quality Care

Some agencies match families with caregivers who specialize in working with special needs clients.

As such, call the care provider and ask about policies, fees, schedules, and activities to determine if this setting is a good fit for your loved one before discussing the disability.

Once you feel comfortable with a provider, let them know about your loved one’s needs in a way that is nonthreatening and supportive.

Consequently, this lets the care provider know that you are concerned with the caregiver’s skill and ability to help your loved one and you will provide the caregiver with the necessary resources, training, and support to care for your loved one’s activities of daily living needs.

Choosing Quality Care

When choosing care for a loved one with special needs, ask about the caregivers experience.

Clients with special needs require different levels of support and care.

Thus, the willingness and openness of the provider to work with specialists in coordination and partnership with the family is crucial in providing high-quality child care for your child.

In your search for quality care, the following checklists may be helpful:

Caregiver Considerations

• Has special training, skills, or experience with special needs clients.
• Works as a team member with family and specialists.
• Communicates regularly about the child’s development and any concerns as they arise.
• Maintains confidentiality and with your permission answers questions regarding the client’s special needs.
• Has a system to record medication, special feedings, or other procedures.

Environmental Considerations

• Home is accessible and safe for the client, accommodates adaptive equipment (e.g., wheelchairs, walkers).
• Entertainment and recreational materials are within the client’s reach.
• There are enough supportive people present to meet client’s individual needs.
• The overall group size is not too large to be overwhelming for the client.
• The home does not create too much or too little stimulation for the client.

Parent or Guardian Responsibilities

• Provide caregiver adequate training for special procedures
• Photocopy written information about the client’s special needs for the provider.
• Invite the care provider to any meetings for the care plan.
• Request consultation with the care program be written into the care plan.
• Plan a method of communication among the family, the care provider, and any specialists the client sees.

Some Cases Treated

• Angelman syndrome
• Attention deficit disorder (ADD)
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Autism spectrum disorder, including Asperger’s syndrome
• Cerebral palsy
• Developmental delays
• Diabetes
• Down syndrome and other genetic conditions
• Epilepsy and seizures
• Learning disabilities
• Neurological disabilities
• Phelan McDermid syndrome
• Rett syndrome
• Undiagnosed mental and physical delays

The Care Professionals who support families also have a wide range of relevant experience and training that can include:

• Implementing therapy homework
• Creating and reinforcing routines
• Adapting the home environment
• Tailoring creative activities to individual capabilities
• Modeling appropriate behaviors
• Hygiene care
• Feeding assistance
• Taking children to therapy appointments
• Working with the family to achieve developmental milestones
• Therapeutic stretching and exercises
• Maintaining a log of daily activities and progress

In conclusion, if you have a loved one needing care and assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) in the North OC or Southern California area, then don’t hesitate to contact us!

We’re here 24/7 to help!