Live in care for disabled children is a rewarding but challenging job. It is a job that requires the caregiver to factor in certain considerations for the safety of the child. Disabilities can range from physical to emotional to cognitive. It is critical that professional live in care for disabled children understands the safety needs for the child’s specific disability. For example, a child who is limited to a wheelchair may not be at high risk of wandering out the door, but the child may need assistance and supervision with stairs.
Vision Impairment
A live in care for disabled children professional that is assisting a child with vision impairment will need to make sure extensive safety measures are in place. Counter extenders prevent vision impaired children from reaching on counters where hot liquids or sharp objects may be sitting. Guards around the edges of the cabinets can fit easily around the sharp edges in case the child bumps into them. There should also be locks on the cabinet doors in case the child tries to open them.
Cognitive Impairment
A child who has a cognitive impairment does not always have the same level of judgment as other children. Caregivers should place alarms on all doors and windows of the home so they can alert you to every time the child tries to open them. Caregivers should also place devices that prevent scalding water from coming out of the faucets in the kitchen and bathroom. The temperature of the water heater can also be lowered.
Hearing Impairment
A child with a hearing impairment will not know when an alarm in the home is activated. The caregiver can install a bed shaker alarm on the child’s bed to alert the child to the fire. Strobe light detectors can also be installed in the home to let the child know if carbon monoxide gas is in the home during the daylight hours.
Physical Impairment
The floor should be free of clutter or anything that can pose a hazard to a child that has a physical impairment. Long drapes, rugs and bed spreads should be removed from the floor. The caregiver should arrange the furniture so the child can navigate the room easily.
Experienced Live In Care for Disabled Children
The best resource for finding a live in care for disabled children professional is through a home health agency. The agency will help you find a caregiver who has related direct care experience with your child’s disability.
Looking for an experienced caregiver for your disabled child? Schedule a free assessment with Evergreen Private Care to find the best live in caregiver for your child.