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How Shared Living Services Can Help People with Developmental Disabilities

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  Shared living  is an opportunity where people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities come to live together and experience community life and support. This approach is aimed to prevent them from getting isolated while promoting independence. Shared living isn’t a facility or a group home but rather a program where health care service  providers assist and support individuals of the community. The goal of the shared living service is to provide a non-restrictive environment for individuals with intellectual disabilities or autistic disorders, so they can thrive and be independent in an inclusive environment. Home Match Before sending the individual off to a shared living home, finding the perfect match or home that includes all the requirements is crucial; before the individual moves to the home, it must be assured that the relationship works and that the match is mutual. The individual needing support and the household should spend some time exploring and...

What is Intellectual Developmental Disorder (IDD) & How to Deal with It

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  Intellectual developmental disorder, commonly known as IDD, is a neurodevelopment disorder that affects language, movement, and learning, among other activities. It can also cause physical impairment and impact the individual’s emotional development. People with IDD can experience difficulties in performing daily life activities. Studies show  that over 3 percent of the population in the US is affected by IDD. Approximately 30 percent of individuals with IDD are likely to experience certain mental conditions. For many individuals, IDD can stay undiagnosed for years. People with IDD often experience depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, etc. Kids with IDD are more vulnerable to traumatic experiences like abuse or childhood bullying leading to PTSD in later years. Kids also have trouble making judgments, planning ahead, or communicating clearly. Learn more about IDD here: Symptoms of IDD The main symptom of IDD is difficulty in learning . Here are a few other specific symptom...

3 Tips For Elderly People To Stay Fit And Active

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  As people become older, they tend to become less active and more sedentary. Several factors could be at play here, such as health challenges, weight or discomfort concerns, or concerns about falling. Another possibility is that they believe exercising isn't for them. However, as you get older, maintaining an active lifestyle is even more critical to your health. Let's look at some tips that can help older people stay fit and active. 1.  Maintain A Healthy Weight Older adults are more likely to get cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and increased blood pressure if they're overweight. They can achieve and maintain a healthy weight by eating well and exercising often. In addition to that, they should swap sweetened sodas with water as it is free of calories. 2.  Eat A Healthy Diet In addition to boosting their immune system, a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and lean meats effectively protects them from dangerous bacteria or viruses that cause sickness. Antioxidants c...

4 Tips to Enhance Your Mental Health & Well-Being

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  The mind is intrinsically linked with our physical self, which is why when we're struggling mentally, it also affects our physical health. If you're struggling or feeling anxious, it's best to invest time in managing your mental health . There are a lot of things you can do to enhance your mental well-being. Remember to take things at your own pace and follow the tips you believe can help you. Reframe Your Thoughts The way we think of ourselves affects our behavior as well. Often, our thoughts lead to a pattern of behavior that has negative consequences on our well-being. It becomes a vicious cycle and difficult to recognize those behaviors. Therefore, you should take time to consciously think about those unhelpful thoughts and reframe them to improve your mental health. The best way to go about it is to recognize the thoughts and challenge yourself to change your actions and behavior. Experts call it the 'catch it, check it, and change it' approach. Enjoy the Pre...

What Are The Things To Keep In Mind When Choosing A Caretaker For Elderly Loved Ones?

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  An estimated 133 million Americans suffer  from a chronic health condition that restricts their everyday tasks in certain ways, and 12 million are incapable of surviving on their own, as per the Institute for Health & Aging at the University of California. More than half of the elderly who have reached the age of 85 are severely disabled and require long-term care , including assistance with daily tasks like feeding, bathing, and getting dressed. To ensure that your senior loved one receives the best possible care, you need to choose the perfect individual to look after them. Having compassion, tolerance, practical skills, and eldercare training are all qualities that every caregiver should possess. Let's look at some things to keep in mind that can help in finding the right caretaker for your elderly loved ones. 1.  Flexibility Modifications in your loved one's health may require changes in the schedule and services they use. As a result, you should look for a...