International of People with Disabilities Day is held every December 3. The day is sanctioned by the United Nations and its goal is to promote support for individuals coping with disabilities through understanding, education, and awareness. It is estimated that about 20% of the world’s current population is living and struggles with some type of disability. Statistics reveal that more than one third of disabled persons are 65 years or older. So here are some basic tips to help a loved one who may be disabled.

Basic Tips to Help Seniors with Disabilities

• Ensure that elders take their medications in the proper doses, at the scheduled times, and on a daily basis. Discuss the medications and the administering times with them. Never force seniors to take their medicine or talk down to them.
• Get to know loved one better by focusing on their personalities and not their disabilities. It is extremely helpful to know their schedules which will also ease them into accepting help. Never assume that individuals require constant assistance simply because they are disabled.
• Try to connect with your elderly loved one and express empathy, not pity, for the obstacles and hurdles which they are confronted with each day. 
• Ask if there is some confusion about the type of assistance that they might require. They will often be happy to relate that which they need help with. Treat them with the exact same respect all individuals should be treated with. Never patronize a loved one as this can be hurtful to the point of leaving scars upon their character. 
• Respect individuals’ right to decline help even if it appears that they truly need it. Never make them feel as if they are not in control of their own lives.  
• Be sure to ask physicians about required accessibility aids. Ensure that this equipment is sturdy, functional, and available to your loved one. These aids will help assure their safety and allow them as much freedom as possible.
• Be compassionate if seniors attempt to perform tasks and are unable to complete them.

As mentioned above, this can be an extremely difficult transition for a loved one. It’s not easy to relinquish control over their lives. The tips above will help them retain as much independence as possible. The ability to care for themselves will increase their overall self-confidence.