Accessibility to Public Areas Outdoors People with physical limitations have difficulty accessing and using public areas effectively or with the same level of enjoyment or success that non-disabled individuals can. Posted signs declaring a facility or public grounds “Wheelchair Accessible” often misrepresent the truth. Unfortunately, after arriving on-site, they often discover “Wheelchair Accessible” pathways too […]
Virginia’s Medicaid Each state manages Medicaid for its citizens within the regulatory guidelines established by the federal government. Medicaid is an insurance program like Medicare, though not guaranteed to everyone over 65. Participants must qualify for Medicaid based on income. The Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) manages Virginia’s Medicaid program with the local Department
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Since multiple sclerosis often strikes in early adulthood, many times, the family unit includes children who mature into adulthood, watching their parents become progressively weakened by the disease. Such was the case in our family. Lynn had a ten-year-old son who lived with his ex-wife when we married in 1997. Lynn’s son was a secondary caregiver Lynn’s diagnosis
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Caregiver Emotions are Challenging Have you seen sandcastles swept out to sea? Houses built on sand have no anchor in the ground to help them stand against waves. They can crumble without that foundation. Adapting to caregiving may feel the same way without possessing the background or skills needed to know what to
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Handling Challenging Behaviors and Emotions What is the best way to deal with family members when they act out in a way that is not safe or inappropriate for the situation? The following videos series produced by UCLA provides examples of one way you might approach the situation. Thanks to UCLA for allowing me
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What is Autism Spectrum Disorder? Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain. The exact causes are unknown but research shows influencing factors to include genetic conditions, as well as, environmental, chemical, and other factors. Wide Spectrum of Abilities and Limitations Individuals with autism look like
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Conduct Disorders As you might guess, “Conduct Disorders” are mental health conditions related to problem behaviors. There are three primary groups. Conduct and Oppositional Defiant Disorders Schizophrenia Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders including attention deficit disorders Two out of the three groups begin in childhood. The third appears in either child or adulthood. Group One
Mood Related Disorders As the name suggests, people with Mood-Related Disorders have difficulty with emotions. The most common conditions known are Depression and Bipolar Disorder. Depression describes a broad range of conditions where the individual has negative, heavy feelings of loss and sadness, anxiety, emptiness, low self-esteem, and a bleak outlook on life. In contrast,
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Eating Disorders Can Be Fatal Though more common among women, eating disorders affect both sexes, often affecting multiple people in the same family. Therefore, research believes there may be a genetic component associated with it. Those who suffer from eating disorders have distorted body images leading to an obsession with weight loss. The methods used
Anxiety Disorders You hear people saying that they have anxiety or that they are nervous. Does that mean they have an anxiety disorder? No way! The type of anxiety people who have anxiety disorders live with every day takes over their lives. It’s disabling. No matter where you go or what you do, there is
