Caring For An Adult With Autism
In 2020, the Center for Disease Control reported that 1 in 54 children are affected with autism. Many parents find caring and nurturing their children to be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. If your child is on the autism spectrum you’ll love and care for them, but you may have concerns that only parents of special needs children can relate to. While many children receive help through educational programs, resources become limited as they grow up. Caring for an adult who is unable to care for themself can be a frustrating and exhausting experience. Adults on the autism spectrum often struggle with finding and keeping regular jobs, and if their autism is acute, they are confined to their homes and can barely work at all.
Finding the right caregiver
Adults with autism often require special attention and care while they are home and can not be left alone. The care that they receive is vital to their quality of life and advancement. If you are a taking care of an adult or someone over 16 years old you may understand how the difficulties can affect your daily life and you may find yourself needing help. There are many companies which provide these services and hiring an individual who can communicate effectively with your loved one is important to their well-being.
You will want to choose an experienced professional — particularly someone who specializes in working with adults with autism. You will want someone who:
- is compassionate
- has patience
- pays attention to detail
- is dependable
- is trustworthy
Without these qualities the professional would never be able to be effective with the person who requires care.
Responsibilities of the Caregiver
Unlike common caregivers, those who help individuals with autism may not have to provide grooming, toileting, and dressing services to the patient. However, they would generally need to oversee almost all activities of the adult that they tend to at all times. Eventhough there is no cure for autism, there are methods which can be put in place to help individuals with social behavior and communication problems.
What if I can’t afford a caregiver?
If you are unable to hire a third party caregiver, the state of Massachusetts offers programs that will benefit you and the individual who is unable to care for themself. These options can be vital to anyone caring for an older patient with autism alone. Long days and minimal flexibility in your schedule along with piling paperwork can be overwhelming. Programs like Mass Care Link can help you ease the burdens and provide relief. At Mass Care Link, we help our members with case management, emotional support and financial assistance to pay for respite care, bills and groceries or support if you are unable to work or earn an income.
Eligibility to receive help
The needs of your dependent may vary. Understanding your rights and options will help you and your loved one live a more fulfilled life. To qualify for these caregiver benefits you must be at 18 years old and able to pass a background check and will have to prove that you are mentally and physically capable of becoming a caregiver. You will be required to have a physical and pass a TB test taken within the last 12 months. The patient will also have to qualify for you to get assistance. If the patient is unable to function properly, get dressed, bathe, etc., then you may be eligible. References will also be required proving that you are the caregiver for your loved one. Your friends, neighbors, or relatives can be listed, this ensures that all funds go to the people who need it.
Programs like Mass Care Link can help your loved one with autism be independent after a time period without needing the services of a caregiver. However, always remember that autism research and studies are mostly centered around children, thus a unique approach is required for adults. Our support programs and resources can help guide you through your journey.