Special Needs Caregivers Face Burnout; Social Workers Can Help Them Get Support
Nearly 20 percent of New York parents are at risk for caregiver burnout, statistics show. State services can help, but applications and paperwork often add to the mental load. However, social workers can help families make sense of the system.
Being a parent is probably the toughest job you'll ever love. Studies show that the traditional responsibilities of motherhood add up to more than two full-time jobs. And that data only applies to typically developing children: the numbers are astronomical for parents of children with developmental disabilities.
In New York, support services are available to lighten the load of many special needs caregivers. Unfortunately, navigating the Office For People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) presents new challenges for parents who are already overworked. Recognizing this, some social work agencies, such as , are helping to fill the gap.
Burning Out
Roughly one in five New York families is caring for children with special needs, according to the New York State Department of Health. This means that about 20 percent of parents are at risk for burnout from high caregiver burden. Stress can vary based on medical complexity, but can manifest in chronic pain, migraines, social isolation, and depression, according to the National Institutes of Health.
There is no one root cause, according to the NIH. Some caregivers are prone to chronic pain because of accidental musculoskeletal injuries that occur while taking care of a child with behavioral outbursts. In other cases, chronic pain stems from neglected preventive health care or sedentary lifestyles. Either way, caregivers often see the effects in their overall health and quality of life.
Hope And Help
Services from OPWDD can improve the quality of life for special needs New Yorkers and give caregivers more time to focus on self-care. And social workers, like those from Home Care Advisory Group, can help these caregivers determine eligibility, complete application paperwork, and navigate the system once approved.
OPWDD provides services for individuals with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and other developmental disabilities. To determine eligibility, families must submit specific personal, medical, and financial paperwork, along with their applications, and social workers can help families identify and complete these steps. After documentation is submitted, required assessments can then be scheduled.
Positive Changes
Once approved, individuals may qualify for residential programs structured for different levels of needs and independence, including group homes and individualized options. Day service programs help individuals build skills and apply them to activities promoting personal growth and involvement in the community.
Some programs provide employment support, helping those with developmental disabilities obtain and maintain jobs. Training, job coaching, and employer partnerships keep special needs individuals engaged in the community and let them become more self-sufficient.
OPWDD also offers respite care, giving families breaks for rest and self-care. Social work agencies such as also provide family training for emergency responses, behavior management, and other topics.
