3 Ways to Nurture Individuals and Families through the Holidays
The word nurture means to care for, support, and encourage one as they grow. While families and children or adults living with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD) need support all year long, this time of year often brings different challenges. As a friend or family member, you want to support and encourage families living with IDD but may not know where to begin. RISE Services, Inc. Utah is happy to share three ways you can nurture individuals and their families through the holiday season.
1. Be a Friend Who Listens
One of the most critical things you can do for families who care for individuals living with disabilities is to listen. Professional parents or families that provide 24/7 care face many challenges throughout their day. They may need to share frustrations, fears, and struggles with someone they can trust. Be wary of trying to solve their problems or offer advice. Simply listen, empathize, and be with them.
2. Show That You Care for Their Loved Ones
The same caregivers and host homes who need support also desire that same encouragement for loved ones living with a disability. You can do this by taking the time to learn more about them. Spend time asking questions about activities they enjoy, their favorite foods, where they work (for teens or adults with disabilities), and the like. Don’t be timid. Instead, engage their family members or foster adults in conversation, offer to play board games, or watch their favorite TV show with them.
3. Offer Support They Want & Need
Before offering to help your friend or family member, ask them about their specific needs. Many people have good intentions, but they are unaware of how they can help. Again, it involves taking time to discover specific needs for themselves, their loved one who is living with a disability, or other members of the family. If it’s difficult for them to express their needs, an encouraging text and a listening ear can help tremendously.
Holiday Greetings from RISE Utah
Our team wishes you and your family all the best in 2025. Contact us today to learn more about our services, including respite care, opportunity centers, and residential home services.
Jaclyn Greenberg, “Be Wary of Offering ‘Help,’ and Other Ways to Support Families with Disabilities,” CNN Health, Cable News Network, August 29, 2023.
