Finding professional caregivers can be a frustratingly complicated – and lifelong – necessity for many adults with disabilities. For National Family Caregivers Month, NCHPAD interviewed Atlanta-based artist and professor Jessica Blinkhorn to learn more about this experience.
Blinkhorn has spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a disorder affecting the motor neurons that control voluntary muscle movement.
Caregivers for SMA often have to manage many areas of life for the person they care for. These areas could include nutrition, movement, daily activities, hygiene and supportive treatments. Caregiving can be challenging, both emotionally and physically.
The biggest challenges are for adults with disabilities in these scenarios. Your level of health issues can often reflect on your level of care provided to you through certain programs. Individuals with SMA struggle with obstacles like obtaining adequate caregiving hours and finding and retaining caregivers who provide important services.
“I’m fortunate when I find really good caregivers,” said Blinkhorn. “The process for getting hours is excruciating because you have to prove that you need those hours. With my particular care and the program I use, you have to have certain health issues before you can get approved for extended hours.”
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NCHPAD (National Center on Health, Physical Activity and Disability) is the nation’s premier center in promoting the health and wellness of people with disability. To view more resources and services which can benefit all ages and populations, connect with us:
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