Families with Special Needs

Whether your family member with special needs is a child or an adult, integrating personal and caregiving needs into everyday life can be challenging. Below are general caregiving tips and links to more information for families with special needs to help you and those you care for stay safe and healthy.

• Be informed.
Gather information about your family member's condition and discuss issues with others. This will help you make informed health decisions and improve your understanding of any challenges your family might face.

• Get support.
Accept assistance if appropriate, and ask for help when you need it. Friends, family, health practitioners, support groups, and counselors are just a few of the people available to you.

• Be an advocate.
Ask questions, document your family member's medical history, and provide pertinent information to his or her caregivers.

• Be empowering.
Think positively about what you and your family can do together, celebrate achievements, and promote independence when appropriate.

• Take care of yourself.
Stay aware of your own needs. Take some time for yourself. Enjoy a hobby or visit with friends.

• Keep balance in the family.
Give attention to everyone in the family, regardless of special needs.

These caregiving tips provide families with tools to stay healthy and positive. Keep in mind that these tools are applicable to many family issues. Information, support, advocacy, empowerment, care, and balance can be the foundation for a healthy family and appropriate no matter what the challenge.

CDC's 'Life Stages' Web page provides easy access to health and safety information about the challenges, questions, and everyday matters that families face. From pregnancy and infant care to older adults and seniors, this Web page is designed to help you understand the stages of life and provide additional information about general health, health care, and mental health as well as workplace and personal safety. You also might want to visit 'Healthy Living,' a CDC Web page designed to promote health through information on a variety of topics intended to appeal to every member of the family.

For more information, visit Families with Special Needs: Caregiving Tips.