To cope with disability, be active, reach out to others, learn to relax

As the father of a disabled son, clinical psychologist Don McGeary knows how stressful life can be for the person who is disabled—and for their families.

That’s why learning to manage stress is so important, said McGeary, an assistant professor and residency director at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. He was among the speakers at the Seventh International NBIA Family Conference in the AlamoCity in April.

Unfortunately, he said, there is no research on coping with NBIA. So, what can be done?

Most of us know that people with a long-term illness or disability enjoy the control and flexibility of receiving health care in their homes--and family caregivers benefit as well. But choosing a home health agency and knowing which questions to ask can be daunting.

Representatives of two nationally known home care agencies provided tips at the Seventh International Family Conference in San Antonio: Jennifer Lopez , regional director of quality assurance at ResCare Home Care, and Dr. John Langley, chief medical and quality officer for Maxim Healthcare Services. Patricia Wood, NBIA president and a user of home health services, provided a consumer’s perspective.

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