Processing Change: 6 Ways to Help Individuals with I/DD
Whether they are positive or negative, expected or unexpected, changes can trigger distress and make it difficult to adapt to the new normal.
For those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, processing major life developments can be especially challenging. Whether they reside in group homes, intermediate care facilities, and other settings. facing change may destabilize how they think, socialize, and even their sense of identity. Keep reading for six ways to help the individuals you serve navigate through changes.
Stages of Processing Change
While each individual may respond differently to change, there are some common stages they typically go through when facing new situations. Understanding these phases can guide you in helping your clients adapt successfully.
Shock and Disorientation
When introduced to change, some individuals experience a sense of confusion. The changes can be unsettling and individuals may be unable to make sense of them. They will likely experience feelings of uncertainty and anxiety.
Emotional Responses
Disorientation often triggers personality changes such as moodiness, fear, anger, isolation, and even hostility. During this stage, individuals are still in denial and need reassurance to help them stay optimistic.
Adjusting to the New Situation
In this stage, individuals slowly shift focus toward the new situation. They have realized that change is the only way forward, and embark on a trial of new behaviors to cope with the transition.
Acceptance
This is the stage in which individuals have internalized change and have completely adjusted to the new normal. They may still have valuable memories from the past but are determined to move on regardless.
At each of these points along the path to adapting, organizations can support clients in processing change.
Helping Individuals Adapt
Tip 1
Prioritize Relationships
Be friendly and empathetic with them. A supportive and structured environment built on trust provides an aura of safety, predictability, and sanctuary to individuals navigating a difficult period.
Tip 2
Acknowledge Emotions
Recognize individuals' feelings and allow them to go through their emotions. To prevent them from spiraling into gloom, use appropriate humor to lighten the mood. Laughter decreases stress hormones and increases feel-good hormones.
Tip 3
Cognitive Reframing (CR)
CR is a technique used in cognitive behavioral therapy to help individuals develop a positive outlook. This can help them feel more optimistic about the circumstances they're experiencing.
Tip 4
Sublimation
Sublimation is a process that helps channel negative urges, drives, and behaviors into more socially acceptable behaviors. Offer opportunities like exercise or dancing sessions that can serve as healthy distractions and allow individuals to channel their emotions.
Tip 5
Gratification
Recognize individuals' personal achievements and provide positive reinforcement like “congratulations,” “I’m proud of you, “or “way to go.” Eventually, through the use of repeated recognition, individuals may start to feel better.
Tip 6
Repetition
When adapting to change, repetition helps individuals transition from the conscious to the subconscious mind. For example, an individual who is new to a group home may have trouble socializing with other residents. You can create a mantra for them to recite before social activities to help ease their anxiety.
Using these techniques will enable you to help the individuals in your care process change more easily while helping to improve their self esteem and increase resilience.
About Pharmacy Alternatives
One of the nation’s only I/DD-specific pharmacies, Pharmacy Alternatives provides comprehensive services for individuals with cognitive, intellectual, and developmental disabilities. Our pharmacy and account teams, many of whom have personal connections to the I/DD community, share a passion for caring for this unique population and understand their complex medication needs. With specialized consultant pharmacists and local account management support, we make medication management easy, so caregivers can focus on increasing independence and enhancing quality of life for the individuals they serve.