Intellectual and Developmental Disability Nurse Caregiving Stressors

• Caring for patients as an intellectual and developmental disability nurse can be one of the most unique, challenging, and fulfilling acts offered to this population of individuals. 
• At times, however, it can become overwhelmingly stressful.  
• One might ask “how does something so rewarding carry such a heavy weight of stressors, too?” In considering these questions, the following are important to acknowledge when offering care to these special individuals.   

Common Stressors for an Intellectual and Developmental Disability Nurse

Often times, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities need assistance with feedings, repositioning, toileting, incontinence issues, administration of medications, transportation to medical appointments, assistance with client specific goals, and other essential activities of daily living.   

Most caregivers that provide care for these individuals offer services or care in their own home or a special facility such as a licensed group home.   

An intellectual and developmental disability nurse might care for children, teenagers, young adults, or adults who live at home with a family member or legal guardian.  

From my experience, many of the clients I have worked with have had limited means of communication or may be completely non-verbal.   

In these situations, it is important that the best means of communication is available. For example, picture cards, electronic tablet devices, sign language, and/or gestures are all great forms of communication!   

Due to the varying needs of individuals within this special population, 24/7 care is often required and if their needs are not assisted by other staff members, the strain of caregiver stress can surmount to an unhealthy level.   

If these levels of stress are not managed appropriately by the intellectual and developmental disability nurse, they can lead to caregiver isolation, burnout, and chronic fatigue; interfering with the normal demands of completing daily tasks. 

Isolation

It is common for caregivers to feel excluded from the outside world due to all of the demands of their role.   

As with many healthcare careers, a great deal of time and energy is invested in a role as an intellectual and developmental disability nurse; leaving little time for a provider to care for themselves. 

Although it is easier said than done, it is important for a nurse in this role to recognize these feelings of isolation and to be proactive.  

Talking with a relative or close friend is always a great form of support. However, it might not always be the most impactful solution. 

Support groups are an additional way to relieve feelings of isolation and find commonalities with other providers who are experiencing similar feelings. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offers support group services to healthcare providers. 

Most importantly, a caregiver should always maintain a healthy dose of “me time” in order to give the best care to their clients.   

Burnout and Chronic Fatigue

Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities can have numerous tasks that must be completed each day which can lead to a very stressful situation among caregivers.   

Due to the list of continual tasks that need to be completed, it is imperative that caregivers take small breaks throughout the day in order to relieve some of the stress. 

Whether that is stepping away for a moment, practicing relaxation and breathing techniques, or simply sitting down for a minute to decompress. These few moments can make an impact on the quality of care that is delivered. 

Chronic fatigue can also take a toll on one’s mental and emotional health and many times persistent feelings of anxiety, guilt, and depression may be noted among caregivers.  

But What Are the Repercussions?

Inability to complete daily tasks

As previously stated, an intellectual and developmental disability nurse typically has multiple areas of care that need to be completed with their clients each day; some of which are time sensitive.  

With this continual process of providing optimal care and ensuring that the needs of these individuals are met, it can impact the ability of the caregiver to complete basic self-care tasks for themselves.  

Oftentimes, caregivers can be referred to as “hidden patients” because they can become so overwhelmed with caring for the client that their own self-care is neglected or ignored.

Getting Help Personally and Professionally

When someone is always caring for others, it can be a challenge to navigate when, where, and how they themselves should ask for help. This is no different for a struggling intellectual and developmental disability nurse.  

One of the biggest barriers a provider has when it comes to receiving assistance is the potential stress of another caregiver working with their client.  

Stress reducing activities

There are far too many stress-reduction activities to name in one sitting, however, VeryWell Mind suggests these for caregivers who might have very little time on their hands: 

• Walking 
• Meditating 
• Artistic expression 
• Being around a loved one 

Support services

When dealing with caregivers in need of support services due to continual care being given to this special population, the most important areas to consider are the benefits of offering support and being an advocate.   

Family members and friends can provide support in various ways by discussing the greatest needs with the caregivers and the best way these individuals can offer support.   

Support may come in the means of staying with the individual while the caregiver completes needed errands or goes to a medical appointment, or support can be offered by covering an entire shift to meet the needs of the individual.  

However, please note that supportive individual should have proper training and credentialing before helping.   

Many local online support groups are available and allow the caregivers a chance to share information and connect with others who are experiencing the same or similar situations.   

There are both in-person and virtual options available, too! 

One of the most important aspects of caring for this population of individuals is being an advocate, and by doing so, oftentimes services can be identified and implemented with each individual based on their needs.  

Strong advocacy can be equivalent to obtaining effective and needed services for the individual and the caregivers.   

It is also imperative that families and caregivers become familiar with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), along with other state and national provisions.   

Additionally, empowerment can offer the greatest success by focusing on what the individual with disabilities can do and the limitations of the family caring for the individual.   

By recognizing these limitations, the care coordinator can better assist with obtaining the needed services for both the individual and the caregivers.  

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