Challenging Disorders: Building Presence

Liezl
07.11.25 05:00 PM Comment(s)

Introduction

Effective caregiving begins with presence, being attuned to the client's physical, occupational, and emotional needs while maintaining a calm, consistent, and responsive approach. In this stage of care, establishing trust, safety, and personalised engagement lays the foundation for holistic well-being. By completing the course, you will learn about the practical tools and techniques provided by the EduNomix® Virtual eLearning Ecology (VLE) and how to use them to develop a strong caregiving presence, adapt to each client’s needs, and build meaningful connections.

In this two-part blog series, we explore several key dimensions of well-being for caregivers, which form part of their Physical, Occupational, Social, Intellectual, Emotional, and Spiritual environments.

This blog focuses on the Physical, Emotional and Occupational aspects of caregiving, highlighting tactics and practices to maintain your health, safety, and effectiveness in your caregiving role.

In the next blog, we will dive into the remaining dimensions, Social, Intellectual, and Spiritual, to show how nurturing these areas contributes to your overall well-being and your ability to provide meaningful, holistic care. If you have not yet, read our previous blog, Elevating Care Through DISC-Informed Communication, to understand the importance of trust, empathy, and awareness in daily caregiving routines.

Anchor Physical Presence

Physical support assists with mobility, hygiene, and daily routines, and becomes meaningful when approached with calmness, clarity, and attentiveness. Caregivers guide each client through movements, adapting to energy changes, coordination, or awareness. Simple gestures, such as a gentle touch or a steady voice, communicate reassurance and respect, reinforcing dignity and independence.

Creating safe, organised, and sensory-considerate environments allows clients to feel secure in their surroundings. Thoughtful attention to lighting, layout, and accessibility supports mobility and reduces anxiety, while encouraging participation in maintaining their own space enhances autonomy and confidence.

Occupational Engagement for Growth

Caregivers empower their own abilities by combining education, hands-on experience, and collaboration with other professionals. Observing routines, reflecting on interactions, and adapting tasks allows clients to participate meaningfully at their own pace. Even small contributions such as folding laundry, setting the table, or choosing an activity, enhance purpose and engagement.

Collaborative planning ensures care routines balance safety, autonomy, and client preferences. By integrating insights from families, health professionals, and support networks, caregivers create consistent, thoughtful, and person-centred approaches that evolve with the individual’s needs.

Emotional Resilience and Autonomy

Supporting emotional health involves recognising feelings, validating experiences, and providing coping tools. Calm presence and structured routines help clients manage stress and uncertainty. Encouraging autonomy, through decision-making in care, activity choice, or daily routines, reinforces self-worth and emotional balance. Collaboration with health professionals ensures that care responds effectively to emotional or medical changes.

Conclusion

Building presence is the cornerstone of supporting individuals with challenging disorders. By cultivating attentive, steady, and collaborative care, caregivers establish trust, reinforce autonomy, and prepare the way for integral engagement.

To explore these techniques in depth and apply them directly, visit the EduNomix® website and take the Challenging Disorders course through the Virtual eLearning Ecology (VLE). This course aims to enhance presence, strengthen participation, and support the full range of individual needs.

Continue this series with the next blog, Challenging Disorders: Nurturing Beyond Need, which explores different aspects of the Challenging Disorders course, such as social connections, Intellectual stimulation, supporting emotional health, and spiritual well-being.

Dr Pieter du Toit
Specialisation: Change Management, Aviation Management, Business Management, Human Resources, Coaching and Business Leadership