Family caregivers often have the responsibility of ensuring their senior loved ones’ dignity remains intact. Honor your loved one and maintain his or her self-esteem by being respectful at all times. Here are a few ways to help seniors preserve their dignity.
Involve Them in Decision-Making
It’s natural for family members to feel protective of their elderly parents. However, too often caregivers unnecessarily assume the role of parent and treat their senior loved ones like children. Regardless of their cognitive or emotional state, older adults should be allowed to play an important role in the decision-making process. Include your loved one in conversations, and listen to his or her opinions and reasoning.
As older adults lose independence, they sometimes become insistent on choices that may seem trivial. Ensure your loved one has a say in simple daily tasks, such as choosing outfits and selecting foods at mealtimes. It’s also important to include your parent in decisions about more complex matters, such as medical care and finances. You may need to negotiate at times if your loved one is making unhealthy choices. Negotiating is especially critical when caring for seniors with cognitive impairment.
There are a variety of age-related health conditions that can make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face can be easier to address if their families opt for professional senior home care. You can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep your loved one safe and comfortable while aging in place.
Ensure Privacy
Whether your loved one remains at home or moves in with you or other family members, his or her privacy should be protected. Ensure the home has appropriate window treatments and doors to protect physical privacy. Unless your loved one requires assistance with tasks such as bathing, dressing, and toileting, don’t enter the room he or she is occupying without first getting permission.
Seniors living with serious health conditions often need extensive assistance in and outside the home. Assisting Hands Home Care is a trusted provider of Columbia live-in care. Our caregivers are expertly trained to assist seniors with bathing, grooming, light housekeeping, and various other daily tasks, and we also offer specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care.
Demonstrate Respect
Don’t talk to your loved one as if he or she is a child. Take the time to listen to what your parent is trying to say. Allow your loved one to determine the level of assistance he or she needs.
Caring for a family member living with dementia often becomes challenging due to the memory loss, confusion, and other cognitive issues that give rise to emotional reactions. However, you must remain calm and understanding. Resist the urge to rush your loved one to get through situations, and allow him or her to determine the pace of eating, bathing, dressing, and moving.
Provide Care & Support
Whether accompanying your loved one for a day out shopping, dining, or attending a medical appointment, ensure others provide the respect he or she deserves. Encourage social interaction with others. Include your loved one in outings with friends or family members, and protect his or her rights and choices.
When researching agencies that provide home care, Columbia families are usually looking for flexible care plans, compassionate and highly trained caregivers, and 24/7 availability. Whether you need respite care to take a break from your caregiving duties or your senior loved one needs around-the-clock assistance at home, you can rely on Assisting Hands Home Care. To learn about our high-quality in-home care services, give us a call today.
