Simple Reminders Regarding Elderly Care
Elderly Care: 5 things to Keep in Mind
As caregivers, our lives can become overwhelming with the demands of daily living, and the addition of caregiving responsibilities. It’s easy to forget some of the basics. The following is a simple reminder of five things to keep in mind concerning senior care.
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Look into your parents’ financial state.
Make sure all of your parents’ finances are in order. Know exactly what your mother or father would like handled in the case of an emergency. Be sure a living will has been written. An advanced directive and medical power of attorney are also very helpful.
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Make sure seniors are in a familiar social environment.
Whether they’re living at home or in assisted living, they need to feel respected and secure. Remember, your elders still have feelings, even though they may not be able to show it. It may seem obvious, but it’s important to place them somewhere where their dignity and independence is respected. And it’s important to make sure they’re somewhere they can interact with other people, where they have people who touch them and hold them, and bring them to other rooms where they can socialize.
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Be aware of your body language.
Clenched fists, crossed arms, your body turned away during conversations; all of these are indicators that you’re uncomfortable, and people pick up on it. Conversely, be aware of your senior loved one’s body language, and look for signs of anxiety or apprehension. Always remember to smile, it means the same in any language.
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Be aware of your moods.
Dealing with the elderly can be frustrating, but that doesn’t mean you can treat them differently if you’re in a bad mood. One of the biggest mistakes people make with seniors is speaking to them like they’re children or scolding them. Be careful not to do this; it’s incredibly patronizing.
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Always be respectful of seniors, never judge.
If you’re a young, thirty-something person, you have no idea what it’s like to be turning 90 and forgetting where you are. Use words you would use with anyone else that would command your respect. Say please and thank you, ask permission if things are ok to do first, like move them or their possessions, and always use words of respect like Mr., Sir, or Ms. It can really make a difference in a senior’s life.
Alternatives for Seniors is a print and online directory that specifically caters to the housing and personal care concerns of senior citizens and their families. Call our Senior Specialists at (888) WE-ASSIST (888-932-7747) or visit the Alternatives for Seniors website to begin searching for the perfect home for you or your loved ones. Also, be sure to join our Facebook community and follow us on Twitter or Pinterest.
BLOG Date: Thursday, February 26, 2015
Writer: Ryan Allen