Care for the Elderly

The most important part of caring for the elderly is to love them and keep them active. There are many different ways to care for the elderly, whether by caring for them in the comfort of their own homes, bringing them to your home or moving them to a senior center. With time and a little hard work you can properly care for your loved one by following a few steps.

Steps

Caring Physically for the Elderly

  1. Plan Ahead. Many children will eventually need to provide care for their parents. Planning ahead can help solve some of the issues before the situation becomes a last-minute emergency (for example caused by sudden illness or injury). Use technology, make the home safe for elderly people and anticipate the expenses of providing care in advance.
    • There are many technologies available which can help keep track of the elderly, make sure that they are moving around and thus safe and are taking their medications. For example there are GPS trackers and medicine boxes that light up when medicines need to be taken. This helps allow them to stay in their homes for longer.
    • Make the home safer by installing anti-scald devices to protect sensitive older skin, carbon monoxide detectors, special smoke detectors with strobe lights or vibration to wake up the elderly (many elderly cannot hear conventional smoke detectors) and grab bars in showers and near toilets.
    • Caring for the elderly can be quite expensive. Do your research in advance and explore your options and potential grants or programs that might benefit your loved one.
  2. Keep your loved one active. Exercise can help protect older people from disease and reduce their functional age by 10 or 15 years. It can even result in big health benefits for those who have been sedentary for many years. It can delay the need for care and keep them away from disease for longer.
    • It is recommended that elderly people do 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity (running, swimming, walking, biking) five times per week. Those who do more intense activities where the heart rate is significantly elevated and breathing is heavier should exercise a minimum of 20 minutes per day three days a week. Weight-strengthening exercises (using free weights, resistance bands or body weight) should be performed two or three times per week on nonconsecutive days. They should also perform exercises for flexibility (stretching, yoga, tai chi) for at least 10 mins every day.
  3. Keep an eye on their physical and mental health. If he/she has pains or medical issues, tell them to see (or take them) to a doctor. If the pains/medical issues are severe enough, it is imperative that you call a hospital and see what they can do for him/her right away.
    • Watch for signs of weakness, extra forgetfulness, lack of direction or other unsteadiness.
    • Mental health is often overlooked but is an important part of caring for an elderly person. Keep an eye out for signs of depression such as lack of interest, listlessness or deep feelings of sadness or anger. This can be a very difficult time for elderly people so make sure to monitor their mental well-being as well as their physical health.[1]
  4. Speak to your loved one's pharmacist. The elderly may be prescribed different drugs by different doctors and only the pharmacist will know all the medications your loved one is taking. Make friends with them and speak to them regarding possible side effects and interactions.
  5. Get help with driving. The idea of Help an Elderly Person to Drive Less can cause a lot of anger and resentment for an elderly person. Remember that being able to drive is an important component of maintaining independence and it can be difficult to accept that they are no longer fit.
    • Sometimes classes are offered for elderly drivers that may result in car insurance discounts.
    • There are tools that aid the elderly with driving, such as by assisting an arthritic wrist in turning the key in the ignition.
    • If it is really unsafe and your loved one continues to resist then get the help of their doctor or the DMV to prevent them from driving.
    • Keep them mobile using public transport or a three-wheeled bicycle so that they can maintain their sense of freedom and independence.
  6. Discuss finances. Speak to your loved one regarding their finances and possible insurance plans for long-term care. Sometimes additional benefits can be applied for to reduce heating bills or the cost of prescription medicine and these should be identified if they exist. It might be better to downsize into an affordable senior-friendly condo if they wish to remain in their own home.
    • The elderly are particularly vulnerable to scams so make sure to discuss these and protect them. Get a credit report check at least once a year to make sure no one has stolen his or her identity.
  7. Discuss legal issues. Find out about their power of attorney, will, and health care proxy documents. These will sort out who can make medical decisions and financial decisions for your loved one if there is an emergency or they are incapacitated in some way.
    • If your loved one has not obtained these documents yet, help him or her to create them.
  8. Find shared meals or make food for them. Sometimes senior centers will organize dinners, which can include transportation, and these are a great way for your loved one to meet with others and share a meal. Oftentimes the elderly lose interest in food, particularly if they are depressed, and these shared meals can make eating more enjoyable.
    • Delivery services can also help elderly who experience difficulty with Help the Elderly With Nutrition.
  9. Consider a home caregiver to help the elderly person. This will solve the physical difficulties of caring for your loved one. A home caregiver can help the person accomplish whatever they need and take a lot of the burden off of the family members. They can also help the elderly person maintain some independence by keeping them in their homes.
    • Sometimes government aid can help offset some of these expenses. Look into your options and speak to your local agency on aging if there is one.
    • If they do not yet need a home caregiver or the home caregiver cannot perform these tasks, help them around the house. For example, help them with chores such as cleaning, laundry or gardening.
  10. Consider a senior home or center. Sometimes a home caregiver is not possible, for example if the elderly person requires too much assistance or it is not affordable. A Convince-Your-Elderly-Parent-to-Move-to-a--Senior-Residence will provide for and take care of your loved one.
    • Sometimes they organize activities and have trained medical personnel keeping an eye on the elderly, making them safer and happier.
    • Do not feel ashamed or guilty if you can no longer care for your loved one in their home or at your home. Sometimes circumstances make it impossible or even unsafe to care for the elderly at home, and this is not your fault.[2]
  11. Consider caring for your loved one in your home. Caring for your loved one at home can help them to feel better and maintain strong family relationships while allowing you to spend time with them and monitor their health. If you would like to care for an elderly person in your home you should arrange furniture to allow plenty of room to walk around freely and remove loose rugs that can cause someone to trip.
    • Home care may mean helping your loved one with Give a Bath to a Frail Elderly Person, dressing, Cook for an Elderly Person, managing medications, transportation, financial management and emotional support.

Caring Mentally for the Elderly

  1. Respect the elderly person. Always be respectful to the elderly. Even though they have aged and may be losing their health, they are still people with emotions and ideas. Don't judge them by their physical condition. Aging is simply a part of the natural cycle: you are born, you're a kid, you grown into your teen years, adult years, and one day you will be elderly too. Have respect for them and their lives.
    • Don't swear or say words which they may find inappropriate; having grown up in a different time, they may not take this lightly.
  2. Help your loved one to cope with the loss of independence. Encourage them to maintain friendships, stay active, develop new interests and keep in touch with other family members. Explain that the loss of independence is not a Build Self Confidence in the Elderly and rather just part of the natural cycle of life.
  3. Encourage them to volunteer. A recent study found that elderly people who volunteer are happier and healthier. This is especially true for elderly people who have chronic conditions. The feelings of being valued and needed as a volunteer can greatly improve the mental well-being and thus health of your loved one.
    • The benefits can be seen with as few as 2-3 hours per week of volunteering.[3]
  4. Visit frequently. Visiting will provide an emotional connection and improve the mental well being of your loved one. Visiting will also allow you as the caregiver to check up on their health and well-being. You can see whether they have been watering the plants, opened their mail or show any bruises, all of which may signify that they need additional assistance. Get friends and family members to help.
  5. Bring some of their personal belongings with them. If they are moving to a senior center or into your home, bring some of their physical home with them. This will make them feel more comfortable and at home in their new surroundings and help them to cope with the big changes taking place for them.
  6. Find areas of mutual interest. Some younger people may mistakenly think they cannot connect with elderly people, but remember that they might also feel they cannot connect with you are your interests. Try to open your mind and find out what gives them joy. If you can't share their interest at least you can share their excitement.
  7. Try to keep things as unchanged as possible. Many elderly people are uncomfortable and nervous about change, especially when they are moving out of their home. Try to keep everything as stable as possible. For example, you might bring their pet in with you if bringing your loved one home or bring their pet to the senior center with them if it is permitted.
  8. Make them feel welcome and at home. Try to get them to participate in the activities of the senior center or include them in activities in your home. Encourage them to be active participants in their environment.
    • You can also encourage them to get outside or take them outside for walks or other activities. This can help them to feel happier, especially if they suffer from depression.
    • You can even surprise them with gifts from time-to-time or hold parties for them as a way of keeping them involved.
  9. Listen to their stories. You may find them interesting and they can even help you navigate issues or situations in your own life. The elderly have a lifetime’s worth of experiences to offer, you can learn and improve your own life by listening and engaging with them. Find the beauty in their stories and learn from them.
    • This will also deepen the connection between you and can help them feel more connected to the world around them.

Dealing with Resistance

  1. Be prepared for resistance from the elderly person. Resistance is one of the most common challenges people face when caring for the elderly. Your loved one might feel the loss of independence, physical loss or mental loss. This can lead them to feeling frightened, vulnerable, guilty and/or angry and cause resistance in accepting your care.
    • They also can think it is a sign of weakness to accept help, be stubborn or be worried about the physical burden and costs involved.
    • The person might also be experiencing memory loss, which might cause them to forget why they need care.
    • Certain techniques for dealing with resistance may not be appropriate for elderly who suffer from dementia.
  2. Determine how much help the elderly person needs. Assess the kind of care and help that your loved one needs. Be honest as to the type of services and assistance the person will require.
  3. Speak to the elderly person when you are both relaxed. Choose a time when you are both relaxed and open to Communicate with an Elderly Parent. This will make it easier for you both to speak openly and honestly while listening to what the other person says.
  4. Ask the elderly person for their personal preferences. They may be feeling the loss of freedom and independence by requiring assistance and it is important to take their wishes into consideration. Ask them for their choices in terms of which family member or type of service provides care. You may not be able to accomplish all of their wishes but it is important to hear and consider them.
    • If your loved one has trouble understanding you, try simplifying your explanations and questions to help them understand.
  5. Ask other family members to help when speaking to the elderly person. Get family and friends to help when speaking to your loved one. They may be able to help persuade your loved one to accept assistance.
  6. Be patient and keep trying. It may take time and effort to convince your loved one to accept help. If they are unwilling to discuss the topic at first, try again later and don't give up.
  7. Suggest a trial run. If they are still very resistant to the idea of requiring help then you can suggest a trial run so that they do not have to make a final decision right away. This gives them the opportunity to see how things go and discover the benefits of receiving help.
  8. Speak positively about care. You can describe care centers as clubs or a care provider as a friend so that your loved one sees care as a positive experience.
  9. Explain your own needs. Tell the elderly person about how it will help you and make your own life easier if they accept care. Sometimes your loved one might feel guilty about the burden they are placing on you, but if you tell them how much it will help you for them to accept care, they may be more willing.
    • Remind your loved one that you will both need to compromise on some issues.
  10. Pick your battles wisely. You are unlikely to agree on everything. Choose the topics that you wish to discuss and avoid fighting over minor issues. Focus on the major issues relating to the care of your loved one.
  11. Point out that care might actually enable your loved one to remain independent for longer. Accepting help and assistance might enable the elderly person to remain in his/her own home for as long as possible.[4]



Tips

  • Make sure that they are happy and nothing is stressing them out.
  • Keep them involved in making decisions for themselves so that they are more comfortable about accepting help. This may not work for elderly who suffer from dementia.
  • Always be respectful to the elderly. Listen for their wishes and try to follow them if you can.

Warnings

  • Don't frighten them.
  • Monitor their mental well-being as well as their health because the elderly often suffer from mental illnesses such as depression.
  • If you see any signs of dangerous behavior or medical emergencies call emergency services right away!

Related Articles

  • Get Your Elderly Parent Active

Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ http://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/qs15/chapter/quality-statement-10-physical-and-psychological-needs
  2. ↑ http://www.myagedcare.gov.au/caring-someone
  3. ↑ http://psychcentral.com/news/2014/09/01/volunteerism-helps-older-adults-be-happier-healthier/74384.html
  4. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/caregivers/in-depth/caring-for-the-elderly/art-20048403
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