Some seniors feel getting older and receiving assistance with the activities of daily living will lead to the loss of independence and dignity. However, family caregivers can alleviate these concerns by taking a respectful approach when they’re caring for their aging loved ones. Here are a few suggestions for helping your loved one maintain a sense of dignity.
Respect Privacy
Always knock on your loved one’s door before entering the room, and allow him or her to dress and undress without your assistance if he or she is physically able to complete the task. When your loved one uses the restroom, stand on the other side of the room or in the hallway. Although you want to make sure your loved one remains safe, you should also offer privacy and avoid making him or her feel uncomfortable. Your loved one’s need for assistance with daily tasks may change over time, but the need for respect and dignity won’t.
Some seniors only require help with a few daily tasks so they can maintain their independence. However, those living with serious illnesses may need more extensive assistance. Luckily, there is professional live-in care Auburn, AL, seniors can rely on. Home can be a safer and more comfortable place for your loved one to live with the help of an expertly trained and dedicated live-in caregiver.
Plan Successful Outings
Without realizing it, some family caregivers plan outings that set their loved ones up for failure, leading to stress, isolation, and depression. However, you can plan successful outings that allow your loved one to maintain dignity while enjoying a welcome change in his or her normal daily routine. Plan your loved one’s outings with these strategies in mind:
- Make sure the distance is manageable
- Eat at restaurants where the food is easy to chew, cut, and digest
- Go out during a time of day when your loved one is in good spirits
Receiving compassionate care helps older adults maintain optimal physical, mental, and emotional health and allows them to live with dignity. At-home care professionals can be a wonderful boon to seniors. Whether they require around-the-clock supervision or just need assistance with exercise and household tasks a few days a week, seniors can enjoy a higher quality of life with the help of trusted in-home caregivers.
Use Therapeutic Fibbing
As seniors age, they’re at higher risk for age-related health issues, including memory loss, impaired vision, and reduced bone and muscle mass, which can prevent them from completing normal daily activities. Therapeutic fibbing is a strategy you can use to protect your loved one’s dignity when telling the truth would cause emotional pain. For example, if your parent has limited mobility and wants to drive to the grocery store, say the car keys have been misplaced and offer a ride because you “need to get out of the house for a little while.”
Be Aware of Your Tone
Even though it may feel natural to use parental tones when you’re caring for your loved one, this behavior should be avoided because your tone may come across as condescending and disrespectful. If you’re helping your loved one with tasks like bathing, dressing, and eating, you don’t want to make him or her feel like a child. Speak to your loved one as an equal, and never use patronizing words when communicating with him or her.
Maintaining dignity is crucial for a senior’s emotional wellbeing. One of the most challenging tasks of helping an elderly relative age in place safely and comfortably is researching agencies that provide senior home care. Auburn families can turn to Home Care Assistance for reliable, high-quality in-home care for aging adults. We offer 24-hour live-in care for seniors who require extensive assistance, and we also offer respite care for family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties. To talk to one of our friendly Care Managers and create a customized senior care plan, call us at (334) 744-7100.