Taking care of a senior can be very challenging. What some of them can refuse to believe is that we take care of them out of love, and not because it is mere duty. It is hard for them to accept help because it makes them feel helpless and out of control. Feeling incapable and dependent is disheartening, and this is why they are often extremely stubborn and are easily offended or hurt. Even the most minor and innocent mistakes can cause them to turn away from you. This is why you should always take note and become aware of what you may be doing wrong. This will save you and your loved one the emotional tension that comes with being their caregiver. Here are the most common mistakes that you need to avoid when taking care of seniors.
Avoiding Help
If you are taking care of someone who is close to your heart, you may feel the need to do everything yourself. However, it is not possible to know everything or be able to handle it all entirely on your own, especially if you have a family or a job to tend to. Caring for a senior requires a lot of work, and is not easy at all to do. Besides, if they find you taking on more than you can handle, they will start to feel guilty or burdensome. This is why you need to accept that it’s okay to ask another family member to step in certain situations, help out with specific tasks, or take over if you have something important to do. You can even hire a house sitter to help you around with some tasks when things get too overwhelming.
Not Involving Them
The most common mistake that people tend to do is forgetting to ask about the senior’s needs and preferences. While it is purely out of love and care, caregivers tend to take control of the whole situation. This makes the seniors feel disregarded and strips them away of their individuality, but it is understandable to want to provide them with the ultimate comfort. However, repeatedly asking them if they need to use the bathroom or eat when they said they don’t want to, or rushing to help them with the things they can handle on their own (if they are still in relatively good health), can make them frustrated. When you take over, you might feel like you know better, and understand what’s best for them. This might lead you to provide them with what you think they want, rather than what they really want. Try to give them space when they ask for it and don’t forget to ask them about what they need rather than bombarding them with what they don’t need.
Housing Options
Multiple housing options are available for seniors nowadays. People often forget that they don’t need to practically move in with the seniors, or have to force them to give up their independence. This is why you may want to consider moving them to a senior living community where they will be able to partake in many activities and not feel isolated. You can also search for a nursing facility for the elderly that will provide them with unique and great living spaces, great care, and a loving, friendly community. This option can be less costly than 24/7 home care. It will also allow them to socialize and make friends.
Lack of Preparation
Usually, people tend to forget that taking care of the elderly is so much more than just being there for physical and emotional assistance. Caregiving requires planning and detailed organization. If they take medications, you must keep up with the multiple dosages and timings. You will also need to look into their insurance coverage so that you can easily provide them with what they need. The costs of caring for a senior are quite lofty and you may not be able to handle them on your own. You should always keep a list of their medications on you, and keep a medical file at reach. You should also take note of any possible allergies that they might have. Always being prepared will keep your mind at ease if someone else has to step in for the time being.
People usually believe that taking care of a senior, especially one that is close, is a relatively easy task. However, it requires a lot of physical and emotional strength. There are many details that you should keep in mind when caring for a senior, so make sure to go through our guide if you’re preparing to be someone’s caregiver.