There can be a drastic change in the life and personality of a person when they start aging. Yes, this is normal and one doesn’t need to be sick even for such transformation. Maybe you have always seen your parents be strong, hardworking, positive and socially engaged people when they were young. But when they start aging, this side of their personality can change completely. ‘
Old people, especially after retiring from their work and after losing their spouse, often become isolated. They develop a feeling of uselessness about themselves. With age, they become feeble physically too. This adds up to the feeling of uselessness too. As a result, they start feeling to be insignificant, misfit and that makes them isolated. In such a situation, if their loved ones, especially their sons or daughters move away from them and the city, it becomes really difficult for them to deal with isolation. This is when you need the help of a live-in caregiver to make your loved one feel less isolated and more useful. How can they help you? Take a look at the following points to know more.
Address Incontinence Issues:
No one wants to lose their dignity in front of others. For elderly people, it is a sensitive issue too. Unfortunately, with age, there are many people who develop incontinence issues which makes them feel uncomfortable and hesitant to leave their houses. Having assistance from private home care will ensure that the elderly loved one can lead a normal life with dignity. The caregiver can address such issues as they are trained and equipped to handle such situations. They can take care of the prescribed medicines and supplies for dealing with incontinence which can actually encourage the elderly people to leave home and become social.
Encouraging Body Image:
Seniors often become too conscious of their bodies. This results in self-esteem issues for them too. Of course, no one likes that their skin is now wrinkled, hair is patchy and white, maybe teeth are missing and their postures are defective owing to their mobility issues. But a caregiver can change the situation. One of the most important responsibilities of home assisted living is to make the elderly feel happy and positive about themselves. That can happen when a positive body image is encouraged. The caregiver will be sensitive in handling this issue by positively and genuinely complimenting the senior which can help them become more confident.
Help Being Social:
Owing to mobility issues and many other discomforts, elderly people isolate themselves from society. They don’t go out and engage in social interactions. It can be lack of confidence or the fear of accidents and falls. Untreated hearing loss also increases the risks of social isolation. Modern hearing aids that are rechargeable can can help recover some of the that hearing loss. Hiring assistance living for seniors can be helpful in this case too. They can accompany the seniors for going for a stroll, meeting the other senior members of the community, going to church and so on. This way they will feel more significant.
Give Them Something to Take Care Of:
Give your loved ones a pet to take care of. It will help them feel really responsible and useful. Having something to take care of will be a great boost in their confidence too. It will give them a purpose while taking care of the lovely creature. This will also motivate them to get up in the morning. As innocent animals can encourage unconditional love from them, it will help them to feel less isolated.
So, now as you know how you can make them feel less isolated with the help of a caregiver, what are you waiting for? Hire a private health care agency and help your elderly loved ones have a better life.
Peter Beaumont is a senior reporter on the Guardian’s Global Development desk. He has reported extensively from conflict zones including Africa, the Balkans and the Middle East and is the author of The Secret Life of War: Journeys Through Modern Conflict. Email: peter@thehearus.com
