Five Ways To Provide Care With Dignity

 

The senior citizen who is aging in place and taking care of their daily routine activities has positive feelings about their independence, confidence, and capabilities. Sometimes, the older adult may need the assistance of a caregiver either for a period of time, or on a permanent basis. There may be some reluctance to accept this kind of care because there will be feelings of loss of their independence, and their confidence may be reduced. The older adult may not express the way they truly feel, but they do want to maintain their dignity during care.

Things to Know

It is easy for a caregiver to want to take control of every aspect of the life of their senior loved one. This sometimes has a way of making your senior loved one feel incompetent, and that they no longer have control over their life. As a caregiver, you do not want to promote those feelings. It is important for your senior loved one to retain their dignity while being cared for. Senior citizens who have in home care, or receiving care in a nursing facility, want to feel that their values and identity as a human is being respected. Tucson Home care has listed down the following are tips for providing care for your senior loved one with dignity.

1. Allow the older adult to choose their own clothing. They know what they want to wear, and should always be given that opportunity. Let them be the decision maker in this area, and if they need assistance they will ask. So not assume that you know what their choice would be.

2. Allow them to be involved in any decision regarding their care. This allows them to still be in control. You can help stir them in the direction without taking over. Ask for their input, and listen to them.

3. Address your senior loved on properly. This is a part of their identity that they do not want to lose. Do not make an assumption about the name they want to be addressed by. It would be disrespectful and could damage their dignity.

4. Respect the personal space and belongings of your senior loved one. You are the caregiver, and they are the care resident. You cannot invade their personal space without getting their permission. Respecting their privacy is highly important to providing care with dignity.

5. Be sensitive when taking care of hygiene duties. Many older adults may not be comfortable exposing their unclothed bodies every day. This may be a common act for you, but you need to be as tactful as possible, and respectful of their vulnerable situation of being bathed, or their toileting.

Conclusion

Alzheimer home care understands that having a caregiver can make the older adult feel shut off from the rest of the world. This can be damaging to their dignity especially if they are extroverts. Encourage your senior loved one to socialize with others. Help them create opportunities for social activities and engagement. Their dignity should not be compromised. Always treat them as you would like to be treated.