It can be hard to navigate the shift in roles from being the person your aging relative once took care of to the person taking care of them. When providing care for an elderly person, it can be easy to slip into the role of a parent to a child. After all, if you’re a parent yourself, that is where your experience in caring for others lies. However, when we treat older adults like children, it can be demoralizing for them and strips them of their dignity. Here are some tips to help you take on the role of caregiver while still preserving your older family member’s dignity.
Give the Senior Choices Whenever Possible
One of the things that can be difficult for older adults when they have to rely on help from others is a feeling of losing control of their lives. To help your aging relative feel more in control, allow them to make choices about everyday aspects of their life. For example, don’t tell them what they will be having for lunch, ask them what they would like. If you are dealing with an older adult who has dementia, it is best to avoid asking open-ended questions. Instead, give them a choice of two things and let them choose.
Continue Asking for Their Input and Advice
Seniors are a source of wisdom and experience. Though their bodies may not work as well as they used to, they can still offer the wisdom of their years. If you’ve always asked your elderly parent for their advice on child rearing, keep asking for their help. If you have a handy older relative, ask them to guide you in making a home repair.
Use Preferred Names and Titles
It can be tempting to talk to an older adult as though they were a child, particularly if they have dementia. Avoid falling into bad habits like using pet names (Honey, Sweetie, etc.) when talking to the senior. Instead, use the same name or title you always did.
Keep Private Care Items Out of Sight
Some older adults are embarrassed by having certain kinds of care items left out where guests might see them. For example, if your aging relative suffers from incontinence, keep absorbent pads and underwear in a cabinet, closet, or drawer.
Senior care providers are trained and experienced in caring for older adults. Senior care providers’ expertise gives them the know-how to do all the things your aging relative needs while still allowing them to keep their dignity. By hiring senior care to assist, you can be certain that the older adult is taken care of and safe while also being happy with the help they receive.
Sources
https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/basics/info-2020/preserving-dignity-aging-parents.html
https://www.verywellhealth.com/preserving-dignity-in-people-with-dementia-4130118
If you or an aging loved one is considering senior care in Huntley, MT, please contact the caring staff at SYNERGY HomeCare Billings today at 406-839-2390.
