Caring for an Elderly Person: 5 Things You MUST Know

When you care for an elderly person, there are various things you should and MUST know to keep them safe.  As people age, daily life can become more challenging for them, especially if they are struggling with health conditions. Therefore, understanding some of the complexities that come along with aging will help them have the support they need and want for a better life.

The following are some of the most important things you must know if you’re a caregiver or loved one providing elderly in home care.

1. Assure Them That They Are Still Valuable

When an elderly person can’t do some of the things that they used to do for themselves, they tend to feel sad about it. For example, if someone has spent their life enjoying cooking and providing food for their loved ones, yet cannot do it due to age or a health condition, this can cause them to struggle with feelings of sadness and loss of purpose.

For elderly in home care, you must affirm that they are still valuable, loved, and worthy no matter what they can or cannot do at this time in their life.  Maybe they can’t do all that they used to do, but they are still quite valuable.

2. They Still Want To Do All They Can To Care For Themselves

In other words, don’t do everything for them. Let them be as independent as they can be for as long as possible.  This may take some creativity at times. For example, if someone is bedridden, yet loves to put her makeup on and do her own hair every day, a portable vanity would come in handy. Rather than you taking over and doing such things for her, let her have that independence even if it takes her longer.

It’s challenging for anyone to give up their independence.  Think about if you weren’t allowed to choose your own food or wear what you want. It might not sit well with you.  In the same way, aging seniors want to be as independent as they can be. Remember this as you care for them.

3. Each Person Is Different, So Offer Unique Care For Each

It’s easy to group people together, thinking if it’s true for one, it’s true for all.  However, this isn’t the case.  Regarding elderly in home care, remember that they have unique wants and needs.  It’s your job to find out what they are and offer care that reflects that.

This is better known as “person centered care”. Each person is valuable and has the right to be heard. This includes their goals and treatment needs.  Be sure to sit and listen to them with patience and compassion. You may not be able to cater to their every need or desire, but do take each one into consideration as you create their treatment plan. 

4. Aging People Are Not Children, So Don’t Treat Them As Such

An elderly person who is facing their latter years, death, and the loss of being able to fully care for themselves might just have some negative feelings about such. Just think if you couldn’t bathe yourself or needed assistance to use the bathroom. How would you feel?

They may have days when they have what some deem a temper tantrum, but that doesn’t mean you have to treat them as children. They are trying to process aging and losing the ability to care for themselves like they used to. Your task is to allow them the time to process and feel what they feel as they do. 

One complaint of the elderly is that people treat them like they are whiny, little children.  They want to be heard and understood, as well as given as much freedom as possible. Even if they’re having a bad day or they cannot do what they used to do, they want and deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. 

So, don’t offer “baby talk” or automatically assume you have to do everything for them. And, don’t scold them for having a meltdown or being edgy at times. Let them be who they are, holding space for them with respect and compassion. Elderly in home care should always provide a safe and open space for clients to be and express themselves without judgment.

5. Privacy Is Golden

You might find the elderly talking about their lives quite a bit.  They may share things with you that they would never share with another soul. It’s your job to keep it private and confidential. Unless they share something that you feel could harm them or another, your role is to listen without judgment.  

Allow them to share their life story, fears, family issues, reasons they feel guilt or shame, what they’re upset about, and so on.  You don’t have to fix them or go to work fixing their issues. Simply listen and hold the conversations sacred. They will appreciate the freedom to just talk about whatever they want. 

Conclusion

Proving elite care for the elderly in home care is a great honor.  While it can be challenging at times, the rewards of being there for them are much greater. Most aging folks just want to be seen and heard with compassion and love. Make this your primary task and all else will follow suit just fine. 

As prepared as you are, there are still many things you will learn along the journey.  Keep these in consideration as you meet and care for seniors. They will certainly appreciate it!