Tips for caring for the elderly

How To Care For The Elderly in 2015 -Anthony Thanasayan

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Created on Thursday, 15 January 2015 07:00

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Written by Anthony Thanasayan

Category: Columnist

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EVEN THOUGH we are halfway through a brand new month of another spanking new year, it is never too late to make New Year resolutions!
If you have already made up a list, not to worry. You can just add in other resolutions.

Here are some suggestions with regards to elderly and disabled persons who are worthy of consideration for positive and quality living.
These ideas have been sourced from a group of senior persons whom I spoke with last week, as I was preparing this article.
1) For elderly and disabled persons:

• Change Your Focus: Make a pact with your peers not to mention aches and pains anymore. Sure, they are important to note, especially when new ones appear. Your doctor needs to know about them in order to put you on the right medication and treatment on how best to deal with them.

However, other than that, they don't have to be the starter or subject in all of your conversations when you meet old and new friends. It's time to move away from things you have little or no control over - and on to more positive things.
Start talking about the new baby in the family or your latest gardening exploits instead. What is the latest book that you are reading, or perhaps a movie you watched or are planning to go and see with the family?
Even though you may not be able to stop what's happening to your body, you can be the author of how you wish your life to be run from where you are at the moment.
2) When helping caregivers:

• Caregivers Need A Break Badly: As a volunteer, you can offer to relieve a carer who has to look after an elderly or disabled member 24/7.

This can be done by sitting in for them for a couple of hours or more, whilst they take time off to catch up on other chores that need attending to. Or, it can be time-off for the caregivers - to go and watch a movie or attend a fun event in order to rejuvenate themselves.
This can be done once a week or even once a month, depending on your availability. This relief programme can and should be part of a neighbourhood activity or one coordinated by the local council.
Such volunteerism would be especially great for social groups of religious organisations to participate in.
And when you do, please don't only make it a prayer or preachy session.
Make it a truly get-to-know programme with the bedridden or wheelchair-bound person by finding out more of his or her wants and wishes. Be sure to share with him or her the happenings outside the home and even around the world.
This would greatly help to distract the person for a while from whatever problems he or she is going through. The key is to keep the conversations positive at all times.
Offer to help get the groceries and other needful items for the caregivers when you are out shopping yourself. This makes a big difference to them.
They may be shy at first and refuse your kind gesture. However, once you have their confidence, you will soon realise how such help goes a long way in their lives.  
3) When visiting the disabled or elderly:

• Music Enriches The Soul: Bring along your CD collection - or buy a good album - for those interested in music and share it with them. Inspirational talks make great choices.
• Invite Them For An Outing With You: Outings can be a neighbourhood walk or a visit to a nearby park. But be sure to ask the regular caregiver about the necessary do's and don'ts first. Pay attention to detail and NEVER do what's forbidden. Wheelchairs can be a problem, especially with manoeuvrability - so be careful!
• Bringing Over Their Favourite Food: This is a terrific way to make friends. It would be a boon if you can make it yourself. However, pay attention religiously to any allergies, intolerance and other food-related problems they might have. When they say "Not spicy", they mean exactly that.
• Visits Should Be Regular And Ongoing: Placing the elderly in caring homes is not wrong, especially when one doesn't have the time and resources to care for ageing persons. Never let up on the visits - even if it means that family members have to take turns to check on their loved ones. Failure to do so would be tantamount to abandoning them. No matter how much you may spend on providing care for your loved ones, it cannot replace their love for you.    

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