Have you or someone you know ever been in the position where the parent-child roles were reversed? This happens when a parent cares for their child as they grow into an adult, but as they both grew older, the caregiver became the one in need of care. It happens quite often; we’ve heard similar stories from our clients like the one we’re about to share.
Judy was a 97 years old widow who had been living alone in her Boca Raton home for 45 years. She was always a very independent woman, but then her kidneys started to fail and she was having a hard time caring for herself. Her daughter thought it would be in her best interest to move her into an assisted living facility. But, after five months, Judy begged to go back home. Reluctantly, her family agreed under the condition that Judy would allow a home caregiver to ensure she got the help she needed. Judy agreed…until she got home.
Time
Oftentimes, when seniors start needing help they are a little reluctant to ask for it or accept it. After all, they might have been living alone or with a spouse for a long time. Perhaps they have a hard time with change, which is understandable. Change is uncomfortable for most! Therefore, it is important that the new elderly care aide is patient with the senior. It is important for the senior helper to ask themselves how they would feel if they were in that same position of receiving respite care. Most elderly people have strong thoughts and feelings about how they want things done. New ideas can be suggested, but it may take some time for them to go along with it.
Independence
Many seniors have a strong sense of pride or self-reliance that makes it difficult for them to accept help. They may feel bad about themselves because their bodies or minds can’t do what they used to do. Needing help with personal hygiene may be very embarrassing for them. It is important for the caregiver to be respectful of their feelings. They should take things slowly with the senior they’re helping with both their words and actions.
Communication
Too much talking is confusing to many seniors. Sometimes an elderly person needs time to think about how they want to formulate an answer or express a need, especially if their speech or cognitive functions are impaired. It is important for the caregiver to be patient, attentive, and respectful. It is necessary for the caregiver to go at the pace of the senior that they are caring for. In this way, it will make the senior’s transition from living independently to having home health care in West Palm Beach, FL a lot easier and more pleasant.
Here at Champion Home Health Care, we have empathetic nurses and home health care providers who are available to serve our senior community in Fort Lauderdale, North Palm Beach, and Broward County, FL. Our caregivers are licensed and insured, and we take great care in selecting our team of caregivers. We know that transition may be somewhat difficult at first, so our caregivers are experienced in taking time to help our clients feel comfortable. It’s our utmost objective to build trust between the caregiver and patient, and it’s our goal to provide the very best care to suit every individual’s needs.
