Elderly people are a valuable part of society, and they need love, care and patience. As people age, they get many health complications, and they can show tendencies of being needy. That is why people who take care of the elderly should have compassion and patience to avoid feeling frustrated.
Tips for Taking Care of the Elderly in Society
- Show them that they matter: Every human, regardless of age, needs to feel wanted. When people get older, they start getting depressed and often feel as though they are a burden. As a caregiver for the elderly, you should always show them that they matter. Do this through spending time with them, taking care of their needs, listening to their concerns, and other actions which will make them feel wanted.
- Introduce them to technology: There are many ways how elderly people can benefit from technology and the apps which have been created specifically for them. Take your time and introduce them to some easy to use technology, so that they can have some distraction and feel self-sufficient.
- Follow up on their medication: Elderly people always develop health complications such as hip osteoarthritis and other conditions that affect mobility, or even health issues such as memory loss which may interfere with how they take their medication. Make sure that you help them by checking their medication and giving it to them as prescribed by the doctor.
- Modify their homes: If possible, make sure that the homes of the elderly are easy to access. Build a ramp to allow mobility in case they are using wheelchairs. You should also consider installing grab bars to their toilets and bathrooms to avoid slipping. Other things you should modify are lighting, so it is not too bright. Check to see if their alarms and smoke detectors are working. You can do research on some of the most recommended modifications for elderly people.
- Encourage them to exercise: There are many health benefits of exercise, especially for elderly people whose body functions have started slowing down. You can try some important exercises which are not too rigorous. Exercising also releases feel-good hormones that make them feel satisfied.
- Visit them often: Most elderly people say that they feel loved when they get visitors. Life can be lonely for the elderly, especially when their mobility is reduced, and they have to stay indoors or within the neighbourhood. They get excited when they hear a knock on their door and find someone who cares for them has stopped by.
- Keep their paperwork in order: The elderly appreciate when you help them with taxes, medical records, pension claims and other paperwork which might be overwhelming for them. Resist the temptation to steal from them, as some people tend to take advantage of the elderly.
