Understanding and Supporting the Needs of Older People
Ageing is an inevitable part of life. It is something we cannot avoid. Nobody can be prepared beforehand with a plan on how to spend their elderly days. The old age is a very sensitive phase. Like every stage of a man’s life, old age comes with its own issues and troubles. Understanding and Supporting the Needs of Older People is imperative for the caretakers of the elderly.
As age progresses different health issues grip our lives. But it’s not just health issues that affect older people, there are several associated issues that affect their overall health. If you have older people in your life, you might feel they need too much attention, they ask too many questions. As a result, we end up feeling that they are too much to take care of. They soon start understanding this, and they are overwhelmed with a feeling of dejection, purposelessness.
Many people consider that with old age, our lives come to a standstill. We spend our childhood in studies, adolescence in education and work, and adult life in working and taking care of our family. People consider old age as a setback to their life. However, getting old doesn’t mean we have to succumb with a negative approach in life. You may not be able to enjoy the activities that you enjoyed previously, you can find new hobbies or different activity groups.
There are certain needs that arise with old age. We should be patient while dealing with older people. Look at it this way- perhaps they already feel they are being a burden, they already feel embarrassed that they need your help to get in and out of the bed every day, they’re upset that they have become forgetful. Instead of talking down to older people, we must try Like every stage of a man’s life, old age comes with its own issues and troubles. Understanding and Supporting the Needs of Older People is imperative for the caretakers of the elderly.
What are the Challenges faced by them?
As our parents or grandparents grow old, they face several challenges every day. We have discussed some of the major problems below to help you better understand the old people.
- Physiological Problems- This goes without saying that as age progresses one starts to become slow physically. Everyday activities become a daunting task. You need assistance in walking, getting in and out of the car, shopping. Baking or cooking a meal that you enjoyed previously seems like a task. You get fatigued easily. Then there are diseases like kidney failure, diabetes, heart failure issues, arthritis, and the list goes on.
- Social Problems- With age, social life gets restricted and home becomes the centre of life for older people. Also, the death of relatives, peers, spouse narrows down their social life. As a result, they crave their family’s company.
- Another Problem the elderly face is the generation gap with their children or grandchildren. Because of a different perspective, or different views in the political or social matter, the older generation feels they don’t fit into society anymore. They feel left out.
- Psychological Problems- Older people are very much susceptible to mental disorders like depression, poor memory, insomnia, agitation. Forgetfulness is the most common problem. However, there are many underlying causes of these problems. In extreme cases, patients have to go for regular therapy sessions.
- Emotional Problems- With psychological problems set in the emotional problem. The indifferent attitude and negligence on the part of the family members affect the older people. Loss of spouse or close ones also creates a sense of loneliness in them.
Understanding their Problems
The first and foremost solution is to give your parents, grandparents your time. This won’t solve the physiological problem, but this will definitely help the emotional and psychological problems. When you start sitting with them and spend some quality time, they will be happy and healthy. Take some time out of your busy schedule and sit with them for an hour or two.
You don’t have to agree with everything they say, neither do you have to get into a heated debate. Just listen to them, this makes them feel valued. Remember the times when they sacrificed their good night’s sleep to bear with your tantrums? Well, it’s time you bear with theirs.
You can get your parents or grandparents to join an activity group like lunch clubs, art and crafts, or gardening. These activities help a great deal in Like every stage of a man’s life, old age comes with its own issues and troubles. Understanding and Supporting the Needs of Older People is imperative for the caretakers of the elderly.
It’s not possible for everyone to be present physically all the time for their parents or grandparents. You have your own life - a job to take care of, mouths to feed, and a degree to earn. But these things keep you busy in your life. Think of your elderly family members back home. They crave company, someone they can trust, someone to listen to them, someone who will make them feel valued. At UTrust Care we provide caregivers to take care of the elderly members of your family. We don’t want them to feel lonely. Our caregivers are compassionate, and their company in your everyday life will bring positive changes. Our company believes in the act of kindness, and through our elderly care service, you will find experienced and supportive caregivers for the older members of your family.