Seniors have taught so many valuable lessons over the years, and they need to be praised and appreciated instead of neglected. Showing respect is a great way to let an elderly loved one know how much he or she means to your family. Here are some of the ways family caregivers can show respect to an aging parent.
1. Include Your Loved One in the Caregiving Process
Don’t make all of the decisions pertaining to your loved one’s health without his or her input. Allowing your loved one to share his or her viewpoints, wishes, and opinions is a sign of respect that could boost his or her mood and independence. If it’s time to hire a professional in-home caregiver, give your loved one the opportunity to interview caregivers, and make sure you take his or her suggestions seriously. Ask your loved one to share his or her thoughts about medical treatment, daily activities, and personal finances.
If your senior loved one needs help managing an illness or assistance with daily tasks, make sure you choose a top-rated provider of home care. Fremont Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help your loved one live a happier and healthier life in the golden years. From the mentally stimulating activities we provide to our friendly Care Managers who are available to answer your questions 24 hours a day, we offer a wide array of high-quality at-home care services.
2. Offer Praise
Seniors want to know they’re appreciated and loved. Sending flowers to the home, taking your loved one out to dinner, or writing a personal note of praise are some of the ways you can show respect. If your loved one does something praiseworthy such as completing treatment or volunteering for a cause, congratulate him or her on a job well done. Offering praise may make your loved one feel truly valued.
3. Give Your Loved One Your Full Attention
A common sign of disrespect among elders is to interrupt while they’re speaking. Make sure your full attention is directed to your loved one, and don’t ask questions until he or she stops talking. Looking at your loved one while he or she speaks shows respect and lets him or her know you’re paying attention. Don’t get up and leave the room until your parent has finished the conversation, and avoid talking over him or her during the discussion.
4. Schedule Frequent Visits
Visit your parent a few days each week, and ask if assistance with errands or household chores is needed. During your visits, encourage your loved one to get out of the house, even if it’s only to walk around the block and back. Frequent visits give you the ability to show respect and check on your loved one’s wellbeing. You can make sure the refrigerator is stocked with healthy foods and the laundry is done.
Many seniors prefer aging in place over moving to an assisted living facility. If your senior loved one needs assistance to remain safe and comfortable while living at home, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading home care agency. Our dedicated in-home caregivers can assist with meal prep, bathing and grooming, exercise, medication reminders, and many other important tasks.
5. Ask about Traditions
When seniors teach their children and grandchildren about their family history, it can make them feel wise and useful. If your child has a project for school, tell him or her to ask your loved one for help and advice. Helping grandchildren with a project gives seniors time to bond and show trust and respect, which are two things adults crave in their senior years. Asking about traditions can also enhance your parent’s cognitive health. The more active your loved one’s brain is, the higher the odds of staving off dementia and Alzheimer’s.
There are a variety of age-related health conditions that can make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face can be easier to manage if their families opt for professional senior home care. Fremont families can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep their loved ones safe and comfortable while aging in place. Call Assisting Hands Home Care today to schedule a no-obligation consultation.
