The Importance of Having Consistent Caregivers for Older Adults

Why It’s Important for Seniors to Have Consistent Caregivers

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Senior Care Union City

For seniors in need of care, consistency can be a lifeline. Every day, they see the same faces and follow the same basic schedules, and this provides a soothing structure to their routines. Without consistency, they might become anxious or fatigued. Ahead, learn why consistent caregivers are essential and what caregivers can do to deliver the consistency their aging loved ones need.

 

The Emotional Consequences of Being Cared For

Many seniors have difficulty accepting they need to be cared for. Their newfound vulnerability makes them feel overly dependent. When seniors have consistent caregivers, they’ll eventually become more comfortable with the idea that they need help. 

Seniors may become more comfortable with aspects of caregiving that might have been embarrassing at first, such as grooming assistance, because they develop a rapport with consistent caregivers. Over time, the rapport they build allows them to let go of embarrassment and accept assistance without a fight. 

This process can’t happen if your loved one is assisted by a different caregiver every day. Your loved one might get used to the basics of caregiving, but he or she may initially experience an embarrassing vulnerability with each new caregiver. To build trust, seniors need to see the same friendly faces every day.

One of the most challenging tasks of helping an elderly relative age in place safely and comfortably is researching agencies that provide senior care. Turn to Assisting Hands Home Care for reliable, high-quality in-home care for aging adults. We offer 24-hour care for seniors who require extensive assistance, and we also offer respite care for family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties.

 

The Fear of the Unknown

Seniors who require daily assistance may be facing some challenging unknowns, like whether they’re going to get better, which is why having a consistent caregiver is important. A senior can’t thrive in an environment that’s constantly in flux. 

To create consistency, try to stick to a fixed daily schedule. Build the day around specific activities and goals. Your loved one might wake up at 8 a.m., eat breakfast at 8:30 a.m., break for lunch at noon, and work on a craft project at 1 p.m. Even if your loved one experiences memory loss, he or she will be comforted by the familiar patterns of routine. 

 

The Mental Benefits of Consistency

When both the caregiver and the senior follow a consistent lifestyle, it can have a notable effect on the senior’s mental health. For seniors who have previously had difficulty living independently, falling into a routine that meets their basic needs can be very soothing. They no longer have to worry about cooking their own dinners or scheduling their next doctor’s appointments, which can be a massive weight off their shoulders. 

If your loved one has Alzheimer’s or dementia, consistent routines may lessen feelings of anxiety. Even if your loved one can’t recite his or her daily routine from memory, eventually the patterns work their way into the subconscious, providing a sense of security.

Addressing an aging loved one’s symptoms of dementia can be challenging for family caregivers. If you’re the primary caregiver for a senior family member and you need respite care, Fremont, CA, Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help. Our home caregivers are trained to assist older adults with a wide variety of everyday tasks, including meal prep, physical activity, and personal hygiene. We also provide 24-hour care and specialized care for seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s.

 

The Physical Benefits of Consistency

Maintaining consistent schedules can also have physical benefits for seniors, especially enhanced sleep. If seniors perform specific actions at the same time every day, such as eating and bathing, their bodies begin to conform to these patterns. Following a routine makes it easier to fall asleep at the same time every day, which can be a great help for seniors who have difficulty sleeping at night. 

Many seniors need consistency in their routines to live comfortably. The type of home care Fremont seniors need can vary. Some need assistance a few hours a day, while others require more extensive around-the-clock assistance. At Assisting Hands Home Care, we tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual care needs, and the plans can be adjusted at any time. Schedule a free in-home consultation by giving us a call today.