Let’s face it. As your loved ones age, they will usually need help and assistance. And so often, their grown children already have huge demands on their time. So expecting them to provide all the care needed is not really feasible. However, our aging loved ones are often very resistant to accepting that they need a caregiver or personal aide. This can then cause frustration and tension on all sides. If you have an aging parent relative who needs in-home help, then it can be hard to work out how to approach them and how to convince them that they (and you) need the extra assistance. Here are some things to consider: 1. Choose the right time. Right after a holiday or another stressful event is often a poor time to broach the issue, even if it might be the time you realize that more help is definitely needed. Choose a time when you are both relaxed. Consider inviting them over for dinner and then bringing it up afterwards, when everyone is calm. Be ready to table the discussion and bring it up multiple times, or to delay the discussion until another time if tensions are high. 2. Suggest a trial period. If your loved one is worried about loss of independence or privacy, a trial period can help allay their fears. And, of course, a trial period will make sure that the right kind of help has really been selected and allow them to talk to several caregivers and find somebody they are comfortable with. 3. Communicate. Nobody wants to feel that a solution is being pushed on them from outside. Start by finding out why your loved one is having issues – is it fear of their privacy being invaded? Pride? Loss of independence? Grief? In some cases, accepting help after the loss of one’s long-term partner can be particularly difficult. Discovering the reason for the resistance is the first step to helping work through it. Your solutions should involve the elderly person as an active partner, even (and perhaps especially) if they are experiencing the first stages of cognitive decline. 4. Stress the positive. A home caregiver can be the best way for your parent to keep their independence. Bring up things that they used to do and cannot do any more. Are they starting to get embarrassed by the state of their yard? Do they wish they could still read books, but are finding it hard to get audio or large print versions of what they enjoy? An aide can also be a way to continue to visit museums, go to the movies, or take walks. 5. Make it about the help you need, not just them. Many people will be resistant to accept help for themselves, but far more willing to accept it on behalf of others. If you explain that the time you are spending on them is interfering with your work, marriage, or the things you really need to do, then they may be more willing to accept outside help. Dealing with a loved one who needs extra help can be a challenge. You need to accept that they can still make their own choices and not push care on them unless there are immediate safety issues involved. However, getting them to be willing to accept home care can help reduce family tensions, free up your life, and allow them to age in place for longer. When they are ready to accept help and you have discussed their needs with them, contact Elderlink Home Care or call us at 303-734-0641. We offer custom in-home care for specific needs. Our caregivers provide assistance in personal matters and on outings for shopping or leisure, and we will match your relative with the perfect caregiver for their unique situation.
When a loved one has Alzheimer’s or Dementia, interaction may be more difficult than it was before. You may struggle to understand their mindset and thought process or be unsure of how to diffuse potentially problematic situations. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to comfort people in your life with dementia and smooth the care process. 1. Empathize Actively If a loved one has Dementia, they may become easily confused by what is happening around them. They may not be sure of the time period in which they are living or who is with them. You may not be able to restore their ability to understand what’s going on. However, arguing with them will just frustrate everyone involved! By empathizing actively and trying to understand what they’re going through, on the other hand, you can remove many of the barriers and make it easier to deal with a difficult situation. 2. Interact in a Positive Way When a loved one or an individual under your care has Dementia, it’s easy to slip into the habit of acting like the parent. Treating them like a child, however, can undermine their sense of self-worth and leave them feeling more off-balance than before! Instead, try to interact in a respectful and positive way. Take the time to listen to their opinions and adapt to them when possible. 3. Break Activities Into Steps When you’re dealing with Alzheimer’s or dementia, it’s important to break down regular activities into smaller steps to make them more manageable. This can be everything from taking a walk to getting ready for the day. Breaking down tasks into a series of smaller tasks makes them more approachable and manageable for an individual with Alzheimer’s or dementia. When you break down the tasks ahead of you, you can tackle each small one at a time. This can also make it easier for dementia sufferers to focus on the task currently at hand, rather than getting overwhelmed with the entire process which may cause them to get agitated and shut down completely. 4. Recall Good Memories Recalling the “good old days” is often soothing and comforting for someone suffering from dementia. Take the time to talk about old and/or positive memories. Look through pictures together. Ask questions and genuinely listen to what they have to say. You’ll discover that looking back on old memories isn’t just a great way to calm them; it’s also an excellent bonding opportunity that can help both of you actively remember happier times as you continue to build a relationship. 5. Deliver Your Message Clearly Speaking to someone with dementia can be incredibly frustrating, especially if you feel they aren’t able to absorb the message you’re trying to give them. When you’re struggling to communicate, try using short, clear sentences and simple, one-step instructions. Be careful not to slip into the habit of talking to your loved one like a child, but provide them with the information they need in an easy-to-understand manner to make it easier for both of you to communicate. You don’t have to use the patronizing method of speaking loudly and slowly to the elderly, which will undermine their sense of self-worth; do, however, slow down and take the time to break down what you have to say in a way that can be easily understood. Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia can be a difficult process. When you follow these five simple methods, however, you can break down communication barriers and make it easier to interact. Of course, remember that our Elderlink Home Care, Inc. team has over 30 years of experience providing Alzheimer’s and dementia support. If you are struggling or feeling overwhelmed, our caregivers can help! Call us today, at (303) 734-0641 or contact us via our website to learn how we can help!
As your parents age, it may be more difficult for them to take care of daily tasks and responsibilities. Simple self-care becomes more challenging and taking care of tasks around the house may be more daunting than it’s ever been before. Simply charging in and taking over, however, won’t help you or your aging loved one. Not only will it add a heavy dose of responsibility to your shoulders, it may be hard on your parent’s self-esteem or feelings of independence. By learning how to balance those key tasks, you can improve your interactions with your parent while ensuring they get the care they need. 1. Let Them Lead For many years, your parent was responsible for taking care of themselves–and for taking care of you! As they age, they still need to lead the self-care process as much as possible. It may take longer to wait patiently for your parent to complete a task when they’re the one leading the way, but providing them with that extra independence can help improve their self-esteem and make them feel more capable even as their physical abilities deteriorate. 2. Ensure Their Health After hospital stays or a new medical diagnosis, your aging loved one may need more care than before. Take care to monitor medication to ensure that they’re taking it properly, especially if forgetfulness is setting in. It may also be helpful to attend doctor’s appointments with them, particularly after a new diagnosis or injury. 3.Address Emotional Needs, Too It’s easy, as an adult child, to get caught up in your parent’s physical needs. There are so many things to take care of, especially when you’re balancing the need to keep up with their needs as well as your own. It’s important, however, to keep an eye on emotional needs as well as physical ones. Take the time to sit down and have a genuine conversation. Exchange kind words. Make sure to evaluate your parent’s emotional state and take action if they seem to become depressed or anxious. These simple steps can have a big impact on your loved one over time! 4. Remain Respectful Your parent has not become a child in spite of the fact that they now need your help and care. When interacting with your parent, be respectful! Keep in mind that they still have the right to make their own choices, and you should ask for their opinion before making a choice for them. Take the time to think through how your actions will impact them, especially if you’re making decisions that may reduce their independence. 5. Prepare the Home You’re well aware that certain hazards increase as your loved one ages. Keep an eye on potential fall hazards and problems in the kitchen, bathrooms and around the rest of the house. You don’t want to sweep in and take over, but you do want to be sure that the home is as safe as possible! Take the time to remove cords and unnecessary clutter from common areas. When necessary, install grab bars in the bathroom to help your loved one keep their balance. As you take these simple steps, you’ll help ensure your loved one’s safety. Providing care for an aging parent or loved one can be a struggle, but doing so respectfully and lovingly is well worth the effort. Remember, our Elderlink Home Care, Inc. team has over 30 years of experience helping our clients age gracefully and comfortably in their own homes. If you are struggling or need help, we are ready to lend a helping hand. Call us on (303) 734-0641 today to learn how we can help provide the care your loved one needs.
As you get older, you’ll have plenty of struggles along the way. Many of the common signs and symptoms you often associate with aging, however, may not be as severe as you think! By combating the myths of aging, you’ll discover that you can live a full, healthy lifestyle throughout your important golden years! Myth #1: Your Brain Deteriorates Over Time Sure, as you age, you may naturally struggle more to remember simple things, and it may be harder to grasp new concepts–but that doesn’t have to be the case. Your brain is capable of developing new connections and learning and understanding new concepts. Make sure that you’re conducting proper brain activities on a regular basis to help improve your continued processing ability. Play brain games, learn how to do new things, and embrace the opportunity to grow your mind. Myth #2: Older People Don’t Need Close Relationships The need for community and connection doesn’t go away as you age. Older people need close relationships just as much as younger ones–and it’s important that you take the time to develop them. Take a class, attend an activity or club on a regular basis, and look for other ways to connect with people. Develop friendships. If you’re feeling lonely, check out a local senior center or become involved with a local senior group. Relationships can help keep your mind sharp and improve your overall health–and that’s well worth investing in. Myth #3: You’ll Become Frail as You Age While frailty comes with age for many individuals, you don’t have to give in and assume you’re going to be frail and breakable just because of the number of candles on your cake! Instead, work with a trainer to develop an exercise routine that will help keep you strong and flexible. Proper nutrition and vitamins can also help keep your bones strong even as aging tries to threaten them. Also, be sure to visit your doctor on a regular basis. The longer you stay active in your senior years, the longer you’ll be able to stay active and the more you’ll be able to do and enjoy! Myth #4: Aging Makes You Less Creative During your senior years, you have more time on your hands to explore all of the creative gifts you may have let slide by the wayside when you were younger. Many people find that, with free time to use to full advantage, they’re able to be more creative through their senior years than they ever were when they were young. Pick up a new hobby or embrace the ones that you had to ignore due to the demands of raising a family or working full-time. You may be surprised by just how much you’re able to accomplish–and by how much you enjoy it! Myth #5: Your Genes Determine How You Age While your genes may have some impact on how well you’re able to age, it’s your lifestyle that really impacts the aging process. When you choose to stay active, eat healthy, and keep your brain sharp, you’ll discover that you’re in a better position to age well and gracefully. Ditching bad habits like alcohol and tobacco consumption as young as possible can also help decrease the signs and symptoms of aging so that you’re able to better enjoy your senior years. You don’t have a choice about getting older, but there are many things you can do to help increase your odds of growing older with grace. By combating the myths of aging, you’ll discover that you can live a full, healthy lifestyle well into your retirement years, enjoying everything going on around you. Do you or a loved one need more help to live the full lifestyle you want? Contact us to learn more about we can help you or a loved one reach your goals.
Vision loss is difficult for seniors. As the years go by, they may start to lose the ability to do the things they’ve always done, simply because they can’t see well enough to do those activities. The most common causes of poor eyesight in elderly adults are macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, cataract and glaucoma; however, no matter the reason, the result can be the same: feelings of frustration and depression due to decreased independence. Fortunately, there are ways for you and your elderly loved one’s caregiver to ease this challenge. Use these five techniques to help your loved one navigate the world with greater ease and comfort despite a loss of vision. Face Them While You’re Speaking Facing a senior with vision loss helps them hear you more clearly and identify where you are in the room. Listen attentively and offer verbal cues to indicate your involvement in the conversation. You’ll also want to be clear about ending a conversation or leaving the room, so the person doesn’t keep talking while you’re not there to listen. Let Them Set the Pace While walking with a vision-impaired senior, match their pace to avoid accidentally pushing or pulling. It can be difficult for the elderly to maintain balance, anyway; with poor eyesight this becomes even more challenging. If you accidentally encourage them to move a step too fast or too slow, it can disrupt their balance and cause a fall; it may also cause anxiety if they are placing their feet before they feel comfortable and ready for each step. Explain Loud Noises We may hear a strange noise and see a dog across the street; we know the dog was barking or howling. However, sometimes a bark doesn’t sound like a bark at all, especially if you don’t have the visual cue to know where the sound came from. Screeching tires, backfiring cars, animal noises, and falling objects can be difficult to identify without seeing where the sounds originated. Without that visual context, the sounds can be alarming or even frightening. Therefore, it’s helpful if you simply explain the noises: “Wow, that’s a big dog! He looks like a bear” or “Those construction workers just knocked down an entire wall!” gives context to the sudden noise. Describe What’s Happening Every moment is full of little pleasures, and your elderly loved one may miss a lot of them if they can’t see them. Take some time to talk about what you’re seeing in front of you. If you’re at an event, like a graduation, this might mean a little play-by-play of what’s happening on stage and how your graduate looks in his gown. If you’re walking down the street, you might like to point out a unique car, an especially beautiful house or landscaped yard, or the kids who are skateboarding in the park. Let Them Hold Your Arm Even a small degree of vision loss can dampen his confidence about getting around safely. While walking with your loved one, hold their arm or allow them to hold yours so you can help guide them. Not only will this improve their confidence (they know you won’t run into anything!), it also helps them feel more stable and balanced. If you need help caring for an elderly loved one with poor eyesight, we’re here for you. Elderlink Home Care, Inc. has served the Denver area for 30 years with a commitment to high-quality home care. Our compassionate staff is dedicated to creating a high quality of life for your senior in the comfort of his or her home. For more information about Elderlink Home Care, Inc.’s services, contact us. We’ll work with you to develop the right care plan for your loved one.
Do you have any family members or clients who suffer from dementia? Are you a caregiver looking for positive movies for your client to watch? Surveys completed by caregivers show that clients with dementia are often in more positive moods and more communicative after watching a positive movie. If you’re searching for an uplifting movie to watch with your parent or client, here are 5 of the best movies for dementia patients: It’s a Wonderful Life Director: Frank Capra Date of the first release: January 7, 1947 Main characters: George Bailey, Mary Hatch, Mr. Potter, Uncle Billy, Clarence, and Mrs. Bailey Summary: In this timeless classic, a gentle and kind angel, Clarence, is sent to earth to show discouraged businessman, George Bailey, what life would have been like had George never been born. While this film is associated with the Christmas season, it is a joy to watch any time of year. Cheaper by the Dozen Director: Walter Lang Date of the first release: April 1950 Main characters: Frank Bunker Gilbreth, Ann Gilbreth, Mrs. Lillian Gilbreth, Deborah Lancaster, Ernestine Gilbreth Summary: This movie is based on the real-life story of the Gilbreth family. The movie highlights the amusing challenges of large families. Frank Bunker Gilbreth was considered a pioneer in the study of motion and used his family to test his theories, resulting in embarrassing and funny situations. Grumpy Old Men Director: Donald Petrie Date of the first release: December 25, 1993 Main characters: John Gustafson, Max Goldman, Ariel Truax, Grandpa Gustafson Summary: Two elderly men, John and Max, have been neighbors for over 50 years. Constantly arguing and trading insults, the two become infatuated and competitive over new neighbor Ariel. A warm and funny story about life-long relationships. Singin’ in the Rain Director: Stanley Donen, Gene Kelly Date of the first release: April 11, 1952 Main characters: Don Lockwood, Cosmo Brown, Kathy Seldon, Lina Lamont, Summary: Singin’ in the Rain is set in 1927 when silent films started transitioning to films with sound. The storyline is based on the challenges Don Lockwood and Lina Lamont face as Lina finds her voice isn’t suitable for talking movies. Enter Kathy Seldon who has a great voice but lacks the talent of Lina. Sing along with the familiar theme song while watching the amazing dancing of Gene Kelly. The Sound of Music Director: Robert Wise Date of the first release: March 29, 1965 Main characters: Maria, Captain Von Trapp, the Baroness, Max Detweiler, Mother Abbess, the Von Trapp children Summary: Maria leaves a convent to become a governess to widower Captain Von Trapp’s seven mischievous children. Although she faces hostility at first, Maria soon wins over both the children and Captain Von Trapp. Enjoy beautiful songs such as My Favorite Things, Do-Re-Mi, and Climb Ev’ry Mountain. The Importance of Happy Endings The best movies for people with dementia are movies with happy endings. Comedy, music and an engaging storyline contribute to creating a positive experience. The famous saying that “laughter is the best medicine” is true no matter your age. Planning a movie date at home with your parent or client is a great way for both of you to unwind and enjoy classic entertainment. It is important to have care you can trust when it comes to caring for your senior loved one. Elderlink Home Care, Inc. has served the Denver area for over 30 years and have helped thousands of satisfied clients. They take great pride in their knowledgeable, compassionate staff and their commitment to quality care. For more information about Elderlink Home Care, Inc’s services, contact us today.
High cholesterol can be a serious health problem for many seniors. It significantly raises the risk of heart disease, stroke, heart attack and other serious health problems. Fortunately, there are several simple steps that can be taken to lower bad cholesterol levels, raise good ones and help seniors remain healthy! Make Simple Dietary Changes Let’s face it: Major diet changes are never easy. However, by encouraging your loved one or client to make a few simple changes, their cholesterol levels can be lowered–and often, they won’t notice what they’re missing. Try some of these strategies: Eat fatty fish like salmon, mackerel and tuna Try whole grain products instead of their processed alternatives Avoid trans fats Eat fewer processed foods Minimize refined carbohydrates Add in foods rich in antioxidants, like fruits and vegetables Incorporate Simple Activities When your client or loved one isn’t moving, it’s easier for bad cholesterol to build up, hardening their veins and making it difficult for them to get healthier. Regular activity, on the other hand, can decrease bad cholesterol! Try some of these simple activities: Take up dancing! Classes together can be a great bonding experience. Get out and take a walk several times a week. Go for a swim. During the summer months, swimming outside is a fun, free exercise. Even during the winter, many gyms offer indoor water aerobics programs. Start gardening. Growing pretty flowers or fruits and vegetables is both healthy and invigorating! Find a class at your local gym or senior center. There are plenty to choose from and they’re sure to find something appealing! Decrease Portion Size There are a number of foods that are very healthy and full of cholesterol-fighting properties. Unfortunately, many of them are also high in calories. Whether you’re changing your senior’s diet to incorporate more good fats or they’re indulging in a favorite treat, practicing portion control is the best way to ensure that the treatment will be healthy, rather than causing more health problems down the road. Encourage Socialization Regular social contact with others has a higher impact on the body’s overall health–including cholesterol levels–than giving up smoking. If your loved one is struggling with high cholesterol levels, consider looking for more ways to get them out and about, socializing with loved ones. This could include: More family time! Take vacations together, plan family events, or just get together and hang out. Getting involved with a local church or charity. Spending more time at the local senior center, engaging in activities they offer. Increased socialization won’t just help with cholesterol levels. It will also help your senior loved one live longer and enjoy a fuller, happier life–so make sure that socialization is an on-going priority. Laugh Often Laughter is known to give you a healthier heart. It raises the levels of good cholesterol in your blood, decreases stress, and even offers an immune system boost! Watch funny movies or read funny books with your client or loved one. When you’re not around, encourage them to engage in these pastimes on their own as well. Drop the Bad Habits As your loved one approaches their senior years, it’s time to think about what those bad habits are really worth–most notably, smoking and drinking. Both regular alcohol consumption and a smoking habit can have a negative impact on cholesterol levels, leaving your loved one struggling to get their health under control. Simply giving up those habits, on the other hand, can keep them around longer. Follow Doctors’ Recommendations If your loved one has been prescribed a medication for high cholesterol, it’s important that they take it exactly as prescribed! Their doctor is monitoring their cholesterol levels and will adjust the medication as needed. Many people believe that as their cholesterol drops, they no longer need the medication. Unfortunately, this can simply complicate the issue and lead to a greater need for medication later on. Dealing with high cholesterol in a loved one isn’t easy, especially with all the fears it brings up. If you need more help caring for your senior loved one, contact us today to learn how we can help.
Sleeping patterns change as people age. In fact, one study has shown that the majority of older adults experience some symptoms of sleep disorders, demonstrating the obvious need to help seniors sleep better. There are many reasons for this. Illnesses and their corresponding medications can cause sleep disruptions like insomnia or dreams that might affect sleep. Even something as positive as retirement can impact the quality of someone’s sleep because suddenly a lifetime routine is thrown off balance. A poor night’s sleep can lead to daytime fatigue and possibly more serious issues. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explains that lack of sleep contributes to impaired judgment and chronic health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, and heart disease. If your aging loved one or client isn’t sleeping well, there are a few simple things that may help. Simple Rituals to Help Seniors Sleep Better at Night 1. Make the Bedroom a Sleep Zone When you use your bedroom for a variety of activities, like browsing the internet, crafting, or watching television, your body doesn’t know what’s expected of it when you go in there. By making the bedroom a ‘sleep-only’ zone, your body knows it’s time to wind down and go to sleep when you’re in there. Choose a comfortable mattress and shades that block the light and help control the temperature so it’s conducive to sleep. 2. Establish a Regular Bedtime Mayo Clinic suggests going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, because, “Being consistent reinforces your body’s sleep-wake cycle.” When your bedtime approaches, your body will know it’s time to sleep. 3. Don’t Drink Alcohol Close to Bedtime Even though that glass of wine may make you feel sleepy, it interrupts your sleep during the night by blocking REM sleep (the most restorative sleep), contributing to breathing problems and causing you to get up to use the bathroom! Develop other evening rituals to wind down, such as reading, meditating or chatting on the phone. 4. Drink Less Liquid at Night Going to the bathroom throughout the night not only interrupts your sleep, but you could also have trouble falling back asleep once you get back in bed. If this is the case, even one nightly bathroom trip can potentially make you lose a lot of sleep. Encourage your loved one or client to slow down the liquid consumption in the hours before bed and of course to go to the bathroom before getting into bed. 5. Wake Up to an Active Day Keep your body moving! Often times, the aging years are less active than the earlier years in one’s life, so help your loved one or client to find activities they enjoy. Getting the recommended amount of exercise per week (two hours and 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise and muscle strengthening on two days) has been shown to help with insomnia, restless leg syndrome, and sleep apnea. This could include walking, biking, or dancing. Don’t forget that everyday tasks and enjoyable things like cleaning, gardening, shopping, playing with grandchildren, and more all contribute to an active day that could improve one’s sleep! Getting More Help If these tips don’t work, your parent or loved one should talk to his or her doctor about other options. A good night’s sleep is important for overall physical, mental and emotional health as well as the quality of life. If your parents need extra help at home with activities of daily living, they may benefit from in-home care. A caregiver can help your loved one have an active day and create an ideal environment for sleep. Contact us to learn more about hourly and live-in senior care.
Coping with elderly patients, parents and loved ones can sometimes be a difficult task. It is not uncommon for an elderly individual to demonstrate behaviors that are out of character, and sometimes even unpleasant. Some common difficult problems that can occur are: anger, paranoia, inappropriate language, forgetfulness, neglect of personal care and hygiene, decline in cognitive abilities. While these traits can be challenging to manage, there are positive approaches that can help support your elderly loved one or patient in their aging process. There are ways to cope with some of the difficulties that may arise. Five Challenging Behaviors and How to Deal With Them: 1. Anger and Rage The aging process can cause some uncomfortable and difficult emotions. For some, the loss of control over their surroundings and perhaps the loss of their own bodily abilities and functions, can be unsettling and upsetting. For others, medical issues such as Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia can cause an elderly individual to lose control over their own words, thoughts and actions. How to help: Maintaining a calm and safe environment may help reduce the tension and anxiety the individual is feeling. Emotional connection through validation and understanding can help calm heightened emotions. 2. Feelings of Paranoia and Hallucinations Feelings of paranoia and hallucinations can be difficult not only for the individual, but for others around them. They may claim to see things that aren’t there or may accuse others of stealing their personal possessions. These types delusions can be an indicator of problems with the individuals mental and emotional health. There could be a variety of issues causing the mental disturbances including UTI infections, medication complications or the onset of dementia. How to help: It is important to keep a record of the abnormal behavior and see a doctor as soon as possible. Maintaining calm and honest communication can also help with the related emotions and reduce anxiety and disorientation. Delusions can be frightening. Try and be a source of comfort and care for them during these types of episodes. 3. Offensive Language A sudden use or increased use of offensive language could be a symptom of Alzheimer’s or dementia. There may also be an increase of emotional frustrations developing from a perceived lack of independence or loss of abilities. How to help: Seek medical assistance to check the overall health and possible side effects of medication. It could also be helpful to set firm boundaries and continue conversations about what is, and what is not, appropriate behavior. 4. Forgetfulness Forgetfulness is a very common part of the aging process. As people get older, changes occur in all parts of the body, including the brain. How to help: Writing down simple instructions for activities, setting timers and clocks for medication reminders or creating a simple daily checklist (or calendar) for bathing, household tasks and errands can all be helpful ways to assist someone dealing with forgetfulness. Helping in this manner also helps the person maintain a sense of independence. 5. Neglect of Hygiene and Personal Care There could be a variety of reasons an elderly individual may resist or refuse to upkeep their personal hygiene and cleanliness. Often times, it is physically difficult to bathe, dress and toilet themselves without anyone to help. Sometimes the reason is depression and sometimes they may simply forget to tend to their basic hygiene. Some may have anxiety about their loss of independence and they may feel uncomfortable having someone else assist with hygiene needs, which is a very personal thing. How to help: Nagging and expressing frustration could be counter-productive and make things worse. Instead, it may be helpful to gently walk them through the bathing process, discussing each step as you go, etc. Creating a safe environment (installing shower bars, placing a non-slip mat on the floor, using a shower chair) could help with fears regarding safety. Therapy and medications for depression or other mental illnesses could also be helpful. The aging process can sometimes be challenging. However, a better understanding of where this behavior stems from (whether emotional or physical), is extremely helpful. Using some of these techniques can help the caregiver cope and effectively help the person in the best way they can. Elderlink Home Care, Inc. is available to help! We have caregivers available to meet your individual needs. To learn more about how Elderlink may be able to help you and your family, you can call our office or request a personal in-home consultation.
