Honoring Independence When Care at Home Is Needed

Posted on: May 22 2023

While many older adults adapt quickly when a new caregiver comes into the home, and begin to thrive and enjoy a higher quality of life, there are some seniors who may still feel threatened. At Around the Clock Home Care, we’re sensitive to honoring senior independence and are experienced in helping to ease concerns and restore peace.

Someone who feels the need to convince their family that a caregiver is simply not needed may implement one of these common tactics:

1. Concealing activities. If an agreement has been made for the senior to stop driving, for instance, they may continue to drive when no one is around. Another example is refusing to adhere to a diabetic diet, eating unhealthily in private.
2. Arguing. Frustrations at being perceived as incapable of self-care may present as an increase in arguments, even over relatively minor matters. It’s important to recognize the underlying sense that the individual needs to prove their ability to stay in control and in charge.
3. Distancing from family and friends. The individual may display irritation through acting standoffish and declining necessary support from family members. For instance, an adult child who typically accompanies the person to medical appointments may now be prohibited by the person from going into the exam room.
4. Making dangerous choices. A person who is encouraged to rest and allow someone else to take care of a task that may now be unsafe, such as climbing a ladder to replace a lightbulb, may do just the opposite. Trying to show that they are still capable of activities such as this could cause a fall and serious injury.

The fact is, no one wants to feel as though they’re unable to meet their own day-to-day needs, or that they are in a state of decline. It’s critical to validate the important role the senior continues to play in our lives, and let them know often that they are needed and valued. Several ways to achieve this include:

• Spend plenty of time listening to and engaging in conversations with the senior.
• Enlist the senior’s help in meaningful tasks.
• Ask the person for advice.
• Reminisce regarding ways the senior has affected your life.

A professional caregiver from Around the Clock Home Care understands the many emotions seniors experience and the ways in which those emotions may present. All of our care providers are trained and experienced in helping restore a sense of self-worth and fulfillment in life.

Contact us for additional news and resources to pave the way to a smoother journey through aging! We provide a complimentary in-home consultation to answer any questions you have about our home care services and to develop a plan of care to address the particular needs of a senior you love. Our top-rated home care services are available in Oklahoma and Arkansas.

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