In recent years, the need for elderly home care has skyrocketed. Family caregivers are very remarkable people, who accept the role of caring for a family member by taking care of them in their family’s home, or by visiting their senior loved one in their home.
Although, it does not always appear in their job descriptions, home caregivers can add respect and dignity to a situation where both are severely lacking. But, when they are included with medical home care, they can make a world of difference. An easy-to-remember formula when beginning any home care assignment is:
Respect + Dignity + Basic Home Care = Excellent Care
Family caregivers know that their loved one’s health has been declining in recent years. They have an advantage over other professional caregivers in the fact that they can see how their patient used to be in their prime.
Other non-family caretakers do not know what significant contributions they made to society, and how much they were appreciated by their families, their community or their colleagues.
Other than the love shown by a few family members, it may have been an unusually long while since some seniors have felt respected by anyone. This probably includes other members of their own families.
Some wonder why so many older people tend to be grumpy. Could the reason be the lack of respect and dignity that others have shown?
Family members watch their loved ones grow older and suffer with them as their health declines. However, it’s often not easy to let go of the past.
Some family members cannot adjust, and when an elderly loved one becomes aggressive and cannot take proper care of themselves, there is some resentment.
A Little Respect and Dignity Go a Long Way
There should be many ways for you to ensure that your loved one receives the respect and dignity that every senior citizen deserves. Here are some suggestions:
Respect – Respect can come in different forms. It could start with respecting your loved one’s right to make some decisions. Maybe your loved one likes to eat a certain food, or wear favorite clothing.
Just by allowing them to have something that makes them happy is a way of respecting their wishes. As long as it is not detrimental to his or her health.
Try to respect their right to privacy, too. Remember to knock before entering their room. Also, you should always allow them as much modesty as you can when helping them take a bath.
Dignity – Try your best to communicate with them like you always have. If your loved one has a problem with their hearing, then you can speak a little louder.
However, you do not have to talk to them like a child. Always ask your loved one how they feel before making decisions on their behalf.
Seniors with cognitive impairment might not understand everything you are saying, but you still need to communicate with them, and don’t ignore them in your conversations with others in the same room.
How Respect and Dignity Can Improve Your Care – Conclusion
Respect and dignity go hand-in-hand when it comes to senior care. Your loved one deserves both, so you are morally required to see that your elderly family member receives only the best.
It helps improve your care by consolidating the trust between you and your patient.
