Seniors need to maintain their self-worth regardless of their physical, mental, and cognitive abilities. When your senior loved one is treated with dignity, he or she is more likely to age well and treat others with respect, especially caregivers. Continue reading to see why maintaining a sense of pride in the senior years is essential.
Increases Independence
Self-sufficient seniors can age in the comfort of their homes and maintain their dignity. However, seniors who are full of regret, embarrassment, and shame are more likely to rely on others for assistance because they’re worried about making mistakes. Praise your loved one and emphasize his or her accomplishments instead of always focusing on what he or she has done wrong. When your loved one does a task incorrectly, try to point out his or her strengths and suggest using these going forward. For example, if your loved one is good at cooking but has behavioral problems in the evening, encourage him or her to cook during the morning and early afternoon. This option prevents your loved one from giving up the meaningful activity altogether. Instead, he or she can cook with dignity.
A professional caregiver can offer the support your loved one needs while treating your parent with the dignity he or she deserves. When considering in-home care, Des Moines, IA, families should make sure their senior loved ones have the resources they need to maintain their independence and remain healthy. Trusted in-home care professionals can assist seniors with daily tasks like cooking, bathing, and exercise, and they can also encourage them to focus on healthier lifestyle habits.
Reduces Stress
As adults age, their risk of stress-related heart problems increases. However, lowering their anxiety levels can decrease the odds of a stroke or heart attack and boost their quality of life. When seniors maintain their dignity, they’re often less angry and more involved in daily activities that reduce the production of various stress hormones, including adrenaline and cortisol. Maintaining a sense of dignity can boost mood and stave off disorders like depression. You can help by being respectful and valuing your loved one’s opinions and wishes.
Prevents Isolation
When older adults are berated and undervalued, they’re less likely to socialize with others, whether the activities and outings are with friends, family, or individuals in the community. Maintaining a high level of dignity may make your loved one feel more confident about interacting with people and staying socially active, which can enhance his or her mental wellbeing while strengthening his or her cognitive abilities and bone health. When searching for social activities for your loved one, choose senior-friendly organizations or groups that will treat him or her with respect.
For families living in Des Moines, respite care can be a wonderful solution when their aging loved ones need companionship and socialization a few hours a week or just need minor assistance with daily household tasks. At Home Care Assistance, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home.
Eases Various Transitions
When older adults maintain their dignity, they may look at new tasks and hobbies with interest instead of apprehension. Treating your loved one with respect could also make it easier for him or her to accept assistance from family and friends or an at-home caregiver. Growing older doesn’t take away your loved one’s need to feel valued, respected, and accomplished. When introducing new activities, encourage your parent to voice his or her opinions and remain open to change. The objective is to help your loved one age with dignity while trying new tasks and hobbies that boost his or her cognitive health and comfort levels.