The Biggest Fear Among Seniors Is Loss Of Their Independence
The Biggest Fear Among Seniors Is Loss Of Their Independence
Thirteen percent of the population in the US is over the age of sixty five. A large number of those elderly will eventually need some care and assistance, maybe that of a nursing home. As these seniors are faced with this hard decision of whether to move into a facility or not, the one question that these seniors fear more than any other is, "Will I lose My Independence?" Leaving their life long home and their familiar surroundings is extremely difficult for the senior person. Their ability to do what they want, when they want, will be turned upside down when moving into a facility. Facilities dictate when and where you eat. When you shower, sleep, dress and even comb your hair. All of these tasks diminish the seniors feeling of independence. They feel completely as if their life is no longer under their control.
The senior person's level of independence is largely dependent on the level of their disability. You should always do all you can to promote activities that the senior person can carry out. It's very important that as seniors are needing more assistance with their daily tasks, that we encourage them to maintain the highest level of independence possible. Seniors become depressed when they can no longer do things for themselves that they once were able to. This can lead to depression and the feelings of apathy and defeat. For the benefit of the senior and those around them, it's imperative that we do all we can to encourage their independence. Ways for the senior to maintain their independence include:
Preventing injuries that cause the need for more assistance, such as falls. When a senior becomes seriously injured, they will be less able to function on their own. Use techniques such as teaching the senior how to safely move in and out of bed i.e. sitting on bed edge a few minutes before standing. Teach the senior to be aware of using grab bars and other assistive devices that prevents falls and injuries.
Allow the senior to choose food options for meals and snacks. Care homes generally have intake interviews with the senior and family and ask meal preference questions at that time. Let the senior speak for themselves about their meals and what they like and don't like and what they want to drink with their meals.
Allowing the senior to make choices such as picking out their clothing for the day helps build self confidence and lessens the fear of loss of their independence. Find out what assistance you can give that still allows them to take part in dressing themselves. Things such as laying their clothes out for them the night before. Put the clothes in the order they need to be to put on. Set it up with any special steps you may need to take such as pre-buttoning blouses or shirts so they can slip it over their head. By simple set up steps, you are allowing the senior to still maintain a level of independence.
Many daily tasks can be accomplished without full assistance from the caregiver if you take some simple steps to set things up ahead of time. Set up the toothbrush with toothpaste already applied so the senior can brush their own teeth. Put out their brush or comb where they can reach them easily.
Physical activity, after being approved by the senior person's physician, helps reduce the severity of many illness, and it makes seniors stronger and less likely to fall. It can reduce other conditions such as high blood pressure. Physical activity can strengthen bones and lower the risk of heart disease. Activities such as cleaning their room and planning their meals can inspire positive self-esteem leading to a higher quality of life.
Socializing with friends and family makes seniors feel less isolated. Socially activity is just as beneficial as physical activity in terms of a higher quality of life through independence.
Mental stimulation, such as word search games and crossword puzzles can foster a sharp mind and positive outlook.
Encourage them to engage in activities that interest them such as hobbies and clubs, which they enjoy, such as church, bingo, reading and writing, gardening, neddlework and sewing. Encourage seniors to help with tasks they are able to perform.
Maintaining the independence of a elderly person has obvious advantages. The longer the patient functions independently, the better their quality of life and self-esteem. Strategies that increase or maintain independence as long as possible also lower stress levels and anxiety. By following a few key steps we can encourage our senior loved ones to maintain their independence resulting in a higher quality of life for both the senior person and those they love.
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