Providing compassion is when you see others in pain and take action to help them. It is as easy as displaying care, support and kindness which can go a long way toward relieving the discomfort felt by our seniors. Here are some ways you can express compassion to your aging parent.
Be Positive
It is known that positive results can be attained through positive and persistent attitudes; this is an important factor when it comes to providing care for aging adults with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Our behavioral performance, living environments, and choice of words can have an extensive effect on the feelings of others. According to research conducted by the Yale School of Public Health, it has been proven that aging adults with positive attitudes are 50% less likely to develop memory-related issues like dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Maintaining a positive attitude when providing care for your aging parent can make them feel more at ease and improve their overall well-being.
Provide More Engagement
When you interact with your aging parents, it helps to make them feel more comfortable and relaxed by providing suitable engagement. We understand that caring for someone in need can sometimes be overwhelming, but do your best to increase your engagement with them. Take some time off your day to share stories and interact with them based on their likes and interests. This helps them to not only feel better but can also repair relationships or even forge new ones.
Recognize & Assess Deficits
People living with dementia can suffer from frequent memory lapses or experience bouts of delusion, making it extremely challenging for you to provide the required care for your aging loved one. However, if you take the time to acknowledge their concerns, you will be able to effectively assess and evaluate their deficits. For instance, utilizing useful communication techniques to assist aging adults living with hearing difficulties can prevent them from getting startled while they’re eating, watching television or resting.
Enhance The Environment
When offering care and expressing compassion for your loved one, the primary aim is to minimize their suffering and improve their overall well-being. One excellent way is to enhance the environment to make it more relaxing and calming. Studies have shown that older adults that are agitated can be calmed down through various methods like eliminating distraction, lowering the background noise and ensuring a distance away from the person when speaking.
Choose an Affordable, Person-Centered Senior Living at TerraBella Shelby
If you’re interested in making the move to a retirement community, TerraBella Shelby is the best choice for you! Here at TerraBella Shelby, we have an excellent blend of a senior-focused lifestyle, amenities, customized services and care programs to provide a unique senior living experience. We have two exclusive senior living options including Memory Care and Senior Assisted Living. Our community is ideal for older adults that require personalized supervision and care, or those who want to lead a carefree lifestyle without any burden of home maintenance. Reach out to us today to find out more!
