Maintaining positive relationships is very important during the golden years, and treating an elderly loved one with respect is one way to enhance your relationship. Here are some of the things you can do to show respect to your aging parent.
Follow Your Loved One’s Rules
You should respect your loved one’s privacy by following the rules in his or her house, such as knocking before entering the bedroom. As long as your loved one’s health isn’t at risk, you should follow any of the rules in place at his or her home or for specific rooms within your residence. By respecting your loved one’s privacy, you can make him or her feel in control.
Promoting independence is one of the best ways to boost your parent’s self-worth and show him or her some respect. Living independently is important for seniors who want to maintain a high quality of life. For some, this simply means receiving help with tasks that have become more challenging to manage over time. Even when families have the best intentions, they may not have the time to provide the care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. If your loved one needs help for a few hours a day or a few days a week, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a trusted provider of respite care Arlington seniors can depend on.
Refrain from Complaining
Caring for an aging parent is full of good and bad times. Regardless of the challenges you face, you need to refrain from complaining to your loved one. If you need to vent, speak with a local caregiver support group or a mentor you can trust. Complaining in front of your loved one could reduce his or her self-esteem and confidence levels.
Try to remain respectful and look for the good in the situation. You may have to sacrifice a lot of your free time to be a caregiver, but complaining will only make the role less appealing. Instead of complaining, think about the great memories you two will have fun creating.
Consider hiring a professional caregiver if you’re having difficulty managing your caregiving duties. Elder care professionals can be a wonderful boon to seniors. Whether they require around-the-clock supervision or just need assistance with exercise and household tasks a few days a week, seniors can enjoy a higher quality of life with the help of trusted in-home caregivers.
Respect Your Loved One’s Opinions
Give your loved one the ability to express him or herself without being judged. If your loved one wants to wear certain clothing, listen to the reasons this choice is important to him or her.
When you ignore your loved one’s wishes, he or she could become irritated, distant, and resentful. However, giving your loved one the ability to share personal opinions could boost his or her independence. Whenever you’re making a decision pertaining to your loved one’s health, living arrangements, finances, and daily activities, always ask for and respect his or her opinion even when you don’t agree.
Give Compliments Often
If your loved one has had a good day, congratulate him or her. Regardless of how small the tasks are, complimenting your loved one for a job well done is a great way to show respect. Seniors are happier knowing their family caregivers have respect for them and are willing to express admiration and appreciation when it’s deserved. Giving compliments to your loved one could make him or her less resistant to change.
Hiring a professional caregiver is one of the best ways to boost your elderly parent’s emotional wellbeing. One of the most challenging tasks of helping an elderly relative age in place safely and comfortably is researching agencies that provide homecare. Arlington families can turn to Assisting Hands Home Care for reliable, high-quality in-home care for aging adults. We offer 24-hour care for seniors who require extensive assistance, and we also offer respite care for family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties. Call us today to talk to one of our compassionate Care Managers about our high-quality home care services.
