Senior Helpers of Greater Oklahoma City Encourages Safety, Kindness, and Empathy in Companion Care

One of the greatest unspoken favors that you can do for your aging parents is to ensure that their dignity is always held to the utmost standard while keeping the as safe as possible. They are dealing with so much stress and uncertainty at this time and your patience, kindness, and compassion are sorely needed. 

Empathy, and treating someone with respect, isn't so much about grand gestures, but more about smaller, more meaningful experiences that strengthens relationships and builds further trust between us and our loved ones and between our loved ones and the caregivers we choose to support them at home. 

So, what can we do to show compassion when it comes to their fears, patience during the difficult times, and kindness when it really matters? What tangible things can we do to show our empathy? What results can we expect with such positive behavior?

Kindness Strategies For In-Home Senior Care

Listen With Patience

Sometimes it's hard to listen. It can be especially hard to listen if our elderly loved ones are suffering from dementia symptoms or has had a stroke that has affected their speech. Even if we don't understand, and even if it upsets us, they need us to listen to what they have to say. It's essential that you sit down, look them in the eye, and let them speak with minimal interruptions. If your loved one's speech has been affected by a stroke, the more that you listen to them speak, the more able you will be to understand what they are trying to say. People with dementia have a lot of stories to tell and a lot of things to say, even if they seem to make no sense to us. The point is to simply listen with patience and give them their time to speak.  

Help Them Maintain Their Independence

A great way to help your parents feel empowered, independent, and loved is to be on their side. They have lived long enough to maintain control over their lives for as long as it is safely possible for them to continue to do so. Don't unilaterally make their decisions for them. Give them choices, so long as they are able to do so safely. Don't take something away from them, especially without a serious discussion.

For example, there will come a time when driving may become an issue. Instead of grabbing the keys and doing away with the car, start with a compromise, if it is safe to do so. Perhaps they should only drive in the day, or with another driver in the car. If they are unsteady on their feet, unloading the dishwasher could be a little difficult, but they could load the dishwasher while balancing themselves against the counter. 

Ask For Advice

When you are having problems, for example, with your work, asking your elderly loved one for advice can show that you respect their wisdom and love them enough to want their advice. Many of our elderly loved ones want to be included. They want to know what's going on in your life and telling them about it makes them feel included.

Simply Be There

Loneliness can be destructive. An older family member suffering from loneliness can be negatively affected mentally and physically. Simply showing up for a talk can do wonders. Calling and checking on them is great. Taking them out to dinner, or to a movie, for example, is even better. Listen, converse, and help. Try not to do things for them, but do things with them. As long as they are able, take them shopping, get them out of the house. 

Each of these strategies can help to show your loved one that they are still part of your life. Sometimes, finding time for these activities can be tough, or even seem impossible. Finding compassionate, kind, and empathetic caregivers to help with the day-to-day chores, medication organization, and the other little things that can take up time, will free you up to spend this quality time with your loved one. Your loved ones deserve to spend their remaining time safely, with their family and friends, with dignity and respect. Sometimes, outside help can make all the difference.

In-Home Senior Care 

In-home senior care couldn't function without our caregivers' kindness, empathy and compassion. Senior Helpers of Greater Oklahoma City strives to deliver the best possible care to your loved one in their homes, wherever home may be. When you are ready to schedule a LIFE Profile Assessment, please reach out to us. Let's create a BETTER care plan together.