The discussion around senior care often involves a lot of “big-picture” thinking about topics like health, end-of-life concerns, deterioration of brain function and other high-level concepts. There’s no doubt that these topics are important to seniors, their families and the senior community, as a whole, but when it comes to providing the best care for seniors on a day-to-day basis, it’s really all about the “little things.” While it’s easy to get wrapped up in the big ideas that swirl around the senior care community, if you’re caring for a loved one who simply needs a hand from time to time, you’ve got to stay in the moment and be mindful so you can truly give your senior the best experience as they navigate their twilight years.
When we talk about the “little things,” what do we mean, though?
Here are some great examples to help you understand what it really takes to make senior lives better in the modern age:
Good Conversation Goes a Long Way
We talk to people every day, and most of us take it for granted. There are even some people who wish they could have fewer conversations and interactions with others! But for seniors, life is precious and interactions with other individuals supply a great deal of meaning. As a person who is caring for a senior, you can make a tremendous impact just by engaging in conversation. It doesn’t have to be about mind-blowing topics; you can simply discuss your daily activities and the weather. The important thing to remember is that it’s the interaction that matters.
Minding The Tiny Troubles
Awareness is vitally important to providing excellent in-home senior care, so it’s good to pay attention to those small troubles that give seniors a hard time on a regular basis. Does your loved one have a hard time opening medication bottles? Do they have trouble hearing because they don’t know how to turn down the TV? These little annoyances can add up, so pay attention and offer relief when you notice that the tiny troubles are getting in the way.
Look Into Your Loved One’s Eyes
Caring for someone properly requires you to understand them — and for that person to feel well understood. You can’t just show up, help out with a few things and take off for the day as if you’re fulfilling the obligations of a to-do list; you need to look your loved one in the eye and make a connection that shows that you are truly there for them. Engage with them and connect on a human-to-human level. It’s a small thing, but it means so much!
Learn More
Are you interested in learning more about what it means to provide excellent, compassionate care to a senior loved one who still lives at home? Always Best Care is here for you! Our care consultants are standing by to take your call, so dial 1 (855) 470-CARE (2273) now to learn more and to schedule your FREE care consultation.
