What do seniors and caregivers need to know?
Answers
The elderly and other high-risk populations may like to return to stricter safety standards. Specialists consented that seniors and caregivers might want to scale back indoor activities while the social spread of the virus is high. Blachman suggested swapping actions like mall walking with outdoor walks or visiting a park.
According to Dr. Jennifer Wolff, we’re somehow returning to the time of some recommendations for the pandemic outbreak. Experts emphasized the significance of tightly fitted, high-quality masks in situations where an older person may contact multiple other people. If the older person has a well-fitted mask like an N95, it might be okay for them to go shopping, Blachman said.
Seniors and caregivers may also want to hinder family meetings and travel based on the numbers in their societies. Transmission rates are incredibly high at present because of holiday travel in addition to Omicron and may drop in the following weeks and months.
Caregivers and seniors both need to know that patience is one of the crucial elements of their dynamic. Healthy relationships between seniors and caregivers are not so far from the feeling and understanding of a true friendship. They both need to know that becoming better takes time and commitment. They have to push forward and not hold back when it comes to communications.
Seniors need to understand that not all caregivers are honest or skilled. They might steal valuable items or put you in more danger than you already are. Some “caregivers” prey on the elderly. Some hang out in nursing homes looking for victims. Some have business cards with false claims, like “Certified elder caregiver” and “Licensed by the state,” when these things either do not exist or are inaccurate. These claims should always be verified.
Never pay with cash, get receipts, and keep track of any hours the employee works, even if it’s just on a calendar. People like these are highly skilled.
Regarding caregivers, you should always add the title caregiver to your list of responsibilities, no matter your relationship with the person you’re caring for. Unless you identify yourself as a caregiver, you won’t know where to look for resources that can assist you in your new role.
While you are at work, you may need to contact social service systems, call doctors, advocate for the care receiver, attend to their day-to-day needs, and do things for yourself and your family.
Therefore, learn what specific skills you may require to care for someone with this diagnosis (for instance, caring for someone with frontotemporal dementia is different from caring for someone with chronic heart disease). Prepare legal documents, such as powers of attorney and advance directives, to discuss finances and healthcare wishes. Take care of yourself and your loved one, and remember that you are not alone.
Seniors need to know that having a caregiver does not mean they should feel incapable or less of a person. When we need help, we seek help. Nothing is embarrassing about it. On the other hand, caregivers should know that patients, before anything, are worthy individuals. They need their own space and independence regardless of their condition and the tasks they cannot do alone.
