SEC17 WK:#5: caring for aged and dependent relatives in the family

We can not deny the fact that this is an integral part of families' responsibilities is to care for our elderly and dependent relatives. And I am glad Steem Kids & Parents have brought this matter to this contest. I would like to invite my friends @senehasa and @josepha to share their views.

  
The world population has been experiencing a growth in the number of older people. The increase in life expectancy is one of the greatest human achievements of recent times. The result, we have more older people in our families that need our care.

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But the fact of living longer carries the likelihood of suffering chronic and disabling diseases that involve increasing dependency on their family members. They may be our parent, grandparent, extended family member, or loved one. They might need our support in the home

We can help them with shopping or cooking, or help with accommodation and care, but there’s a lot to consider when we think about caring for an elderly family member. As they get older, living independently in their own home can become more difficult. If they’re finding it harder to do the things they used to, we can help them do things at home.

If we help our older family members doesn’t mean losing our independence or wasting time but it’s quite the opposite. Offering a little help with daily activities means they can stay independent in their own home for longer. In fact, a little support can lead to a much better life for our loved ones. To take care of the elders, the most important thing is that we love and respect them. The most important thing is to always keep them active and fit.

We should take care of their safety

Nowadays, violence against the elderly is happening both at home and outside. We should protect the elderly by using technical devices. We can keep an eye on their movements through CCTV when not at home and if they are going out, we can use a GPS tracker.

We should motivate them to stay active and fit

The more healthy and fit the elderly are, the better it will be for them and their families. Keep motivating them to include exercise and yoga in their daily routine. This will cure diseases and also reduce their loneliness.

We should keep an eye on their mental health

If they are in pain or need medical help, we should first provide first aid and monitor their mental changes, like increasing forgetfulness, losing track, and losing balance while walking or sitting. If they can we should let them drive as it's not right to forbid them from driving a car in their old age. They may protest, and get angry with us but we should not stop helping them. If they are fit, remember that driving will make them feel relaxed, free, and self-sufficient.

We should talk to them on a regular basis about different matters so that they feel important

Talk openly with those you love about their financial needs and insurance-related matters. If you also want to make any investment then the experience given by elders will be very useful. They will feel that you understand their importance.

We can talk about crucial matters

We should feel free to talk to our parents about different matters. Asking for their opinion will make them feel important and also fill them with self-confidence. This will open relationships and close avenues of disagreement.

We can cook with them

If possible at home, sit and eat food with them, this will prevent them from feeling lonely and will bring sweetness to relationships. Sometimes, if possible, cooking a good dish for them, keeping in mind their interest and mood, and serving them with our hands makes them feel important.

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This is mental and emotional care we can take care of them

We should not hurt them with anything we say or how we behave.
We should not leave them alone for long.
If we listen carefully to their experiences and stories our knowledge will increase.

Taking care of a dependent person involves changes and the assumption of new responsibilities by the caregivers, which change their lives significantly. Thus, many aspects of caregivers’ physical and mental health, and their social and family lives, are negatively affected by their caring role, causing problems with their physical health, relationships, personal well-being, and finances. But we should sympathize with our older family members and forget some of our problems.

The type of appearance of the illness affects the caregivers' adaptation process. The initial stage of caregiving is the worst, especially when the relative has become suddenly dependent.

There are a few cases that a person goes through as a family caregiver at the beginning of her or his caregiver role and those that are involved with the care and know their needs in specific areas.

We should understand the whole process of taking on a caregiver role the knowledge and in-depth, holistic understanding of the carers’ experiences in the early stages will allow us to understand and identify the elements and dimensions involved in the process of a family member's proper care. We may need to take time off our work for caring responsibilities and make sure we also care for ourselves.

When we care for an older family member or provide any help and support we offer, including physical and personal care and emotional and social support, that makes us a caretaker. Support for elderly family members is necessary; it could be even if we are too busy, not willing to, or even if we hire it on a payment basis.

We could provide different types of care, depending on the family member we are taking care of.