Once your aging adult begins to have trouble with mobility, she might fear that she’s doomed to be a shut-in and to depend on you and others forever. Although mobility issues can be difficult, they don’t have to rob your senior of her life.
Listen to Her Concerns
Your senior is probably telling you far more than you realize about what concerns her with mobility problems. The difference is that she may not be sitting down with you and saying outright, “This is what is troubling me right now.” You’re going to have to make sure that you’re actively listening to what your senior is saying and how she’s saying it. Some of the most important gems of information might be hidden in what you think are offhand comments.
Give Her Time and Patience
Dealing with mobility issues means that everything takes far longer than possibly you and your aging adult expect it to take. Make sure that you’re giving her plenty of time to complete tasks and to get ready for an outing. Padding your timetable is going to allow you to express more patience with your aging family member in general, which can be incredibly helpful for her. If you’re ever feeling as if you have to rush your elderly family member, you might need to take a time out for yourself.
Encourage Her to Do as Much as She Can
Your elderly family member can likely do far more than you realize she can do. Encouraging her to do as much as she can, will help her to maintain her independence and shows her that she’s still able to live her life to the fullest. Let your elderly family member know that you’re happy to help her if she needs it, but that you’ll wait for her to ask. This allows her to handle tasks first and trust that you’ll be there if she needs for you to be.
Hire Elder Care Providers for Additional Help
As much as you want to be there for every moment that your elderly family member needs you, you have your own life, too. The most devoted caregivers still need additional help. Elder care providers have lots of experience in helping aging adults and their caregivers learn how to work around mobility issues.
Mobility issues can take a lot out of both you and your elderly family member. Some days are going to be much easier than others, too. Having a plan and then putting that plan to work is going to help both of you to have great days far more often.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering Home Health Care in Lafayette, CA, call the caring staff at Aviva In-Home Care. Call today: (415) 795-2203
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