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5 common senior care mistakes to avoid

5 common senior care mistakes to avoid

While caring for seniors is a lot of hard work, it can be emotionally rewarding at the end of the day. A caregiver must help seniors with personal hygiene, food preparations, dressing, cleaning, and traveling. Some may have the experience and skills to succeed in these tasks. However, one can still unknowingly make a mistake, ruining the experience for oneself and the senior. Here are five such senior care mistakes to avoid.

Treating the adult like a child
Both children and senior citizens are cheerful and welcoming. However, treating both age groups alike is a big mistake. While caregivers should help seniors with complex tasks, they should also let them do certain things independently. That way, they will feel liberated, independent, and happy.

Trying to do it all
After taking up the role, a caregiver may assume that they are responsible for every part of caregiving. They may prepare meals, help seniors get up from a chair, drive them to appointments, and do everything to ensure their well-being. However, providing on-hand care 24 hours a day is impossible. One should consider outsourcing some tasks, such as household chores or outdoor assistance. Focusing on limited things may improve productivity.

Not resting enough
Everyone needs rest, including caregivers. It ensures one can provide the best level of care for seniors. So, one must take breaks during the day and go on a vacation occasionally to unwind. Remember, the loved senior may also require a change in scenario and might appreciate time with peers or a break from the same routine.

Overlooking social needs
Caring for seniors isn’t only about helping them dress, eat, and move about. They also need someone to talk to. So, one must ensure the senior has access to a community of their peers. They may love to spend time at a senior center, religious community, or with friends. Social interactions can improve the senior citizen’s mood and help them relax.

Assuming everyone’s requirements are the same
Each senior individual is unique and has specific needs and requirements. For instance, one might have a different way of speaking, level of cooperation with the caregiver, and temperament. So, a caregiver must understand the senior member better and be open-minded. One should develop new care strategies for every senior citizen.

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