Assisting elderly parents or friends can be challenging. As a person ages, their bodies may fall victim

to a number of health problems, which can be difficult to deal with.  An elderly person may become upset over small things that they can no longer cope with alone.  In order to deal with these changes, you need to learn to properly communicate.  Here are 5 simple suggestions that can help:
1. Show respect. Just because someone needs assistance every day with common tasks does not mean they are a child. Ask for their advice as you proceed. Being heard helps them to feel they haven’t lost control.
2. Always be calm, even if the other person is saying something ugly. Research shows that an elderly person may feel they can say anything they want without retribution because they are old. Don’t fall into that trap and start an argument.
3. Set rules and boundaries that understood by both sides. As a caregiver, you are giving up your time to help out. The care recipient may not fully grasp the amount of help you are providing. Let them know when requests aren’t reasonable, and offer other solutions. Do not be afraid to say no.
4. Truly listen to the person you’re helping. Always give your complete attention, even when it’s difficult.
5. Provide a loving environment. Acknowledge when they do something that’s intended to help you, no matter how small. More than anything, show gratitude. This will provide a sense of knowing that they’re useful and appreciated.

While these tips sound simple, they can be very hard to carry though.  If you find yourself in a situation where you feel angry or frustrated, take a deep breath and walk away, particularly if dementia is involved. More than anything, do not hold a grudge. If you feel you can’t manage the situation, give us a call.  We’ll be glad to help.

Bringing useful news to educate our clients is one more way that Home Helpers has been making life easier for over a decade.  Call us today at 704-909-7958.  And as always, you can find us on our website,  Facebook and Google+!