Stop for a moment, close your eyes, and imagine yourself like this: You have spent most of your life taking care of and assisting others – as a mother or father, in your workplace, through volunteering in your community, and as a grandparent. After all that time spent living independently and being in control of all of your decisions, you have suddenly aged to the point that now you are the person in need of assistance with bathing and other hygiene tasks. Consider the sense of fear, loss, and vulnerability.
If you’re taking care of an older loved one, it can help to place yourself in their shoes when facing difficulties related to helping the person with personal care tasks. The struggles your loved one is feeling are real, and a little empathy and patience can go a long way towards promoting a sense of peace about accepting your help. Let’s face it: permitting someone to assist with personal care for seniors, such as bathing, dressing, and bathroom needs, is unpleasant at best. It may feel as though dignity is ripped right away from the person if not managed sensitively.
CareFor is familiar with these concerns and suggests keeping the SMILE concept in mind to help these delicate situations feel more comfortable for both you and the senior you love:
Safety: Adaptive devices such as grab bars, electric razors, a bathtub seat, and a handheld shower can help.
Modesty: Make sure there is privacy in the room, and preserve modesty as much as possible.
Independence: Empower older adults to maintain the ability to make choices, to express their own individual style, and to do as much as they can independently.
Levity: Be accepting of imperfection. Make it fun.
Etiquette: Treat the senior as a respected adult, with dignity.
CareFor’s trained, professional Lakeway, TX home care experts provide respectful, personal care for seniors. Our caregivers are compassionate, fully trained, and background checked – so you have peace of mind in knowing that your older loved one is always safe and secure in our care. A few of the many ways we can help include:
- Bathing, getting dressed, and other personal hygiene assistance
- Light housekeeping and laundry
- Meal planning and preparation
- Accompanied transportation for errands, appointments, and fun activities
- Mobility assistance
- And so much more – personalized to each person’s particular needs
Contact us any time at (512) 338-4533 to request a free in-home assessment and to learn more about how our home care in Lakeway, TX and the surrounding areas can help make life easier and more comfortable for a senior you love.