Support for loved ones in old age: how to help your family

Support for loved ones in old age: how to help your family

I. Understanding aging and its influence on your loved ones

Aging is a complex and multifaceted process that affects the physical, mental and social well -being of a person. Before offering helping your elderly relatives, it is necessary to understand the changes that occur with them so that your support is effective and valid.

A. Physiological changes associated with aging:

1. Weakening of sensory functions: Vision, hearing, taste and smell often worsen with age. This can lead to difficulties in everyday life, such as reading, watching TV, communication and enjoying food.
   • Vision: A decrease in visual acuity, the development of cataracts, glaucomas and age -related macular degeneration (VMD) can limit the capabilities of an elderly person in reading, driving a car and performing other tasks.
   • Hearing: The age decrease in hearing (Presbiacusis) complicates communication, especially in a noisy environment. This can lead to social isolation and depression.
   • Taste and smell: A decrease in sensitivity to tastes and smells can lead to loss of appetite and malnutrition.
2. Reducing muscle mass and strength: Sarcopenia, an age -related decrease in muscle mass and strength, can lead to weakness, fatigue and increased risk of falls.
   • Loss of muscle mass: A decrease in the amount and size of muscle fibers makes it difficult to perform physical tasks, such as walking, climbing the stairs and lifting weights.
   • Reducing force: Reducing muscle strength makes it difficult to perform simple actions, such as opening cans and turning the door handles.
3. Changes in the cardiovascular system: The heart and blood vessels become less elastic and effective, which can lead to increased blood pressure, atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases.
   • Increased blood pressure (hypertension): An increase in pressure in the arteries can lead to a stroke, heart attack and renal failure.
   • Atherosclerosis: The accumulation of plaques in the arteries can limit blood flow and lead to a heart attack or stroke.
4. Weakening of bone tissue: Osteoporosis, an age -related decrease in bone density, makes the bones more fragile and subject to fractures.
   • Fractures: The most common fractures for osteoporosis include vapors, hips and wrists.
5. Changes in the nervous system: With age, there is a decrease in the number of nerve cells and slowing down the rate of transmission of nerve impulses, which can lead to a deterioration in memory, attention and cognitive functions.
   • Reducing cognitive functions: Deterioration of memory, attention and speed of information processing can complicate training, solving problems and making decisions.
   • Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia: Degenerative diseases of the brain, such as Alzheimer’s disease, lead to a progressive deterioration in cognitive functions and memory.
6. Changes in the immune system: The immune system with age becomes less effective, which makes the elderly more susceptible to infections and diseases.
   • Increased susceptibility to infections: Older people are more susceptible to influenza, pneumonia and other infectious diseases.
   • Slow recovery: Recovery after illness can take more time in older people.
7. Chronic diseases: Older people often suffer from chronic diseases such as arthritis, diabetes, heart disease and cancer.
   • Arthritis: Joint inflammation causes pain, stiffness and limitation of mobility.
   • Diabetes: Violation of the regulation of blood sugar can lead to various complications, such as heart disease, kidneys and nerves.
   • Heart disease: Cardi-vascular diseases include coronary heart disease, heart failure and arrhythmias.
   • Cancer: The risk of cancer is increased with age.

B. Psychological changes associated with aging:

1. Loss of independence: Many elderly people face the loss of independence due to physical restrictions, financial difficulties or losses of loved ones.
   • Dependence on outside help: The need for help in performing everyday tasks, such as dressing, bathing and cooking, can cause a sense of humiliation and helplessness.
   • Financial difficulties: Reducing retirement can limit the possibilities of an elderly person in providing themselves with the necessary.
   • Loss of loved ones: The death of a spouse, friends and other loved ones can lead to a sense of loneliness, grief and isolation.
2. Loneliness and social isolation: Elderly people often experience loneliness and social isolation due to loss of loved ones, restrictions in the movement and reduction of social activity.
   • Loss of the spouse: The death of the spouse is one of the most difficult life events and can lead to deep depression and loneliness.
   • Moving restrictions: Physical restrictions can make it difficult to visit friends and relatives, as well as participation in social events.
   • Reducing social activity: Pension and other factors can lead to a reduction in social contacts.
3. Depression and anxiety: Older people are more susceptible to depression and anxiety because of various factors, such as health loss, loss of loved ones and financial difficulties.
   • Symptoms of depression: The symptoms of depression include depressed mood, loss of interest in life, fatigue, sleep disturbance and appetite.
   • Symptoms of anxiety: The symptoms of anxiety include anxiety, nervousness, irritability and rapid heartbeat.
4. Fear of death: Reflections on death and dying can cause fear and anxiety in the elderly.
   • Acceptance of death: It is important to help an elderly person accept the inevitability of death and focus on how to live the remaining time with benefit.
5. Feeling of uselessness: Loss of work, a decrease in physical capabilities and other factors can lead to a sense of uselessness and uselessness.
   • Search for new goals: It is important to help an elderly person find new goals and classes that bring him satisfaction and a sense of significance.

C. Social changes associated with aging:

1. Retirement: Retirement can lead to a loss of a sense of goal and identity, as well as to reduce income.
   • Retirement planning: It is important to plan a retirement in advance in order to avoid financial difficulties and maintain a sense of goal.
2. Changing roles in the family: With age, elderly people can move from the role of the guardian to the role of needing guardianship, which can be difficult for both parties.
   • Discussion of needs: It is important to openly discuss the needs and expectations of all family members in order to avoid conflicts and misunderstandings.
3. Loss of social ties: With age, elderly people can lose social ties due to the death of loved ones, restrictions in the movement and reduction of social activity.
   • Maintaining social ties: It is important to help an elderly person maintain social ties by organizing visits, phone calls and participation in social events.
4. Age discrimination (Aijism): Elderly people often face discrimination by age, which can lead to a sense of inferiority and isolation.
   • The fight against Eijism: It is important to oppose age discrimination and promote a positive attitude towards older people.

II. Assessment of the needs of your elderly relatives

Before offering specific assistance, it is necessary to carefully assess the needs of your elderly relatives. This will help you understand what they really need, and offer them support, which will be the most useful and appropriate for them.

A. Physical health:

1. Medical examinations: Regular medical examinations are important for the identification and treatment of diseases in the early stages.
   • Appointing for an appointment with a doctor: Help an elderly person to make an appointment with a doctor and accompany him at the appointment, if necessary.
   • Discussion of the results of the examination: Discuss the results of the examination with an elderly person and help him understand the recommendations of the doctor.
2. Medication: Help an elderly person to take medicine correctly, observing the dosage and time of administration.
   • Organization of drugs: Use organizers for drugs to help an elderly person take medicine correctly.
   • Control over side effects: Follow the possible side effects of drugs and inform the doctor about them.
3. Nutrition: Provide an elderly person with a healthy and balanced diet that meets his needs.
   • Cooking: Help an elderly person to cook healthy food or organize the delivery of ready -made food.
   • Buying products: Help an elderly person to buy products and plan a menu.
4. Physical activity: Encourage an elderly person to engage in physical activity, which corresponds to his capabilities.
   • Walks: Joint walks in the fresh air is a great way to maintain physical activity.
   • Exercise: Help an elderly person find suitable exercises and perform them with him.
5. Dream: Make sure an elderly person gets enough sleep.
   • Creating conditions for sleep: Create comfortable sleep conditions, such as a quiet and dark room.
   • Regular sleep schedule: Help an elderly person set a regular sleep schedule.

B. Mental health:

1. Observation of mood and behavior: Pay attention to changes in the mood and behavior of an elderly person who may indicate depression or anxiety.
   • Talking about feelings: Encourage an elderly person to share your feelings and experiences.
   • Appeal to a specialist: If you suspect that an elderly person has depression or anxiety, consult a specialist.
2. Maintaining cognitive functions: Encourage an elderly person to engage in activities that stimulates cognitive functions such as reading, solving crosswords and playing chess.
   • Reading: Reading books and newspapers helps maintain cognitive functions and expand the horizons.
   • Solving crosswords: Unraveling crosswords and other puzzles helps to train memory and attention.
   • Chess games: Chess is a great game for the development of strategic thinking and logic.
3. Social activity: Encourage an elderly person to maintain social ties and participate in social events.
   • Visiting friends and relatives: Organize visits to friends and relatives.
   • Participation in social events: Help an elderly person to find suitable social events, such as interest clubs and volunteer organizations.
4. Prevention of loneliness: Try to spend time with an elderly person, talk to him, listen to him and show care.
   • Regular visits: Regular visits are a great way to show an elderly person that you care about him.
   • Telephone calls: Telephone calls are a simple way to keep in touch with the elderly.
   • Joint classes: Joint classes, such as walks, watching films and cooking, help to strengthen the connection between you.

C. Safety and comfort at home:

1. House security assessment: Evaluate the safety of the house and eliminate potential dangers, such as slippery carpets, poor lighting and high thresholds.
   • Removing slippery carpets: Remove slippery carpets to prevent falls.
   • Installation of handrails: Set the handrails in the bathroom and toilet to facilitate movement.
   • Improving lighting: Improve lighting throughout the house, especially in corridors and stairwells.
2. Comfort ensuring: Make sure that the house of an elderly person is comfortable and corresponds to his needs.
   • Maintaining a comfortable temperature: Maintain a comfortable temperature in the house.
   • Providing comfortable furniture: Provide comfortable furniture that supports the correct posture.
3. Equipment for help: Consider the possibility of installing equipment for help, such as lifts for a bath, chairs-ups and walkers.
   • Bath lifts: Bath lifts help older people safely and comfortably take a bath.
   • Chairs-mains: Chairs-mains facilitate the use of a toilet for people with limited mobility.
   • Hoddene: Walks provide support and stability when walking.
4. Emergency call system: Install an emergency call system so that an elderly person can cause help if necessary.
   • Call button: The call button allows an elderly person to call help with one click of the button.
   • Fall sensors: The fall sensors automatically cause assistance in the event of a fall.

D. Financial position:

1. Assessment of the financial situation: Evaluate the financial situation of an elderly person and help him manage your finances.
   • Budget discussion: Discuss the budget of an elderly person and help him draw up a cost plan.
   • Help in payment of accounts: Help an elderly person to pay bills and manage your bank accounts.
2. Search for benefits and support programs: Help an elderly person to find benefits and support programs that may be available to him.
   • Pensions: Make sure an elderly person receives all the pensions assigned to him.
   • Benefits for utility bills: Learn about benefits for utility bills.
   • Social programs: Learn about social programs that can offer help to older people.
3. Fraud prevention: Warn an elderly person about scammers and help him protect his finances.
   • Do not trust strangers: Warn an elderly person that you should not trust strangers, especially by phone or on the Internet.
   • Do not report personal information: Warn an elderly person that you should not report personal information, such as bank account numbers and passwords, strangers.

III. Various forms of support for elderly relatives

Support for elderly relatives can take various forms, depending on their needs and your capabilities. It is important to choose those forms of support that will be the most effective and appropriate in a particular situation.

A. Practical help:

1. House help:
   • Cleaning: Regular cleaning of the house helps to maintain cleanliness and order.
   • Washing: Washing and ironing of linen is the necessary household chores.
   • Cooking: Cooking is an important part of the care of an elderly person.
   • Repair: Little repair of the house helps to maintain it in good condition.
   • Garden care: Care for the garden can be a pleasant occupation for an elderly person, but he may need help.
2. Transport:
   • Travel to the doctor: Help the elderly person get to the doctor and vice versa.
   • Trips to store: Help the elderly person get to the store and vice versa.
   • Trips to social events: Help the elderly person get to social events and vice versa.
3. Personal hygiene:
   • Bathing: Help an elderly person to take a bath or shower.
   • Dressing: Help the elderly person dress and undress.
   • Hair care: Help the elderly person wash and comb your hair.
   • Tooth care: Help elderly brush your teeth and use the dental thread.
4. Finance management:
   • Payment of accounts: Help the elderly person pay bills.
   • Budget compilation: Help the elderly person draw up a budget.
   • Bank account management: Help an elderly person to manage your bank accounts.
5. Medication:
   • Organization of drugs: Use organizers for drugs to help an elderly person take medicine correctly.
   • Control over side effects: Follow the possible side effects of drugs and inform the doctor about them.

B. Emotional support:

1. Attention and communication:
   • Regular visits: Regular visits are a great way to show an elderly person that you care about him.
   • Telephone calls: Telephone calls are a simple way to keep in touch with the elderly.
   • Joint classes: Joint classes, such as walks, watching films and cooking, help to strengthen the connection between you.
2. Listening and understanding:
   • Active hearing: Listen to an elderly person carefully and with sympathy.
   • Support and encouragement: Support and encourage an elderly person in difficult times.
   • Acceptance of feelings: Take the feelings of an elderly person, even if you disagree with them.
3. Respect and recognition:
   • Respect for: Treat the elderly person with respect and dignity.
   • Recognition of merits: Recognize the merits and achievements of an elderly person.
   • Promotion of independence: Encourage the independence of an elderly person and let him do what he can.
4. Help in maintaining social ties:
   • Organization of visits to friends and relatives: Organize visits to friends and relatives.
   • Participation in social events: Help an elderly person to find suitable social events, such as interest clubs and volunteer organizations.
5. Help in finding the meaning of life:
   • Supporting interests and hobbies: Support the interests and hobbies of an elderly person.
   • Volunteer activity: Volunteer activity can give an elderly person a sense of goal and significance.
   • Spiritual support: Spiritual support can help an elderly person cope with difficult times.

C. Financial assistance:

1. Direct financial assistance:
   • Payment of accounts: Help an elderly person to pay bills.
   • Buying products: Help an elderly person to buy products.
   • Payment for medical expenses: Help an elderly person pay for medical expenses.
2. Assistance in Finance Management:
   • Budget compilation: Help the elderly person draw up a budget.
   • Bank account management: Help an elderly person to manage your bank accounts.
3. Help in the search for benefits and support programs:
   • Pensions: Make sure an elderly person receives all the pensions assigned to him.
   • Benefits for utility bills: Learn about benefits for utility bills.
   • Social programs: Learn about social programs that can offer help to older people.

D. Care organization:

1. Independent care:
   • Planning: Make a care plan that takes into account the needs of an elderly person and your capabilities.
   • Distribution of responsibilities: Distribute the responsibilities of the care between family members.
   • Independent education: Learn more about the care of the elderly.
2. Attracting care assistants:
   • Eight Sidelki: Take a nurse to help in caring for an elderly person.
   • Appeal to social services: Contact social services to get assistance in caring for an elderly.
3. Placement in the nursing home:
   • Choosing a nursing home: Choose a nursing home that meets the needs of an elderly person.
   • Regular visits: Regularly visit an elderly person in a nursing home.

IV. Resources and tools to support the elderly

There are many resources and tools that can help you support your elderly relatives. It is important to know about them and be able to use them.

A. State and municipal services:

1. Social services: Social services provide a wide range of services for older people, such as home help, food delivery, social taxi and leisure organization.
2. Medical institutions: Medical institutions provide medical assistance to older people, such as medical examinations, treatment of diseases and rehabilitation.
3. Pension Fund: The Pension Fund pays pensions to older people.
4. Social Insurance Fund: The Social Insurance Fund provides benefits and payments to older people, such as temporary disability and disability benefits.

B. Non -profit organizations:

1. Charity funds: Charity funds provide financial assistance and other types of support to older people.
2. Volunteer organizations: Volunteer organizations provide assistance in caring for elderly people, organize social events and provide emotional support.
3. Consumer Protection Society: Consumer rights protection societies help older people protect their rights and interests.

C. Private companies:

1. Home care companies: House care companies provide services for seats and other assistants for older care.
2. Food delivery companies: Food delivery companies deliver ready -made food to older people.
3. Medical centers: Medical centers provide medical services to older people.
4. Nursing home: The nursing homes provide care and accommodation for the elderly.

D. Online-Resources:

1. Sites of state and municipal services: Sites of state and municipal services provide information about available services and benefits for older people.
2. Sites of non -profit organizations: Sites of non -profit organizations provide information on the activities of the organization and assistance.
3. Forums and communities: Forums and communities allow you to communicate with other people who care for older relatives and receive advice and support.
4. Applications for smartphones: There are applications for smartphones that help organize care for elderly people, control medication and contact doctors and other specialists.

V. Tips for effective interaction with older relatives

Effective interaction with older relatives requires patience, understanding and respect. It is important to take into account their needs and features and build relationships based on trust and mutual understanding.

A. Communication:

1. Be patient: Older people may need more time to understand and answer your questions.
2. Speak clearly and slowly: Speak clearly and slowly so that an elderly person can hear you well.
3. Avoid complex terms and jargon: Avoid complex terms and jargon that an elderly person may not understand.
4. Look into the eyes: Look into your eyes to show that you are listening carefully.
5. Repeat the information: Repeat the information if necessary.
6. Use non -verbal signals: Use non -verbal signals such as a smile and touch to show your care and support.

B. Respect:

1. Treat the elderly person with respect and dignity: Treat an elderly person with respect and dignity, regardless of his age and health status.
2. Respect his opinion and choice: Respect the opinion and choice of an elderly person, even if you disagree with them.
3. Encourage his independence: Encourage the independence of an elderly person and let him do what he can.
4. Do not treat him like a child: Do not treat an elderly person as a child and do not talk condescendingly with him.
5. Do not make a decision for it: Do not make a decision for an elderly person if he is able to make decisions on his own.

C. Support:

1. Be prepared to help: Be prepared to help an elderly person when he needs your help.
2. Offer your help, but don’t insist: Offer your help, but do not insist if an elderly person refuses.
3. Support his interests and hobbies: Support the interests and hobbies of an elderly person.
4. Help him maintain social ties: Help him maintain social ties.
5. Show your love and care: Show your love and care.

D. Conflict management:

1. Be calm and patient: Be calm and patient, even if you are upset or angry.
2. Listen actively: Listen actively to understand the point of view of an elderly person.
3. Express your feelings calmly and respectfully: Express your feelings calmly and respectfully.
4. Look for a compromise: Look for a compromise that will satisfy both sides.
5. If necessary, contact the intermediary: If necessary, contact an intermediary to help resolve the conflict.

VI. Caring for yourself: how not to burn, caring for an elderly relative

Caring for an elderly relative is a hard work that can lead to burnout. It is important to take care of yourself in order to avoid burnout and continue to provide high -quality support to your loved ones.

A. Acknowledged your limitations:

1. Do not try to do everything yourself: Do not try to do everything yourself and do not hesitate to ask for help from others.
2. Admit that you have a limit: Recognize that you have a limit and that you cannot always be an ideal guardian.

B. Take care of your physical health:

1. Farm up: Get out to maintain your energy level.
2. Ask right: Eat correctly to receive the necessary vitamins and minerals.
3. Engage in physical activity: Engage in physical activity to relieve stress and improve your well -being.
4. Visit the doctor regularly: Visit a doctor regularly to follow your health.

C. Take care of your mental health:

1. Find the time for rest and entertainment: Find the time to relax and entertainment to relax and distract from worries.
2. Communicate with friends and relatives: Communicate with friends and relatives to get support and understanding.
3. Take a hobby: Do the hobby that you like.
4. Practice relaxation methods: Practice relaxation methods such as meditation and yoga.
5. Contact a psychologist or psychotherapist: Contact a psychologist or psychotherapist if you feel that you are not doing stress.

D. Use resources for guardians:

1. Support groups for guardians: Join the support groups for guardians to communicate with other people who care for older relatives and receive tips and support.
2. Training programs for guardians: Go on training programs for guardians to learn more about the care of older people and get the skills necessary for effective care.
3. Temporary care: Use the temporary care service to get a break from the care of an elderly relative.

VII. Legal and financial aspects of the support of elderly relatives

The support of elderly relatives includes not only practical and emotional assistance, but also the solution of legal and financial issues. It is important to know about your rights and obligations and be able to protect the interests of your loved ones.

A. Documents required to care for an elderly relative:

1. Passport: A passport is necessary for a certificate of personality of an elderly person.
2. Compulsory medical insurance policy (compulsory medical insurance): The compulsory medical insurance policy is necessary to receive medical care.
3. Pension certificate: A pension certificate is necessary for a pension.
4. Certificate of ownership of housing: A certificate of ownership of housing is necessary to resolve issues related to real estate.
5. Power of attorney: The power of attorney allows you to represent the interests of an elderly person in various organizations and institutions.
6. Will: The will determines the procedure for inheritance of the property of an elderly person.

B. Questions of guardianship and trusteeship:

1. Brick: The guardianship is installed over legally incompetent citizens. The guardian has the right to represent the interests of the guardian and dispose of his property.
2. Boarding: Board of guardianship is established over a limited capable citizens. The trustee provides assistance to the trustee in transactions and the disposal of property.
3. The procedure for establishing guardianship or trusteeship: The procedure for establishing guardianship or trusteeship includes submitting an application to the guardianship authority, undergoing a medical examination and an interview with a representative of the guardianship and trusteeship authority.

C. Financial issues:

1. Pension: The pension is the main source of income for many elderly people. It is important to make sure that an elderly person receives all the pensions assigned to him.
2. Benefits: Elderly people have the right to various benefits, such as benefits to pay utility services, travel in public transport and drug security. It is important to learn about available benefits and help an elderly person to arrange them.
3. Tax deductions: Tax deductions can reduce the tax base of an elderly person. It is important to learn about available tax deductions and help an elderly person to arrange them.
4. Insurance: Insurance can help an elderly person cover medical care costs and other needs. It is important to consider various insurance options and choose the most suitable.
5. Will: The will determines the procedure for inheritance of the property of an elderly person. It is important to help an elderly person make a will so that his property is distributed in accordance with his will.

D. Protection of the rights of older people:

1. Appeal to law enforcement agencies: In case of violation of the rights of an elderly person, it is necessary to apply to law enforcement agencies.
2. Appeal to the social protection authorities: In case of violation of the rights of an elderly person, it is necessary to contact the social protection authorities.
3. Court of appeal: In case of violation of the rights of an elderly person, you must go to court.
4. Appeal to the organization that protect the rights of the elderly: There are organizations that protect the rights of older people and provide them with legal assistance. It is important to know about these organizations and turn to them for help if necessary.

VIII. Creating a favorable and supportive environment for the elderly in society

Support for elderly people is not only the task of the family, but also the task of society as a whole. It is important to create favorable and