Everybody wants to age gracefully and enjoy golden years with loved ones. But many seniors develop physical or mental challenges in old age and need more support to live comfortably. Family members and caregivers can create a robust network to improve their well-being and make the golden years of their loved ones worthwhile.
A strong support system can make a difference by addressing daily challenges without burdening the caregivers. Sadly, many family members rarely take the time to learn what the seniors need and how they can network with other people to provide comprehensive care. This article shares tips on how to create a support network that will improve the life of an aging family member.
Choose Key Players Based on What the Elderly Needs
To create a support network that responds to the needs of the senior citizen, families should identify key players needed. For instance, if a senior requires healthcare assistance or support, the family can find a senior community that offers skilled nursing care. If they opt for home care, they can hire a nurse and trained caregivers.
Seniors also need supportive friends, neighbors, doctors, family members, and a community to get support while enjoying independence. Each individual in the support network brings a unique ingredient or skill needed to keep the seniors comfortable and happy.
Share Roles and Respect Boundaries
Each member of the support network has a role to play. Crises would arise if a caregiver is left to handle all tasks associated with the senior. Over time, the caregiver would experience burnout and neglect critical duties required to keep the senior comfortable. However, if the duties and responsibilities are distributed appropriately, individuals will play their part without burnout.
Another challenge is that some support networks tend to share physical duties and neglect emotional support. They should work hand in hand to facilitate healthcare, plan meals, provide transportation, provide mobility aids, and so on, depending on the level of support needed.
Use Modern Technology to Network and Coordinate Activities
Some seniors avoid tech gadgets, especially if old age has affected their cognitive abilities or eyesight. However, the support network can use technology to improve care. For instance, they can coordinate activities, schedule virtual meetings, share tasks, and book medical appointments.
The team can rely on messaging apps, video conferencing platforms, collaboration software, and shared calendars to stay updated. These applications and technologies can minimize the chances of negligence, especially for family members and caregivers who live far apart.
Encourage Social Interactions
It is easy for every family member or professional involved in senior care to do their duties without actively interacting with the seniors. However, helping seniors with daily tasks alone is not enough. The support team should actively engage seniors, ask them questions, address their concerns, and collect feedback from them.
Seniors should never be isolated for long hours in their bedrooms with no one to talk to since this could lead to stress and reduced cognitive functions. If no one is around to interact with the aging parents, they can use televisions and mobile devices to stay connected. This promotes mental stability and emotional well-being.
Seniors need a strong support network to live a comfortable life. Building this network requires collaborative efforts and effective communication. These tips can help families with senior parents create a reliable team to provide support years after retirement.
