Your elderly family member’s self-esteem can get dinged in a variety of ways, but some of those are situations you can help to correct as her caregiver. Give a few of these ideas a try to see if they help your elderly family member to start to feel a little more pep in her step.
Senior Care in Fullerton CA: Senior’s Self-esteem
Avoid Taking Over Everything
It’s not unusual as a caregiver to want to make things in general so much easier on your aging adult. That could mean that you start to handle all sorts of tasks for her, both big and little. The problem with that approach is that you’re probably handling things that your senior can still do for herself. When she’s left with nothing to do for herself her self-esteem can suffer tremendously.
Give Her Some Appropriate Tasks
If your elderly family member is feeling bored or less than useful, you might want to help her find some appropriate tasks to do. Mowing the lawn would not be an appropriate task, most likely, but she might enjoy gardening in some small containers on the back patio from time to time. Work with your senior to determine whether activities are truly appropriate for her and that she enjoys them.
Set up Opportunities to Renew Hobbies She Loves
Hobbies are more than just a way to pass the time. Most also involve making something in some way, shape, or form. This is a powerful setting for someone whose self-esteem is suffering. Being able to take raw materials and make something else, whether it’s useful or simply decorative, is immensely gratifying and can help your senior to feel awesome about herself and her abilities.
Regularly Ask What She Wants from Her Care
It might be a good idea to regularly set aside time to talk with your elderly family member about what she wants and expects from you regarding her care. You might find that there are times she’d like you to back off and let her do more for herself. Those needs can change, which is why it’s so important for you to make this a regular part of your senior’s ongoing care. When you’re not trying to read her mind, you can both get more out of the caregiving experience.
Ultimately, someone’s self-esteem comes from within. But hopefully, some of these ideas can help your senior to find that spark inside herself. If she’s continuing to have difficulty, perhaps talking with a therapist or counselor can help quite a bit.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering Senior Care Services in Fullerton, CA, contact the caring staff at No Place Like Home Homecare today at 951-382-5266.
About Kristi Duran
Kristi Duran is the owner of No Place Like Home Homecare. Kristi started NPLH because of her absolute love for seniors. She was raised by her grandparents from the day she was born. Kristi has a special connection to seniors and understands their wishes and needs to stay independent.
Kristi has worked in the medical field for years and has seen first-hand how aging seniors want nothing more than to age in the comfort of their own home with dignity and grace. At NPLH, she and her caregivers insure that this happens.
NPLH is not a large franchise. It is a personal family owned homecare service. This insures a one on one personalized touch. Kristi is available 24 hours a day to her clients and their families.
