Our elderly loved ones hold a special place in our lives and their well-being, comfort, and happiness are very important to us. What is needed to meet those needs changes as people enter their twilight years. The support and care of family members can help with the more challenging aspects of aging, such as decreased mobility, reduced physical activity, and the onset of chronic disease. As a senior care agency, we understand the evolving needs of older adults and we have created a comprehensive guide to address these needs of the elderly.
Emotional Needs of Seniors
Seniors often grapple with emotional upheavals due to life changes, including reduced mobility, chronic health problems, and bereavement. Research institutions like the American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry have recognized that the stress that often comes with these life changes can lead to anxiety and other chronic conditions.
In research and our work, we have noticed these crucial aspects that impact a senior’s emotional well-being:
Security: Natural health declines can leave seniors feeling vulnerable. To ensure their safety, caregivers address physical safety by creating an environment where seniors can live without fear.
Socialization: Maintaining social relationships with one’s family and community prevents loneliness and boredom. An essential part of caregiving for seniors is helping them stay connected with the people around them and nurturing those relationships.
Independence: When caregiving, those cared for should feel like they have some control over their lives and the ability to make meaningful decisions that align with their personal goals and values.
Social Needs of Seniors
Just as one’s physical health is crucial, so is their mental and social health. Research suggests a strong correlation between social interaction and health in seniors. Three social needs of the elderly fundamentally contribute to their long-term mental and emotional well-being:
Love: Seniors, with the support of caregivers and family, should maintain their relationships with friends and loved ones, as this greatly benefits their emotional and mental health.
Acceptance: We all feel a need to have people who support and encourage us. Building self-esteem can be difficult for seniors, but relationships with friends and loved ones can make all the difference. Caregivers and family support can help older adults focus on nurturing those connections.
Belonging: Our senior community must feel connected, and finding ways to engage in clubs can be a great solution to social activity. Even if mobility is a concern, digital tools can bridge the gap and allow communication and interaction.
Daily Needs of Seniors
Living with age-related illnesses or disabilities can make certain activities challenging for seniors in their daily lives. Their primary daily needs include:
Personal hygiene: As we age, we commonly need help with daily activities and tasks like
bathing, getting dressed, and personal grooming. Our caregivers can help ensure that your loved ones get the level of assistance needed to maintain their hygiene.
Nutrition: Another daily routine that gets more difficult with aging is meal preparation and cooking. Many seniors can have difficulty preparing meals independently, or lose interest in cooking for just themselves, so caregivers often have the responsibility of ensuring that older adults can access home-cooked, nutritious meals.
Transportation: One other challenge seniors who are unable to drive can face is getting to necessary appointments or social events without assistance. Seniors may feel isolated or left out due to their limited mobility. Providing them with support and transportation can significantly improve their quality of life and overall well-being.
