Helping an elderly person cope with their disability
- Posted on 31/10/2023 17:51
- Film
- By abelozih@sante-education.tg
Extract from the article: When an elderly person is diagnosed with a serious illness, they have to face up to the fact that they will no longer be able to enjoy the same lifestyle as before. This can be destabilising, not only for them but also for their family and friends. I
When
an elderly person is diagnosed with a serious illness, they have to face up to
the fact that they will no longer be able to enjoy the same lifestyle as
before. This can be destabilising, not only for them but also for their family
and friends. In such cases, we need to find appropriate ways of making this
process as bearable as possible.
When
an elderly person is diagnosed with a serious illness, it can have a profound
effect on them. That's why it's vital to help them cope in the best possible
way. This will enable the elderly person to feel better despite their
condition.
Being
honest
Being
honest and sincere about the diagnosis of the disease is very important. With
good family support and medical guidance, you need to find the right words to
explain the diagnosis clearly. It is also essential to avoid creating a climate
of sadness, despair or hopelessness in the elderly person. However serious the
situation may be, it is important not to hide the fact that an elderly person
is ill, but to be very tactful.
Listening
to and respecting the elderly person's decision
An
elderly person is someone who has acquired a great deal of experience over the
course of his or her life. This is why their decision must be respected, while
taking into account the extent and seriousness of the disease.It is therefore
important to explain the consequences of the disease so that they can decide
whether to undergo treatment or continue with a different but healthy
lifestyle.In this area, it is vital that the family offer their full support
when the decision is being made. This will reduce stress and fights with the
patient.
Trying
to help older people live as normally as possible
The
diagnosis of an illness in an elderly person does not necessarily mean
remaining prostrate in bed. On the contrary, they should continue to carry out
their daily activities if at all possible, relying on the help and co-operation
of those close to them.
It
is also advisable to encourage her to develop new activities that will promote
her physical and mental health.
Make
it a point of honour for the whole family to support the elderly person.
It is preferable for all family members to offer constant attention to the elderly person in terms of care and assistance. This can be done by taking turns or by establishing a routine so that the whole family works together.
It
is important to include visits, time for discussion and, in the case of those
closest to the elderly person, time for care in every routine. This will not
only prevent feelings of abandonment, but also the tendency for some family
members to feel anxious, exhausted or overloaded with responsibilities.
Seek
help from a psychologist
Professional
medical help is highly recommended when coping with the illness of an elderly
person, especially Alzheimer's disease.
The intervention of a psychologist, an expert in the care of elderly
patients, can help patients to express their feelings and other concerns about
this new stage in their lives. This will
also help the family to cope with the process.
Maintaining
and encouraging a healthy lifestyle
Older
people should be encouraged to maintain a healthy lifestyle from the moment
their illness is detected. As we pointed out earlier, this means engaging in
new activities, such as exercise and healthy eating. This means controlling the
consumption of foods and drinks that could be harmful to his state of health,
or seeking the help of a nutritionist. In addition, she should be encouraged to
get out and about and meet new people.
William
O.
