Did you ever have that moment when you asked someone a question and they just ignored you? How did that make you feel? If your answer is leading to negative reactions, you’re right.
As humans, we have this universal understanding that everybody deserves to be respected no matter who they are. We do this because every person has a dignity of their own that should be protected.
The crux of the matter:
This could be even truer for our aging loved ones. In fact, it could be even more challenging if we put ourselves in their shoes. Having been to many years when they could do things by and decide for themselves, they have reached the phase where dependence on medication, mobility devices, healthcare professionals, and you, become a must. And this could lead to declining well-being.
Is there anything you can do?
Since this is a challenging moment, you as the family caregiver should take the lead in promoting their dignity. When you do, you’ll happily find that they are showing it in their health and wellbeing, too!
Take a look at these four important tips that help you nurture your senior loved one’s sense of dignity especially when you provide personal care such as bathing, meal preparation, and toileting, to name a few.
- Stay courteous.
Always talk to your senior loved one in a polite and gentle manner. Even when your patience is tested, as it oftentimes happens in caregiving, work out the skill in asking for what help they need gently and politely. - Respect their privacy.
When you’re assisting them in taking a bath, for instance, ensure that their personal privacy is still honored. If the private parts need to be washed, allow them to do it on their own. If their capacity is limited, cover the private parts with a towel or ask their permission first so that they feel assured and safe. - Boost their self-esteem.
Appreciate their efforts in staying on top of their personal care. Whether they have changed their clothes by themselves or they have cooperated with you, praise the result of what they have done. You can focus on how fresh and neat they look after taking a bath. Simple appreciations like this go to great lengths in dignifying your senior loved one. - Provide options.
Allow them the chance to make decisions on the negotiable aspects of personal care. For instance, rather than letting them decide between having breakfast or not, let them choose as to what fruit to eat instead. It is definitely non-negotiable to let them eat nutritious meals, but knowing what to eat could be arranged to their liking.
Main takeaway:
Family caregivers like you have much influence in promoting your loved one’s dignity more than any other. Stay consistent in displaying these behaviors as these are beneficial to your loved one’s overall wellbeing.
When the situation calls for it that the caregiving role takes its toll on you, which is just a normal part of this family dynamic, be proactive in seeking extra hands to help you. Licensed and experienced care professionals are always available to hold the fort while you take some much-needed respite. You need not worry as they honor dignity as much as you do.