Caring physically for the elderly A: Plan Ahead B: Keep your loved one active C: Exercise Program D: Keep an eye on their physical and mental health E: Speak to your loved one's pharmacist F: Get help with driving Discuss finances H: Discuss legal issues H: Find shared meals or make food for them I: Consider a home caregiver to help the elderly person J: Consider a senior home or center.

1. How To Care For The
Elderly?
Mohammad-Sajjad Lotfi
(Ph.D student)
God Is online, be
carful

2. OVERVIEW
How to
Care for
the Elderly
Caring
Physically
for the
Elderly
Dealing
with
Resistance
Caring
Mentally
for the
Elderly
11/14/2018 2

3. NOTICE
•The most important part of caring for the elderly is:
1. to love them
2. keep them active
• Try caring them in the their own homes, bringing them to your
home or moving them to a senior center.
•With time and a little hard work you can properly care for your
loved one by following a few steps.
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4. PART 1
Caring physically for the elderly
A: Plan Ahead
B: Keep your loved one active
C: Exercise Program
D: Keep an eye on their physical and mental health
E: Speak to your loved one's pharmacist
F: Get help with driving
Discuss finances
H: Discuss legal issues
H: Find shared meals or make food for them
I: Consider a home caregiver to help the elderly person
J: Consider a senior home or center.
11/14/2018 4

5. PART 1:
Caring physically for the elderly
A: Plan Ahead
• Programing before the situation becomes a last-minute emergency.
• For example: Fall and Complications.
1. Assessment risk factor (drug, environment, …)
2. Safe environment
3. Empowering the elderly
4. Use of technology (drug box, GPS, pager)
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6. PART 1:
Caring physically for the elderly
B: Keep your loved one active
1.Exercise can help protect older people from disease
and reduce their functional age by 10 or 15 years.
2. It can even result in big health benefits for those
who have been sedentary for many years.
3. It can delay the need for care and keep them away
from disease for longer.
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7. PART 1:
Caring physically for the elderly
C: Exercise Program
1. Moderate-intensity activity (running, swimming,
walking, biking)= 30 minutes of five times per week
2. More intense activities (where the heart rate is
significantly elevated and breathing is heavier):
minimum of 20 minutes per day three days A week.
3. Weight-strengthening exercises (using free weights,
resistance bands): should be performed two or three
times per week on nonconsecutive days.
4. Flexibility exercises (stretching, yoga, tai chi): for at
least 10 mins every day.
11/14/2018 7

8. PART 1:
Caring physically for the elderly
D: Keep an eye on their physical and mental health
• If he/she has pains or medical issues:
Please Do not Tell:
What can we do?
The cause of them is high age.
• tell them to see (or take them) to a doctor.
•If the pains/medical issues are severe enough, it is imperative that
you call a hospital and see what they can do for him/her right away.
11/14/2018 8

9. PART 1:
Caring physically for the elderly
D: Keep an eye on their physical and mental health
•Watch for signs of
weakness, extra forgetfulness, lack of direction or other
unsteadiness.
• Mental health is often overlooked but is an important part of caring
for an elderly person.
•Keep an eye out for signs of depression such as:
lack of interest, listlessness or deep feelings of sadness or anger.
11/14/2018 9

10. PART 1:
Caring physically for the elderly
E: Speak to your loved one's pharmacist
• The elderly may be prescribed different drugs by
different doctors and only the pharmacist will know
all the medications your loved one is taking.
•Make pharmacist with them and speak to them
regarding possible side effects and interactions.
•Use Drug Card.
11/14/2018 10

11. PART 1:
Caring physically for the elderly
F: Get help with driving
•The idea of stopping driving can cause a lot of
anger and resentment for an elderly person.
• Remember that being able to drive is an
important component of maintaining
independence.
11/14/2018 11

12. PART 1:
Caring physically for the elderly
F: Get help with driving
•Sometimes classes are offered for elderly drivers that may result in
car insurance discounts.
•There are tools that aid the elderly with driving, such as by assisting
an arthritic wrist in turning the key in the ignition.
•If it is really unsafe and your loved one continues to resist then get
the help of their doctor or Police to prevent them from driving.
•Keep them mobile using public transport or a three-wheeled bicycle
so that they can maintain their sense of freedom and independence.
11/14/2018 12

13. PART 1:
Caring physically for the elderly
G: Discuss finances
•Speak to your loved one regarding their finances and possible insurance
plans for long-term care.
• Sometimes additional benefits can be applied for to reduce heating bills or
the cost of prescription medicine and these should be identified if they exist.
•It might be better to downsize into an affordable senior-friendly condo if
they wish to remain in their own home.
•The elderly are particularly vulnerable to scams so make sure to discuss
these and protect them.
• Get a credit report check at least once a year to make sure no one has
stolen his or her identity
11/14/2018 13

14. PART 1:
Caring physically for the elderly
H: Discuss legal issues
• Find out about their power of attorney, will,
and health care proxy documents.
•These will sort out who can make medical
decisions and financial decisions for your loved
one if there is an emergency or they are
incapacitated in some way.
11/14/2018 14

15. PART 1:
Caring physically for the elderly
H: Find shared meals or make food for
them
• Sometimes senior centers will organize dinners,
which can include transportation, and these are a
great way for your loved one to meet with others
and share a meal.
• Oftentimes the elderly lose interest in food,
particularly if they are depressed, and these shared
meals can make eating more enjoyable.
• Delivery services can also help elderly who
experience difficulty with preparing their own food.
11/14/2018 15

16. PART 1:
Caring physically for the elderly
I: Consider a home caregiver to help the elderly person
• Employ a home caregiver to help the elderly person. This will solve the
physical difficulties of caring for your loved one.
•A home caregiver can reduce the care burden of the family members.
• They can also help the elderly person maintain some independence by
keeping them in their homes.
•If they do not yet need a home caregiver or the home caregiver cannot
perform these tasks, help them around the house. For example, help them
with chores such as cleaning, laundry or gardening.
11/14/2018 16

17. PART 1:
Caring physically for the elderly
J: Consider a senior home or center.
• When caring is not possible (requires too much assistance or it is not
affordable) A senior home will provide for and take care of your loved
one.
•This home making safer and happier place.
•Do not feel ashamed or guilty if you can no longer care for your loved
one in their home or at your home because it impossible or even
unsafe to care for the elderly at home, and this is not your fault.
11/14/2018 17

18. PART 2
Caring Mentally for the Elderly
1: Respect the elderly person
2: Keep your loved one active
3: Encourage them to volunteer
4: Keep an eye on their physical and mental health
5: Bring some of their personal belongings with them
6: Find areas of mutual interest
7: Try to keep things as unchanged as possible
8: Make them feel welcome and at home
9: Listen to their stories
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19. PART 2:
Caring mentally for the elderly
1: Respect the elderly person
• Always be respectful to the elderly.
•they have may be losing their health but they are
still people with emotions and ideas. Don't judge
them by their physical condition.
• Aging is simply a part of the natural cycle: you are
born, you're a kid, you grown into your teen years,
adult years, and one day you will be elderly too.
Have respect for them and their lives.
11/14/2018 19

20. PART 2:
Caring mentally for the elderly
2: Help your loved one to cope with the
loss of independence
• Encourage them to:
• maintain Friendships
• Stay active
•develop new interests
• keep in touch with other family members.
• Explain that the loss of independence is not a
personal failing and rather just part of the natural
cycle of life.
11/14/2018 20

21. PART 2:
Caring mentally for the elderly
3: Encourage them to volunteer
• A recent study found that elderly people who volunteer are happier
and healthier.
• This is especially true for elderly people who have chronic conditions.
• The feelings of being valued and needed as a volunteer can greatly
improve the mental well-being and thus health of your loved one.
•The benefits can be seen with as few as 2-3 hours per week of
volunteering
11/14/2018 21

22. PART 2:
Caring mentally for the elderly
4: Visit frequently
•Visiting will provide an emotional connection and improve the mental
well being of your loved one.
• Visiting will also allow you as the caregiver to check up on their
health and well-being.
• You can see whether they have been watering the plants, opened
their mail or show any bruises, all of which may signify that they need
additional assistance.
11/14/2018 22

23. PART 2:
Caring mentally for the elderly
5: Bring some of their personal belongings with them
•If they are moving to a senior center or into your home, bring some of
their physical home with them.
•This will make them:
1. feel more comfortable and at home in their new surroundings
2.help them to cope with the big changes taking place for them.
11/14/2018 23

24. PART 2:
Caring mentally for the elderly
6: Find areas of mutual interest
•Some younger people may mistakenly think they cannot connect with
elderly people, but remember that they might also feel they cannot
connect with you are your interests.
•Try to open your mind and find out what gives them joy.
If you can't share their interest at least you can share their excitement.
11/14/2018 24

25. PART 2:
Caring mentally for the elderly
7: Try to keep things as unchanged as possible
•Many elderly people are uncomfortable and nervous about change,
especially when they are moving out of their home.
• Try to keep everything as stable as possible. For example, you might
bring their pet in with you if bringing your loved one home or bring
their pet to the senior center with them if it is permitted.
11/14/2018 25

26. PART 2:
Caring mentally for the elderly
8: Make them feel welcome and at home
•Try to get them to participate in the activities of the senior center or
include them in activities in your home.
• You can also encourage them to get outside or take them outside for
walks or other activities. This can help them to feel happier, especially
if they suffer from depression.
•You can even surprise them with gifts from time-to-time or hold
parties for them as a way of keeping them involved.
11/14/2018 26

27. PART 2:
Caring mentally for the elderly
9: Listen to their stories
• You may find them interesting and they can even help
you navigate issues or situations in your own life.
•The elderly have a lifetime’s worth of experiences to
offer, you can learn and improve your own life by
listening and engaging with them.
•Find the beauty in their stories and learn from them.
• This will also deepen the connection between you and
can help them feel more connected to the world
around them.
11/14/2018 27

28. PART 3
Dealing with Resistance
1: Be prepared for resistance from the elderly person
2: Determine how much help the elderly person needs
3: Speak to the elderly person when you are both relaxed
4: Ask the elderly person for their personal preferences
5: Ask other family members to help when speaking to the elderly person
6: Be patient and keep trying
7: Suggest a trial run
8: Speak positively about care
9: Explain your own needs
10: Pick your battles wisely
11: Point out that care might actually enable your loved one to remain independent for
longer11/14/2018 28

29. PART 3:
Dealing with Resistance
1: Be prepared for resistance from the elderly person
• Resistance is one of the most common challenges people face when caring
for the elderly.
• Your loved one might feel the loss of independence, physical loss or mental
loss.
• This can lead them to feeling:
1. frightened
2. vulnerable
3. guilty and/or angry
cause resistance in accepting your care.
11/14/2018 29

30. PART 3:
Dealing with Resistance
1: Be prepared for resistance from the elderly person
• They also can think it is a sign of weakness to accept help, be worried about
the physical burden and costs involved.
• The person might also be experiencing memory loss, which might cause
them to forget why they need care.
• Certain techniques for dealing with resistance may not be appropriate for
elderly who suffer from dementia.
11/14/2018 30

31. PART 3:
Dealing with Resistance
2: Determine how much help the elderly person needs
• Assess the kind of care and help that your loved one needs.
• Be honest as to the type of services and assistance the person will require.
11/14/2018 31

32. PART 3:
Dealing with Resistance
3: Speak to the elderly person when you are both relaxed
• Choose a time when you are both relaxed and open to conversation.
• This will make it easier for you both to speak openly and honestly while
listening to what the other person says.
11/14/2018 32

33. PART 3:
Dealing with Resistance
4: Ask the elderly person for their personal preferences
• They may be feeling the loss of freedom and independence by requiring
assistance and it is important to take their wishes into consideration.
• Ask them for their choices in terms of which family member or type of
service provides care.
• You may not be able to accomplish all of their wishes but it is important to
hear and consider them.
• If your loved one has trouble understanding you, try simplifying your
explanations and questions to help them understand.
11/14/2018 33

34. PART 3:
Dealing with Resistance
5: Ask other family members to help when speaking to the
elderly person
• Get family and friends to help when speaking to your loved one.
• They may be able to help persuade your loved one to accept assistance.
11/14/2018 34

35. PART 3:
Dealing with Resistance
6: Be patient and keep trying
•It may take time and effort to convince your loved one to accept help.
•If they are unwilling to discuss the topic at first, try again later and don't give
up.
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36. PART 3:
Dealing with Resistance
7: Suggest a trial run
• they are still very resistant to the idea of requiring help then you can suggest
a trial run so that they do not have to make a final decision right away.
• This gives them the opportunity to see how things go and discover the
benefits of receiving help.
11/14/2018 36

37. PART 3:
Dealing with Resistance
8: Speak positively about care
• You can describe care centers as clubs or a care provider as a friend so that
your loved one sees care as a positive experience.
11/14/2018 37

38. PART 3:
Dealing with Resistance
9: Explain your own needs
• Tell the elderly person about
how it will help you and make your own life easier if they accept
care.
• Sometimes your loved one might feel guilty about the burden they are
placing on you, but if you tell them how much it will help you for them to
accept care, they may be more willing.
• Remind your loved one that you will both need to compromise on some
issues
11/14/2018 38

39. PART 3:
Dealing with Resistance
10: Pick your battles wisely
• You are unlikely to agree on everything.
• Choose the topics that you wish to discuss and avoid fighting over minor
issues.
• Focus on the major issues relating to the care of your loved one
11/14/2018 39

40. PART 3:
Dealing with Resistance
11: Point out that care might actually enable your loved one
to remain independent for longer
•Accepting help and assistance might enable the elderly person to remain in
his/her own home for as long as possible.
11/14/2018 40

41. 11/14/2018 41