by Sarah Bostock

Created on: December 10, 2010

It can be very difficult to care for an elderly person, especially if he or she is not mobile or is restrained only to a bed.  The difficulty often arises because giving adequate care is very time-consuming.  One of the best ways to care efficiently for an elderly person is to remember that he or she was young once, and that indeed he or she is a person too.  This might sound so logical that it is almost ridiculous, but sometimes caregivers get frustrated because the elderly person moves much slower or can’t communicate as clearly.  This article explores some basic tips in helping a caregiver provide more of a loving care for an elderly patient.

First, it is important to make an elderly person as comfortable as possible at all times.  If a person is bed-ridden, it is necessary to turn him every couple of hours to help prevent bed sores.  There are also special mattresses that can be purchased to help prevent bed sores as well.  Sturdy pillow chairs can also help a bed ridden person sit up for brief periods of time, and can be also used during meal times.  Make sure the area in which the elderly person spends most of his or her time is familiar to them.  This can be accomplished by making sure to have everything as normal as possible.  Keep things in the same places as older adults don’t adapt well to change.  If the elderly person is in a nursing home, hospital, or other unfamiliar place, it is a good idea to put pictures of family members and other objects such as personal pillows, blankets, clothing, and knick-knacks from home.  Comfort is an essential quality to elderly care, and it can sometimes be difficult to provide.

Second, elderly adults need to be treated with respect, and need to be allowed to make their own choices (as long as they are mentally competent).  For example, a bed-ridden adult can still pick out some aspects of his daily living.  Perhaps the person is allowed to choose between a few pre-selected meals what he wants for dinner.  Maybe he will choose a pair of clothing between two or three pairs.  Simple choices provide a sense of control for the elderly person, and allow him not to feel as helpless or as a burden.  Never imply or treat the elderly people as though they are burdens.

Third, spending time with elderly adults because it is a want and not just a chore or a task is much better than “working” for them.  For example,

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