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Being active and self-reliant is the key to the older person’s satisfaction and contentment with life. It is possible even when you suffer from diseases, including such embarrassing ones as urinary incontinence. How to support a senior in building independence? How to behave and what measures should be taken to make him feel confident and at ease despite the embarrassing health problem? See our clip.
The material in cooperation with the Seni brand
The material in cooperation with the Seni brand
Seniors in Poland
Polish society is aging quite quickly. By 2035, even 1/4 of us will be seniors, i.e. people over 65 years of age. What problems do they have to deal with, how to activate them and who can help in this, mentally and physically? For a senior, the presence of another person is important, which is a form fighting loneliness. In the case of foundations and associations supporting the elderly, such as the “little brothers of the poor” associations, volunteers prove themselves in this role. People over 80 years of age often no longer have family or friends, they are doomed to exist alone until someone reaches out to them. Outside help makes it easier to face everyday life and fight dependence.
Building independence in a senior
It is important not to actively restrict the elderly in all activities. If we relieve a loved one in fewer duties, they will lose independence more slowly. In many cases, when a person with disabilities sees that they can do less and less because they are being taken care of by their family, they automatically do less and less. It is a matter of a certain convenience and getting used to it, which is disastrous in the context maintaining independence by the senior.
Another element is not to suddenly treat a loved one like a sick person. Such a jump element becomes apparent during care for a seniorwhen the only thing we ask is how you feel. The point is to show this person that for their relatives they are always the same person as before. If the senior receives this kind of support from the volunteers of the association, each visit becomes a holiday in their eyes.
Caring for a dependent person
Help with dependence is often a moment when the relationships between loved ones change. Sometimes it turns out that the person who took care of us all their lives now needs this care themselves. These are not always difficult things. It is much easier to help with shopping or to reach a doctor than to break the barrier of intimacy and embarrassment. A common problem with losing independence is urinary incontinence. Many families do not know that there is a solution in the form of absorbent pants. They allow the person in need of support to remain largely active.
Read more about urinary incontinence in the elderly.
The task of the family is to support their loved one as much as they need it. On the other hand, it is important for him to feel that in areas where help is not needed, he can rely on himself all the time. Seniors need companionship, especially when it is an opportunity to go out. It is a springboard from sitting alone in four walls.
Activity of seniors
The independence of the elderly can include simple activities such as leaving home and visiting friends. The possibility of performing them despite urinary incontinence and maintaining discretion in this matter increases the patient’s self-confidence. Maintaining the joy of life, willingness to be active and go out, meet people and talk through people with limited independence depends on relatives and surroundings. Respecting the dignity of the elderly and responding to their needs, especially through presence and companionship, are the key to fighting loneliness and being satisfied with life.
See also how caring for the seriously ill looks like and what support is provided by the project “We can do it”.
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