We do not need studies and research papers to prove how important quality of life is for people of any age, especially old age. Senior citizens are prone to chronic conditions and loneliness. Aging includes a weakening of the immune system, digestive problems, allergies and other chronic health conditions that limit their ability to care for themselves.
Hectic work schedule does not give time to youngsters to spend with them and we miss out on taking good care of our elders. Hence, a support and palliative care center is considered to be the right place to meet all their unmet needs. Even family members or caregivers can receive specialized training at these supportive and palliative care centers and provide support to their aging family members.
Yes, proper medication and diet are important. But is it enough? Dr Amit Jain Consultant & Head – Pain & Palliative Medicine, Dharamshila Rahat Supportive & Palliative Care Center shares seven tips for caregivers to ensure that the elderly person in the family leads a quality life:
palliative care
Palliative care is not a new concept. However, these days people are adamant about going for something that is not highly sought after. Due to easy accessibility, old age homes and other facilities are given more importance. But what if the elderly person is suffering from advanced-stage cancer, end-stage organ failure such as chronic obstructive lung disease, kidney failure, end-stage heart failure, liver disease and advanced neurological disease? Is old age home the right option in such circumstances? A palliative care center is the ideal place where the physical, psychological, spiritual and social and mental needs of an elderly patient are taken care of. Proper nutritional diet, physiotherapy/counseling, spiritual sessions and medicines are all included here.
inevitable social inclusion
Isolation can be a major cause of anxiety, depression and emotional distress in seniors. They need attention just like any other member of the family. Going outing/shopping/movie/parking and socializing with senior citizen groups like other people is very important for our elders. Over time we dismiss them because they no longer have anything to offer and they usually adopt this attitude in return.
regular physical activity
Due to illness and lack of energy to work, our grandparents spend more and more time in their bed which is not a good practice. Lethargy and laziness can directly affect their mental health leading to negative thoughts or fear of recurrence of their treated diseases. A visit to nearby religious places can help in changing their daily mundane environment.
Pay attention to the symptoms of depression
Over time, elderly people spend more time in isolation. While some of them may enjoy the routine, others may be hiding signs of anxiety and depression. Make sure your grandparents are not left alone. Involve them in everything you do. Let them join you when it comes to family parties, dinners or movies. One can avail psychological counseling for them in supportive and palliative care centres. This adds to their social support and mental counseling. Maybe they start sharing their mental issues or thoughts with you. is not that right? That would be ideal wouldn’t it?
Read also: How can AIDS patients prevent the weakening of their immune system?
Spiritual Sessions and Music Therapy
Over the years music has been proved to be the best resource with therapeutic effects to heal physical, mental and emotional troubles in human beings. Works wonders if implemented properly. Every instrument has its own way of doing wonders for the human mind. Music has the ability to uplift the mood and instill a sense of positivity which is so essential for a person suffering from a terminal illness. Along with this, yoga, meditation and spirituality sessions come with motivational factors to calm the mind and enhance the body’s response system. It helps people maintain physical and cognitive abilities and can create lasting changes if practiced regularly.
nutritional diet
As we age, our body changes and so does the need for adequate nutrition. It helps us to stay active and keep chronic conditions at bay or at least significantly reduce the effects. Consuming empty calorie foods like chips, baked goods, alcohol, candy etc. not only harms the elderly but also impairs their ability to fight diseases. Consumption of seasonal fruits and vegetables, dairy products, seeds and nuts is essential for maintaining good physical and mental health.
routine check up
Many a times chronic diseases are reported in advanced stage when cure is not possible. This leads to a complicated situation, which leaves patients and families devastated. Regular checkups help track any disease at an early stage and create awareness to act at the earliest. Post diagnosis, support and help from palliative care centers will prove beneficial in the recovery journey of patients.
Work schedules can get hectic and if you have kids, it is very difficult to take care of a senior citizen all the time. Contact your doctor to find out about the nearest palliative care centers. You can easily find another one all the above mentioned points can be covered there. It provides a complete solution to help and support elderly patients to cope with critical conditions.
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