How To Spot Problem Behavior of Family Members and Caregivers of the Elderly
When dealing with aging adults, just like with any age group, one may find that they act in ways that can frustrate or embarrass those around them. Sometimes these behaviors can be signs of a decline in health, or they no longer feel in control. It is important to address these behavioral issues for both your own and your aging loved one’s mental and physical wellbeing. Below are some issues that some children or caretakers of aging loved ones may be faced with and how to deal with them. For a full list click here
Cursing, Aggressive Language and Inappropriate Comments
When an elderly loved one starts swearing or making inappropriate remarks it can be very embarrassing for their family. Many family members may be confused as to why all of a sudden their aging loved one begins using profanity or even calling their caregivers inappropriate names. When an aging adult’s personality and behavior suddenly changes, it can be a sign of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease and therefore a medical professional should be consulted. Whatever the reason for the use of profanity, there are several potential ways to deal with a loved one that is using constant profanity. For instance you can ignore them, try to redirect them by talking about something they enjoy or validating their feelings without focusing on the bad language.
Not Regularly Showering
Appropriate hygiene is important for staying healthy especially when it comes to elderly adults who may have a weaker immune system. However, sometimes caregivers and family members may find that it can be a struggle to ensure an aging loved one is showering or changing clothes often enough. Lack of proper hygiene in aging adults may have several causes. If an aging adult is feeling depressed they may take less care of themselves. In addition, if they have lost their sense of smell they may not notice they need to shower, they may feel showering is one of the things they can still control, and so they decide not to, or it may be hard for them to get into the shower. The first step in solving this issue is to figure out why they are not showering. If the cause is depression or lack of smell you may need to take your loved one to a mental health professional or doctor. If the reason why they are not showering is that they are afraid of slipping in the shower then installing safety rails, a shower seat, and a non-slip bath mat can make your loved one, and you feel more comfortable and consequently lead to more consistent showering.
There may be several other issues that loved ones or caregivers may need to face when they are taking care of aging adults. At Sprain Brook Manor Rehab we understand the important job and responsibility that we have when taking care of aging adults. Our rehabilitation center in Westchester offers the best in short-term care, skilled nursing care, and short-term rehab and is one of the top rated rehabs and nursing homes in the area. Do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or for more information.
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Disclaimer: The information provided in this post in not intended to be construed as health advice, nor should it be considered a substitute for obtaining individual medical counsel or consulting your physician.