large_Prasita blog thumbnail.png

medium_Prasita blog thumbnail.png

small_Prasita blog thumbnail.png

thumbnail_Prasita blog thumbnail.png

Prasita blog thumbnail.png

What truly is the definition of elder care? A lot of people connote elder care with medical or clinical care. A lot of focus and our understanding of caring for the elderly starts and sometimes ends with only focusing on their physical/medical well being. Add to it a diagnosis of a chronic condition or co-morbidities and most of our time and care management is involved in medication management, investigations, hospital appointments and so on.
But what is it that elders need especially when they progress towards the phase of being ‘older elderly’- in their 80s and 90s? It is focused on overall care management and less interventions. Caring for elderly individuals requires a holistic approach that addresses their physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being. At [**Epoch Elder Care**](https://www.epocheldercare.com/), we deeply understand the importance of considering various aspects of their care to enhance their quality of life and promote overall well-being.

##### 1. **Physical Health**

Physical health is the foundation of holistic care without which we can’t build a strong care plan. This involves managing comorbidities, focusing on preventive health, reducing polypharmacy & early diagnosis of conditions. In addition, building physical strength is a must with elders. Within our [**Epoch homes**](https://www.epocheldercare.com/our-homes), we emphasize regular exercise tailored to each individual's abilities. The focus on mobility, strength, and balance can significantly improve their overall physical well-being. 

##### 2. **Cognitive Stimulation**

Cognitive stimulation plays a crucial role in the well-being & even mental health of elders. In our care programs, we incorporate brain stimulating activities such as puzzles, games, reading exercises, reminiscing exercises, music therapy, and storytelling. These activities not only help maintain cognitive function but also improve mood. Moreover, they promote social interaction and provide a sense of purpose and accomplishment.

##### 3. **Nutrition and Hydration**

Nutrition and hydration plays a vital role in holistic care for elders. Proper nutrition ensures that elders receive the necessary nutrients for optimal health and well-being. A balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats supports their physical health, immune system, and overall vitality. Additionally, hydration is essential to maintain proper bodily functions and prevent dehydration, which can lead to various health complications. Our dedicated food and beverage team ensures proper nutrition and hydration by providing customized diets as part of each resident's health care plan. 

##### 4. **Emotional Support**

Emotional support is paramount for elders, as aging can be an overwhelming experience. Our compassionate caregivers provide active listening, validation of feelings, and reassurance to alleviate distress. We create calm and soothing environments, incorporating comforting touch and therapeutic activities like music therapy to promote emotional well-being. Building core skills like empathy and ability to develop rapport is a core part of our training.

##### 5. **Social Engagement**

Social engagement is akin to taking medication in old age.  We encourage interactions with family, friends, and volunteers to combat feelings of loneliness and isolation. Our elders are actively engaged in group activities, outings, and structured social programs to constantly feel the sense of a community. These experiences provide meaningful engagement and foster socialization, a very important contributor to their overall well-being.

##### 6. **Spiritual Well-Being**

Spiritual wellbeing of elders is an important aspect of holistic care. It may involve providing opportunities for religious or spiritual practices, engaging in meaningful conversations about life and purpose, and supporting their individual beliefs and values. 

##### 7. **Psychological Health**

Psychological health or mental health (different from emotional health)  is a vital component of improving quality of life in elders. Mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety and feelings of hopelessness, despair and dependence are very common in elders and can lead to serious implications if unaddressed. At [**Epoch**](https://www.epocheldercare.com/), we conduct regular assessments to identify any signs of anxiety and depression among our residents. In case professional help is required, we ensure that appropriate assistance is provided to address their psychological well-being effectively.

In conclusion, holistic care for elderly individuals addresses their physical, mental, emotional, and social needs. By implementing person-centered care, promoting cognitive stimulation, focusing on physical well-being, providing emotional support, fostering social connection, adapting to the environment, and supporting caregivers, we create a compassionate and enriching care experience. Our commitment to this comprehensive approach enhances the quality of life for elders and provides valuable support for their caregivers.

small_Prasita blog thumbnail (1).png

thumbnail_Prasita blog thumbnail (1).png

Prasita blog thumbnail (1).png

7 Aspects of Holistic Care at Epoch

large_blogbanner1.png

medium_blogbanner1.png

small_blogbanner1.png

thumbnail_blogbanner1.png

blogbanner1.png

There’s the music of sarod playing in the background while I write this, helps me write my memoirs!

When I was a child, I used to write diaries. What’s enticing to me at that point in time was the smell of new vintage-looking pages, and a unique feeling to ink it down. It all started then. Who knew the passion for writing would grow so strongly on me!

Hi, I’m Sneha, Business Assistant & Content Writer at Epoch. Yes, I own these words and wear them with pride. The journey to earn this was pretty savage, and I’ll like you to be a part of this! Hence, sharing a page from my memoir.

It was the dawn of the year 2020 when I promised myself to come out of the University with a Mass Communication and Journalism degree in one hand and a placement in other. Things started turning upside down when the covid wave came along and washed away all the aspirations I had of starting my career in a corporate world. Later that year, after graduating, I started freelancing.

Little did I know that the universe had something else up in its sleeves.  On 1st Feb, I started my journey at Epoch, and it’s already a year now! I’ll need pinches from myself to believe so. When I stepped out of my comfort zone, came to a new city, I met amazing people, especially women, who inspired me in the most unusual ways. It is my sheer luck and fortune that I landed in Epoch right after college. The journey of amazement and learning didn’t stop for me, I would say.

How often does it happen that a CEO of an organization holds your hand, mentors you, and walks you through your journey? Well, happened to me and to all those who started anew! Here, at Epoch, I saw myself under the guidance of domain experts. From each one of them, I learnt something, both applicable in personal and professional lives. My team pushed me one notch beyond my threshold, surprisingly that brought different colours to my work. To date, I am told to be the owner of not only my projects, but also my decisions, successes, and failures. I am learning.

Epoch has played a vast role in shaping me into Sneha 2.0. If you know me and don’t believe, let’s go out for a cup of coffee! A confident and radiant Sneha, you’ll see.

Epoch homes abode elderly those who need dementia care and assisted daily living support. When I started, I was briefed about dementia but the understanding of the daily life of a senior 75+, came to me when I was in their presence. Recently through one of the Epoch webinars, I heard a doctor/geriatrician say, and I quote, “there’s a person still behind the dementia patient”, and this made me realize how naïve are we to not notice this in our elderly loved ones!

Amidst the pandemic, there were fewer interactions with our elderly residents, regarding their own safety. But whenever I got the chance, covered in PPE kit, I would jump to know each one of them. With some I sang era old songs, with some I recited poems of Harivansh Rai Bachchan, Dinkar, Nirala, with some I learnt the concept of perspective, with some I learnt fashion, some taught me to live life with a bang, and that’s what I am doing!

Epoch in a way turned out to be a blessing in disguise. I would like to stop the roller coaster of my emotions here by simply being grateful. One day, when I close my eyes, I would love the memories with Epoch to roll in the cassette of my life. 

small_1.png

thumbnail_1.png

1.png

To Epoch, a cassette of my life

large_blogbanner2.png

medium_blogbanner2.png

small_blogbanner2.png

thumbnail_blogbanner2.png

blogbanner2.png

I want to share my unique professional journey with you. Personally, I have been someone who is always up for trying new things.

In August 2014, after completing my training as a General Duty Assistant, I got placed at Epoch Elder Care as a care attendant.  Even though I had prior care training, being a care attendant in an assisted living home was new for me and there was much to learn, especially about dementia care. At Epoch, everyone is encouraged to ask questions whenever they do not understand, your colleagues and seniors will answer them patiently and help you understand your issues. I realised how tough life can be with dementia and at Epoch I was able to increase the quality of life of elders with dementia and this was very satisfactory for me. 

Given my inclination to try new roles, back in 2018, I was chosen for the role of Admin Assistant which was a huge change for me professionally as I was moving from  care to an administrative role. With much support of senior colleagues, I was able to manage this role with confidence. Here I learnt new skills like vendor management, maintenance planning, and working with multiple departments. Being an ex-care attendant, I was able to understand the importance of this role where I had to ensure the upkeep of Epoch homes and how crucial it was for our care attendants to take care of our residents. Iss dauran maine apni life ko bahut hadd tak personally, professionally and financially grow bhi kiya hai (During this time, I was able to grow personally, professionally and financially). 

Then in January 2020, I saw an opportunity to move to a new role within Epoch as a Human Resource (HR) assistant and I confidently took the leap. Given my prior experience as a care attendant, I was quickly able to connect to prospective candidates for Care Attendant role and understand who could be a good fit at Epoch, and I learnt the aspect of people management. Ab dedication and guidance of my manager and colleagues ke sath grow kar raha hun or hope aage bhi yun hi grow karta rahunga. (With the dedication and guidance of my manager and colleagues, I am learning & growing  ,and will continue doing so!)

Thanks to Epoch, I have been able to understand this industry well and grow myself professionally in many different perspectives by gaining many new skills.

small_2.png

thumbnail_2.png

2.png

Trying new roles and gaining new skills at Epoch

large_blogbanner3.png

medium_blogbanner3.png

small_blogbanner3.png

thumbnail_blogbanner3.png

blogbanner3.png

I want to share my journey so far with Epoch Elder Care. I started my journey as a care attendant with Epoch’s Monet house at Pune location on 15th May 2016 and sab kuch naya tha mere liye (everything was new to me). It was a great year well spent at Monet house; and bohot kuch sikhne ko mila (great learnings came along). Under the guidance of our Facility Managers and Facility Nurses and other care attendants, I was properly trained to look after our residents. Epoch work culture bohot welcoming and unique tha mere liye (Epoch culture was welcoming and unique for me) - where the team was great & they treated me like a family member. Not only this, the relationship and bond I developed with residents was an amazing feeling. The concept of dementia and its management was something jo mujhe dhire dhire samajh aya. (The concept of dementia and its management was something I learned over a period of time).

After the completion of one year, the management decided to transfer me to Epoch’s other home (Vermeer House) in Gurugram. I was happy with the decision for two reasons. Firstly, my learning was about to expand and secondly, my hometown was nearby. After working as a care attendant for a year and a half at the Vermeer House, the management decided to promote me to the role of Head Care Attendant. Finally, my dedication & honesty paid off. My responsibilities increased and I had to oversee all errands related to our residents, other care team members, and the house overall, which I enjoyed throughout.

Then again on 1st May 2019, I was offered a role change based on my skills and eagerness to work. This time the management decided to offer me the role of Admin Assistant, which I accepted confidently. It was challenging at first, but with the constant guidance of the then corporate team, I managed with quite ease.

Epoch has not only helped me professionally but also personally. It is here that I met Sarita (Care Attendant at Vermeer House), married her and started another chapter of my life. She is always there to support & motivate me. 

During the outbreak of COVID-19, around Feb 2020, I was handed over the role & responsibilities of an Office Assistant in the new Vermeer house at Gurgaon. Covid ke first wave me hume bohot kuch naya experience karne ko and samajhne ko mila. Ye time humare liye bohot difficult tha but hum sabne milkar Epoch and ek doosre ko sambhala. (New learnings came along whilst managing and experiencing the first wave of coronavirus. It was a difficult time, but we managed to pull through). I was presented with the COVID warrior award. Epoch ke saath ab itne memories jud gaye hain ki yahan har koi apna sa lagta hai. 

Epoch me hamesha kuch na kuch naya sikhne ko and samajhne ko milta hi hai and mere liye bohot unique experience banta raha hai.

small_3.png

thumbnail_3.png

3.png

My journey of multiple roles at Epoch

Caring for elderly individuals requires a holistic approach that addresses their physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being. At Epoch Elder Care, we deeply understand the importance of considering various aspects of their care to enhance their quality of life and promote overall well-being.

7 Aspects of Holistic Care at Epoch

Prasita Nair , Head of Clinical Operations

About us

Our care & services

Library

Contact us