An example I often give in my training programs is how giving up our independence on our daily activities (such as brushing our teeth, bathing or changing clothes) is the absolute last option for us even if we are running a 104-grade fever. All of us are fiercely protective of our independence and do whatever it takes to maintain it. Unfortunately, as we age many elders end up giving up on this independence and often feel compromised on their dignity.
Maintaining the independence and sense of dignity of our elderly residents for as long as possible is a key focus area for all of us at Epoch. Most elders in our homes need assistance in their basic Activities of Daily Living (ADL), such as personal hygiene, grooming, bathing, dressing, toileting, eating, moving around, etc. We train our team that however dependent the resident may be, the care attendant must handle the ADL with sensitivity, maturity and respect the privacy of the person.
We work towards gently getting the elderly uncles and aunties to do these ADL activities independently, as much as possible. In the bathroom, whether it is soaping or drying oneself, or shaving, our care attendants function as their ‘safety net’, and less as their ‘crutch’. While assisting an elder, we must be careful to not end up ‘helping too much’ that existing skillsets take a back seat.
In addition, It is also important to facilitate decision-making in dependent elders esp when it comes to their everyday life. In small things such as choosing their hairstyle, or deciding what clothes to wear, gently nudge elders to be their own decision-makers, and you will be able to build a sense of normalcy, dignity and esteem. We have seen that even in advanced stages of dementia they are able to take these decisions about themselves and that is a huge contributor to maintaining their quality of life.
