Older people feel inadequate when their bodies and minds are not what they were in their youth.Though it can be difficult to watch them in this transition, there are ways that you can help boost their confidence.You can help your loved one's confidence shine by talking to them about their thoughts and lives.
Step 1: Ask them for advice.
Your elderly loved one has gone through a lot of life experiences in order to develop gems of wisdom along the way.You are dealing with struggles similar to what they have encountered.Whether it is a big or small situation, take some time to ask your loved one for advice.Doing so will remind them of how they have overcome obstacles and will help them feel useful in their daily life as you help you with your own.You might be dealing with problems in your relationship.I have been fighting with my partner about money.An example of a less serious issue could be cooking.If your loved one was a great cook in the past, you could ask them to help you perfect one of your own recipes.
Step 2: Ask them about their past.
Asking your loved one about the story of their life is one way to build confidence.It will signal to them that you are interested in learning more about them.Most people enjoy talking about themselves when invited to do so.Do you know if they had a career or a childhood experience?
Step 3: Ask about their hobbies.
Your loved one may have collected cars or enjoyed quilting.They can discuss old hobbies with you.Your loved one will enjoy reminiscing about their past activities.Pick up any old hobbies you are interested in.Your loved one will feel a sense of pride because they have been able to pass on their interest to a younger generation.
Step 4: Ask about their family.
Elderly people like talking about their families, from their own to their great grandparents.People pride themselves in talking about their family.Discuss your loved one's family tree.The elderly person's family is their legacy, so this topic will hold a lot of weight with them.Ask them questions about their parents and siblings, how they met their spouse, or why they chose a name.Many elderly people keep family records, so you could look over them to spark a conversation.
Step 5: There are old photo albums that you can look at.
Allow your loved one to look back at their life as a whole.An elderly person may feel down sometimes, but reminding them of all of the experiences they have had, people they've known, and places they visited will show them the true extent and richness of their experiences.They are likely to forget many times.Tell them which experiences you want to have as you look through the photos.If you want to visit Hawaii with your loved one, tell them.They will be able to see the value of their experiences.
Step 6: Discuss current events with them.
Many presidencies, natural disasters, and social changes have been experienced by your loved one.Ask them about the social or political issues of the day.Confidence will be boosted if they feel that someone values their ideas.If you want to start talking about these issues, you can either watch the news or read the newspaper.
Step 7: They should be taken out for the day.
Depending on their health, your loved one may find it difficult to travel or even run an errand.Pick up your loved one and take a day trip.If you stay in town, have lunch, or check out a movie, your loved one will appreciate the chance to get out of the house for a while.If possible, set up weekly or biweekly outings.Your loved one will be interested in life after seeing it.
Step 8: Try a new hobby with them.
Many of your elderly loved one's new experiences as of late are likely overwhelmingly negative, like being prescribed many new medicationsTry something new together in order to introduce some positive newness in their life.New experiences will make them feel better about their lives and increase their confidence.Some examples include painting, playing bingo, water aerobics, and even reading a book together.
Step 9: They can be connected to social groups.
The elderly become less connected to their social supports as they get older.Maybe they have a sister who moved away years ago or an old friend from work.If you can get in touch with these people, you might be able to arrange a visit or phone call.If the relationship progresses beyond an initial phone call or visit, talking to those from their past will often fill them with positive memories and boost their confidence.Before you reach out to your loved one, ask for their permission.You don't want to go over your boundaries.Book clubs, church groups, or clubs are some of the social supports.
Step 10: Support groups by connecting them to them.
If your loved one is dealing with a particular illness or issue, try connecting them to local support groups in the area or online if they know how to use a computer or phone.Some of the burden of care can be alleviated with the help of these groups.Your love one will find new ways to deal with their problems if you have faith in them.Care.com has a list of support groups for the elderly.
Step 11: Help them continue their hobbies.
It's possible that your loved one had to let go of a hobby due to their age or health issues.You can still allow them to enjoy these hobbies in other ways.It will give your loved one a boost in confidence and renewed joy.If your loved one used to collect cars, you could take them to a car show.If your loved one was a musician, you could take them to a show where their talent is displayed.
Step 12: If your loved one is not able to use their arms, make accommodations.
It is possible that your elderly loved one is in a hospital or unable to leave their home.You have to be more creative in these instances.Regardless of their mobility, your loved one deserves to feel special.You can create a fun atmosphere at home by playing games with your loved one, singing songs, or watching films together.Even if they are unable to leave home, this will make them feel loved and wanted.If your loved one can't leave their homes, you should allow them to play games, watch movies, or listen to music.
Step 13: Give them options.
The elderly don't have a lot of options in relation to their life.If they live in a nursing home, they don't have a lot of choice in what to eat, how to take their medication, or so on and so forth.Allow your loved one as much choice as possible in their lives, particularly in relation to their medical care.If you are cooking dinner or taking them out, let them decide where to go.
Step 14: They should make their home more accessible.
You can make them feel more confident by tweaking the home.Accommodations can be made to make life easier for them, even though their age or physical abilities may prevent them from doing certain things alone or quickly.You can purchase a toilet seat accessory to make it easier for them to use the restroom.The seats may be provided for free by your insurance.They attach to your current toilet seat to make sure your loved one doesn't have to stoop so low to use the restroom.This will allow them to go to the bathroom on their own, as this is one of the more embarrassing aspects of old age.A helping hand tool is an item that can be purchased and used to help the elderly reach things on shelves.
Step 15: Allow them to do things on their own.
Sometimes, we get so focused on helping our elderly loved one that we forget that they are capable of many other tasks.Allow them to do what they can for themselves.Even though it's quicker for you to do things, you are actually taking some of their independence from them.Don't complain about the pace or method they use to complete the task, but step in when necessary.If your loved ones hands are trembling as they try to cut an apple, it is necessary to step in so that they don't.If you're not present, you could purchase a specialized fruit cutter to avoid accidents.
Step 16: Help them stay healthy.
The healthier they are, the more independent they will be.When our bodies are healthy, we tend to be more confident.Encourage your loved one to eat healthy meals or take a water aerobics class for the elderly.Those who are comfortable with technology can use an Apple Watch or similar device to track their health and fitness.Staying active can help them stay healthy.If you can, ask them for help with simple safe tasks.For example, folding laundry, simple dinner preparation tasks, having them help you with grocery shopping, organizing cabinets or drawers, and making simple lists of 'To Do's'.Their feelings of self-empowerment will be increased by this productiveness.
Step 17: They should not be made self conscious about their limitations.
Their limitations can be a big source of self-consciousness.Make a big deal out of them, and pretend you don't mind it.If they want to talk about their age or illness, have the conversation.Talking about it can make them feel better.
Step 18: Don't treat them like children.
They have had more experiences than you have at your age.They are still people even though they're old.Like you, they still have feelings, fears, worries, hopes and dreams.They should be recognized and respected for their status as elders.