Importance of care for the elderly

Medical advances, especially those related to the diagnosis and timely treatment of different diseases, have led to an increase in life expectancy of the general population which has allowed us to live longer by increasing the adult population greater.

At this stage of life, the aging processes cause all the organs and systems of the elderly to be affected, which leads to limitations typical of this age that must be well-managed to try to reach the advanced stages of life in the best possible conditions, this will make things easier for both the caregiver and the person next to them. post.

The basic care that every older adult must receive is fundamentally of three types, as described below, it must be observed at all times that whoever has Your responsibility to care for this member of the family must above all be done with love, understanding and respect, it is necessary to have a lot of patience and know that many times the elderly person is a little slow, clumsy or not cooperating because he simply doesn't see well, he doesn't hear anymore, his reflexes and balance are not the same or he may be developing a picture of dementia.

Physical care

• Regularly carry out hygiene and personal hygiene measures.
• Take care that your feeding be balanced and drink adequate levels of fluid to help maintain your hydration
• Be alert to any symptoms or alterations in your body, especially changes in the skin, in your urine and in your bowel movements.
• Try to keep him active and change his position every two or three hours, especially if he is in bed.
• Provide help and support in their mobility, ensure that their environment is safe and that it is adapted to the needs of the elderly, try at all times to avoid falls.
• Stimulate the independence and autonomy as possible.
• Administer the different medicines prescribed by your doctor, observing the indicated dose, the interval between doses and your own recommendations to improve the absorption of the medicine. Have the contact number of the treating physician at hand and do not hesitate to consult in case of any doubt or change in the general condition of the elderly.

Mental level care

• Stay attentive to moods, symptoms such as lack of appetite, prostration and lack of interest in personal hygiene may suggest the presence of depression.
• Monitor the level of consciousness, constantly communicate with him and evaluate the degree of attention or alertness, in the event of phenomena such as drowsiness and confusion, the doctor should be alerted.
• Observe the sleep rhythm and try to identify possible alterations in it, especially symptoms such as insomnia, interrupted sleep or unrefreshing sleep.

Social care

• Motivate the elderly to carry out their daily activities.
• Encourage interaction with family members, relatives and friends.
• Integrate it into family activities and those of your immediate environment, as well as in the processes of decision making, especially if they affect you directly.
• Carry out activities that allow you to exercise your memory, especially recent memory.

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