Over the last couple of years, wearing a mask has been at the forefront and something we all do.
But did you know “masking” has been going on for years by our aged loved ones?
Masking is when they put up a good show in front of others, when they put on an act or don’t want anyone to know that they aren’t coping and they need help.
Listen with your eyes and not just your ears. Look and see what is really going on.
Our aged loved ones are very proud and want to remain independent for as long as they can. They want to hide their inability to care for themselves from everyone, especially their children.
No blame, no shame, no guilt. Just understanding.
Knowing what is going on in your aged loved one’s life is so important. Spend some time with them and see what is going on. Watch what they do.
Things to look for:
- Are they eating enough and regular healthy meals?
- Is there out of date food in the fridge?
- Poor personal hygiene
- Unpaid bills
- Falls
- More visits than normal to the Doctor
- Not taking their medicine
- Memory loss – we all forget where we put items but if they can’t remember what the item was used for – that is an issue.
- Any behaviour which is unusual
Remember that your aged loved ones don’t want you to see they can’t do things the way they used to, so they are “masking”.
Starting the conversation is hard. However, it is important. Share your concerns for their safety and wellbeing, ask them what you can do to help them. Give them some ownership in the decisions being made for their care.
Share the caring journey together.
For more information Contact me at agedcarewithease@gmail.com