EVERYDAY LIFE CHALLENGES  

Program 5  

“It’s A Labor of Love”  

To help a frail elder exercise, bathe, dress, sleep and eat while you’re keeping the lid on the fuss requires an extra-ordinary amount of skill. Just when you figure out the best way of satisfying your elders need’s, those need’s change. Fear not! SOSOPWORLD was created to help you accomplish the most basic caregiving tasks while drawing closer to your loved-one. 

It’s All in Their Heads  

Their Eyes 

It’s very important to Keep your loved one’s vision sharp as they age.  

Here are some suggestions to help you: 

• Exercise 
• Stop Smoking 
• Use Ample Light Indoors 
• Give Their Eyes a Break 

• Wear Prescription Glasses 
• Use Eye Protection from the Sun   
• Eat Healthy Foods 

“Click here for Professional Help and support” 

Their Ears 

Although hearing loss isn’t preventable as we age, it can be prolonged.  

Here are some tips to help preserve your elders hearing: 

• Avoid loud noises 
• Check medications 
• Wear hearing aids 

• Have regular hearing test 

“Click here for Professional Help and support” 

Their Mouth 

Even if your Mom is getting older, has an illness, or wears dentures doesn’t diminish the need for good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups.  

• Buy an electric toothbrush if Mom is having trouble holding her regular hand held one.  
• If Dad can’t or won’t use a brush try using oral swabs or a damp cloth. 

“Click here for Professional Help and support” 

“NO SLEEP! NO HEALTH!” 

When your elder doesn’t get enough sleep, they are more likely to be exhausted, cantankerous, have memory lapses and more prone to getting sick. Here are some ways to help your elder get a good night’s sleep. 

• It’s normal for an elderly person to be a light sleeper, so when they wake up if you sneeze two doors away, just tell them everything is okay and to go back to sleep. 
• Fill their bedroom with familiar sounds like a radio, an air conditioner or a device that plays soothing sounds. 
• There is nothing worse then getting snuggled into your bed and laying there staring into the darkness for what seems like hours. This is called insomnia (difficult falling or staying asleep) and is the most common complaint of most seniors. 
• Make him or her feel safe. Devices such as bedside lamps, call bells, video recorders, locks on all doors and a phone (with big numbers) next to their bed. 

• Make sure the home temperature is set at a comfortable range in all rooms, especially in their bedroom. 
• It helps to provide a electric blanket, but a hot water bottle will do just fine.  
• Seniors love to cuddle, so put a stuffed animal in their bed.     

“Click here for Professional Help and support” 

“WHEN DAD REFUSES TO EAT” 

Eating and drinking is very difficult for many seniors, so making meal time enjoyable for everyone is very challenging. Here is a list of reasons your elder isn’t eating. 

• Gum disease, poorly fitting denture, mouth sores, or dry mouth to mention just a few. 
• It’s a fact that the senses of taste and smell diminish with age. 
• Make the table setting colorful and bright by using, flowers, tablecloths and placemats full of colour. Attention: If your loved one has dementia or is confused, then you should keep thing basic and simple. 

• For whatever reason, many seniors have trouble using a knife and fork. In most cases, cutting up the food solves all their problems. 
• When a senior is depressed it can lead to a loss of appetite and a reduction in weight. 
• Constipation can be a major concern. Severe cases can cause confusion and memory loss.         

“Click here for Professional Help and support” 

“SHOULD SENIORS EXERCISE?” 

We all need daily exercise, but your elder needs it more then you. If done with their doctor’s approval, it can relieve stress, tension and keep their body functioning properly.   

Seniors of all shapes and sizes need to exercise on a daily basis. Walking and a cardiovascular routine are necessary for a senior to achieve any health benefits. 

Some benefits of walking and endurance activities are: 

• Better sleep routine, relieve depression, regain a healthy appetite, increased awareness, less falls and injuries and will have an effect on your loved one’s bladder and bowel functioning.  

• There are many ways to exercise. You can do them standing, sitting and even lying-down. Remember that it’s not the type or how long they exercise, it’s if they enjoy and benefit from whatever they do.         

“Click here for Professional Help and support” 

“THE CHANGLLENGS OF BATHING”  

Bathing is probably the most embarrassing activity for both the caregiver and their love one. If possible, a professional should be consulted before a major crisis develops. Here are some suggestions if you have to give your love one a bath. 

• We shouldn’t have to say this, but unless you’re a professional, a male should never bathe women and a woman should never bathe a man. 
• Find out when your elder usually takes a bath or shower. (day or night) 
• Always suggest a bath over a shower. 
• Having soap, sponges, towels and shampoo ready will make the event go smoother.  
• Make sure your love one washes in all places and then check that the dry those places to avoid a fungal outbreak.  

• Have nonslip mats and grab bars installed in advance.   

“Click here for Professional Help and support” 

WITH RESPECT 

THE SOSOPWORLD TEAM