Aging Care: The Importance of Family Support

Apr 21, 2017 by Robert Myer

Many seniors have to face loneliness every day. They feel disconnected from society and disassociated from their families as life progresses and burdens become harder to bear. Adult children become more invested in their own professional and personal lives and often forget to offer the support their parents need. While aging care providers do offer some support and help, they can’t replace family members, which is why family support is very important.

Why is Family Support so Important?

Many seniors and aging care providers agree that nothing can replace family support. While aging care providers are better trained and have more knowledge regarding senior health concerns, they don’t generate the same level of trust and affection as family members, and that makes all the difference.

• Understanding Subtle Cues – Seniors are often incapable of communicating or moving around freely. Family members who have known seniors for decades know how to read the subtle cues and understand a senior’s attempts at conversation.
• Helping the Aging Care Providers – Family members can help aging care providers by explaining the senior’s preferences, dislikes, likes, habits, etc. This can help the care experts provide superior service and ensure the seniors are happy.
• Still a Part of the Family – Seniors need to feel like they’re still a part of the family. They view family as their anchor in this world so if they don’t have regular contact with the family, they’ll feel more disconnected. Such individuals are more likely to slip into depression.

How Can You Provide Family Support?

Professional and personal commitments can be a big hindrance and distract you from providing enough support to your senior loved one. Here are some ways in which you can support them in small but helpful ways:

• Call every day and spend a few minutes to keep your seniors updated about what’s happening in your life.
• Visit as often as you can. Visiting at least once a week can help your seniors feel like they’re a part of your life.
• Bring your children and partner to visit your senior loved one.

As you can see, family support is very important and you don’t need to invest a lot of time or effort to provide it. Even busy professionals can take a few minutes out of their day to pay attention to their parents. You can also arrange visits by excellent aging care providers who can fill the gap and offer your loved senior loved one some companionship.