The caregiver’s role in the life-quality of the elderly
Many studies have been conducted on the part of geriatric nurses in the general improvement of seniors’ health. Social relations are one of the essential and influential factors in the mental health of the elderly. The role of the senior nurse can be pervasive to help the aged socialize.
Socializing means maintaining and expanding social relations. While caring for seniors, the nurse can be by their side and prevent them from suffering. In addition, she is familiar with how to expand their social relations and their importance in their health. As a result, the caregiver can purposefully place the elderly in more social situations and grow their relationships.
Life-quality criteria
Nowadays, the progress of medical science and the reduction of diseases has increased the retirement population. What should be considered is the way of living or the quality of life. Proper social relations, a beneficial role in society, the possibility of socializing, mental and physical health, a safe house like Cavendish Manor Retirement Residence, relationships with neighbours, and accurate financial independence are a definition of good life quality.
But the main criteria to have high-quality life are:
- Good social relationship
- Being helped and supported
- Live in a house and neighbourhoods that give satisfaction
- Feel safe
- Easy access to facilities near the place of residence, such as public transportation
- Recreational activities and fun
- Have a helpful role in society
- Have a positive attitude to adapt to the existing situation
- Have health and mobility
- Suitable material conditions to meet basic needs
- Participation in society
- Have personal independence and maintain life control
Social life increases satisfaction with old age.
The retirement residence can be a place for the social activities of the elderly, communication with friends, and contact with nature. In addition, the home can create difficulties for the retirees due to the increase in weakness and environmental obstacles.
The living space can facilitate the social activities of the aged and will have a positive effect on their health. Therefore, the social environment where the elderly life plays an essential role in their quality of life. Cavendish Manor Retirement Residence gives great importance to social activities and provides the conditions for seniors to have the highest participation in social activities.
Active participation in various physical, cognitive, and social activities increases the quality of life of the aged and improves their physical and mental health. Retirees transferred to nursing homes often experience changes in their lifestyle, especially in their physical and social environment. Consequently, there is a direct relationship between involvement in social activities and life satisfaction.
Do people face more risks as they get older?
As people get older, their risk of social isolation increases due to factors such as the death of family members and friends, lack of movement, and the impossibility of social communication. Meanwhile, staying at home, which is common among retirees, leads to social isolation.
This article discusses how socializing can help the elderly’s health. According to a study by the University of California, seniors who describe themselves as “lonely” are 59% more likely to develop movement impairment and 45% more likely to die. In such cases, the caregiver provides better patient care services and prevents aged couples from becoming more isolated.
Socializing can improve the quality of life and mood.
The need to maintain social interactions for good health is clear. In the process of educating and training elderly caregivers, this issue is one of the basic principles that are taught. As a result, every retiree nurse gets acquainted with the principles of socialization, its role, and its consequences on the health and well-being of the elderly in their training course. A study was published in the annual journal of family medicine and examined about 200 older people with symptoms of depression. In this study, we evaluate social meetings and physical activity of the elderly for six months. The results were undeniable. One of the researchers wrote: “Social communication can be as effective in improving the quality of life of the seniors as physical activity.” “Social participation and support networks will play a vital role in the retirees’ mental health and treatment outcomes.”
Social support networks are vital in the lives of the elderly. These networks include friends and family members. But if they do not have such a network, the caregiver should help to revive it. In addition to being a member of this network, the elderly nurse helps to expand the support network for the elderly.
Social interaction can slow memory loss.
According to a study published in the American Journal of Public Health, seniors who are more socially active lose memory slower. In this study, we measured social relations with factors such as marital status, voluntary activities, and the frequency of communication with others. “We hypothesize that social engagement is something that mentally engages you,” says author Lisa Berkman.
Socializing can boost brain health.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association of America, social participation can boost brain health and delay the onset of dementia. The American Academy of Neurology studied the relationship between dementia, stress, and socialization. It concluded that “people who are socially active and are not easily affected by stress and pressure are less likely to develop dementia.” In this context, the role of the elderly caregiver is vital. He should be able to remove stressful factors from the patient.
There are many ways to help seniors stay mentally healthy. Accordingly, an elderly nurse can play an influential role in increasing his life expectancy. He should also be able to help improve the seniors’ self-confidence and encourage them to be present in society.
A caregiver’s professional training can get the necessary preparation to help the elderly, both theoretically and experimentally. Some of these are done by the aged themselves and another part by their nurses. Although a caregiver can be a good option, retirees can rely on their acquaintances and relatives to expand their communication channels.
