As always, younger generations don’t understand older generations and vice versa. But for senior caregivers, it’s essential to understand and appreciate the lives, accomplishments, and experiences that have molded each senior into the person they are today. Today’s seniors have experienced a lot, from world wars, to the first man on the moon, to the advent of Rock and Roll, to incredible technological changes, and much more. They have a lot to share and give with the right care and understanding.
Understanding the senior generation: Today’s generations
According to the genhq.com article, “GENERATIONAL BREAKDOWN: Info About All of the Generations,” today there are five generations:
- “Gen Z, iGen, or Centennials: Born 1996 – 2015
- Millennials or Gen Y: Born 1977 – 1995
- Generation X: Born 1965 – 1976
- Baby Boomers: Born 1946 – 1964
- Traditionalists or Silent Generation: Born 1945 and before”
That places people aged 50 and above in the last three generations, all of which have witnessed incredible, often wonderful, sometimes terrifying events in history. On a more personal level, these people have lived their individual lives, pursued careers, raised families, owned homes, had adventures, experienced and overcome adversity, and lived to tell the tale. If anyone will listen. When caring for seniors, here are some tips to keep in mind.
Tip # 1 – Show appreciation.
Everyone shares history, but for those who lived in a time before us, it’s easy to forget how much they may have experienced. For example, many in the Silent Generation grew up with horses in the streets pulling the ice truck and the coal wagon, they may have lost a parent or grandparent in WWI and many may recall the day they got electricity in their homes. The oldest might remember the Great Depression or how it affected their families, and most recollect listening to Fireside Chats from President Franklin D. Roosevelt on radios the size of small refrigerators while worrying about brothers and sometimes sisters fighting in WWII. But they also now know how to use a smartphone and iPad, and can get on a Zoom call without much help. Just appreciating how much they have lived and learned lets them know they are special and loved.
Tip #2 – Ask what they think.
Experience brings wisdom, something that is greatly underappreciated in our society. When seniors aren’t invited to share that wisdom, it just goes to waste. When caring for seniors, take the time to ask their opinion, how they feel and why. It may well open the door to some amazing memories they want to share with someone they feel wants to hear them. By being that someone, it tells them their memories and their wisdom have value, as do they. Learn more in the New York Times article, “The Wisdom of the Aged.”
Tip #3 – Be respectful.
Although some seniors do indeed seem more like children due to conditions like dementia, it is essential to always treat them with respect. That means not talking about them like they aren’t there, ignoring their requests, or criticizing them as if they don’t matter. Also, when helping a senior with personal hygiene tasks, remember it may be embarrassing for them, so keep their privacy front and center so they can retain their dignity. Sometimes this may be difficult and require patience, but in the long run, it will help to forge a bond between caregiver and senior that will make everyone’s life better and happier. For more ways to show respect for seniors, check out the exploringyourmind.com article, “5 Ways to Respect the Elderly People in Your Life.”
Tip #5 – Be compassionate and empathetic.
Kermit the Frog often sings, “It’s not easy being green,” and for seniors, it’s also not easy getting older. But it’s also inevitable and most seniors try hard to work through their ailments, aches and pains with a smile on their face. When a senior is having a bad day or just doesn’t act like normal, find out why in a compassionate and empathetic tone that shows you really do care and want to help. In doing so, a trusting relationship is built, and a friendship will evolve. Find out about the importance of compassion in caregiving in the ageucate.com blog, “The Beautiful Harmony of Caring and Compassion for Elders.”
Seniors and caregivers alike share the need to be respected, cared about and cared for. For caregivers, this requires a true commitment to seniors, even those who are having a bad day, seem disinterested, or have problems with memory. Caregivers at Senior Star are among the best anywhere and we welcome anyone who feels the calling to care for seniors with love and compassion. Find out about our career opportunities and learn more about caregiving careers in our career blogs.