Encouraging your clients to embrace strategies that enhance their well-being can have a positive impact in their lives. The following are five simple tips that you can use to empower your clients to attain their highest level of functioning:
Address Bodily Pain
Many elders experience bodily pain. The pain they experience can be the result of muscle strains, arthritis, and stiffness that accompanies decreased mobility. If your client experiences bodily pain and requires a chiropractor, you might advise him or her on identifying chiropractors that accept health insurance and Medicare. You might also reach out to your client’s medical doctor or a physical therapist to identify possible treatments like applying heat and cold packs, medications, and range of motion exercises that can be integrated into your client’s plan of care.
Establish a Daily Routine
Developing a daily routine is essential. Structure generally implies dependability and having someone that you can depend on is empowering. For example, you might encourage your client to eat during mealtimes, exercise after lunch, practice creativity, and to have downtime during set times each day will help your client maintain the abilities he or she still possess.
Your client may have more strict routine measures for prescribed treatments and some medications. For example, if your client has a complex medication regimen you might help your patients manage their medication. You might also take time to explain the purpose of routine prescriptions, so that your client understands them in clear terms.
Be Generous with your Time.
Clients often experience loneliness. You might consider offering your time to brighten their day. Whether it is for a five-minute chat or to sit and listen to their stories, it will make your client feel less lonely and more respected.
Set time aside from your caring time to simply listen. Just a few minutes of conversation with your clients, will help them feel valued. It will also enable them to improve their communication skills. A lack of communication with others can result in your client feeling isolated and alone.
Be Patient
It can be easy to get stuck into a fast-paced routine as a caregiver, as there are often many things to do in one work shift. Thus, caring for patients can be rushed. Taking a break every so often will afford you the opportunity to reflect. It is also easier to practice the art of patience when you are not feeling overwhelmed. Slow down from time to time so that you can be more effective in the care you provide. In the long run, your patience will allow your client to also feel at ease.
Encourage your Clients to Ask for Help.
Your clients may feel as though they are being a nuisance when they are simply asking for help. Therefore, reassuring your clients that asking for help is imperative and encourage them to seek your assistance. Regular conversation is encouraged so that your clients become familiar with you. Be sure that you tell your client that it is okay to ask for help and assure him or her that you will be around if needed.
Empowering your clients can go a long way towards enhancing their well-being long-term. It is hopeful that you will implement the aforementioned strategies as you care for your clients.
