How to Establish Trust and Respect in Senior Care

One of the most important aspects of senior care is establishing a positive relationship. Seniors have been through a lot in their lives, and they are often weary of new people. It can take time to build up a relationship of trust with them, but it is well worth the effort. When seniors are able to trust you and feel respected, they are more likely to open up and share their thoughts and feelings. They may also be more likely to follow your instructions.

In this article, we will discuss the principles you should follow when establishing a companionship with the elderly. You’ll learn why some elderly have trouble trusting other people, and how you can show that you are genuinely trustworthy.  If you want to be a quality in home caregiver in Beverly Hills or elsewhere, then it is important to understand these concepts. Read on to learn more!

How do you build good relationships with seniors?

There are several principles upon which you should build a good relationship with your senior relative or client: 

• Regular communication

You should make an effort to communicate with your seniors on a regular basis. This could involve having conversations, exchanging letters or emails, or even just checking in via phone or text message. The important thing is that you make an effort to stay in touch and keep them updated on what’s going on. For caregivers, it’s worth noting that you should enable them to freely communicate with you, with their family members and friends.

• Respect

It’s important to always show respect for your senior relative or client. This includes things like listening to them, being tactful, patient, and avoiding arguments. Even if you don’t agree with them, it’s important to treat them with respect. This will turn into mutual respect over time, as they will start treating you as a genuine companion. 

• Compassion 

One of the most important qualities in a caregiver is compassion. This means being understanding and empathizing with what your senior is going through. They may be dealing with a lot of changes and challenges, and it’s important to be there for them.

How do you make the elderly trust you? 

This might seem to be a difficult task. However, this is largely due to the stereotype that most seniors are distrustful or stubborn. While there might be some truth to that, it’s important to understand that every person is an individual with unique needs and quirks. This is why you should approach them with patience and genuine interest, in order to truly understand them. 

Why do some elderly have trouble trusting other people? 

There are a number of reasons why some seniors might have trouble trusting other people: 

• They may have had negative experiences in the past: Unfortunately, many seniors have had bad experiences with other people. This could be due to things like being taken advantage of, being ignored, or feeling like they’re not listened to. As a result, they may be skeptical or afraid of unknown people.
• They may be dealing with a lot of changes: Seniors often have to deal with a lot of changes in their lives, such as retirement, the death of loved ones, or declining health. These changes can be very stressful and overwhelming, and they may make seniors feel like they’re not in control. This can lead to feelings of anxiety and mistrust.
• They may be feeling isolated: Many seniors feel isolated and lonely, especially if they live alone or if their family members and friends live very far away. This isolation can make them feel like they can’t trust other people or that they can’t relate to them.

How can you prove to the elderly that you are worthy of their trust? 

If you want to be someone that seniors can trust, there are a few things you can do: 

• Be honest: It’s important to always be honest with seniors. This includes being truthful about your qualifications, your experience, and your intentions.
• Keep your promises: If you say you’re going to do something, make sure you follow through. This could be something as simple as showing up on time or keeping your word about a task you said you would do.
• Respect their privacy:   It’s important to respect seniors’ privacy and confidentiality. This includes things like not sharing their personal information without their permission.
• Be consistent:  It’s important to be consistent in your behavior and actions. This means that seniors can turn to you for a much-needed sense of stability and safety.
• Be patient:  Many seniors need extra time to make decisions or process information. It’s important to be patient and give them the time they need.
• Be a good listener:  One of the best ways to show that you care is to simply listen. This means really listening, without interrupting or judging. seniors want to know that you’re interested in what they have to say.
• Be respectful: It’s important to always show respect for seniors. This includes things like listening to them, being tactful, avoiding confrontations. This way, you’ll also pave the way for them to feel empowered and confident. 
• Be compassionate: One of the most important qualities in a caregiver is compassion. This means being understanding and empathizing with what your senior is going through. They may be dealing with a lot of changes and challenges, and it’s important to be there for them.

Where can I find the best in home Caregivers in Beverly Hills and the vicinity? 

If you’re looking for trustworthy and compassionate professionals in Beverly Hills, A Better Way in Home Care can help. The caregivers we refer you to have extensive experience with supporting the elderly in residential care. 

They will assist your senior relative with a number of daily tasks:  providing transportation to doctor’s appointments, helping with light housekeeping, preparing meals, personal hygiene and grooming, and many more. Most importantly, they will provide the companionship and emotional support that your loved one needs. 

Contact us today to find out more about our services and tell us everything about your needs. We’ll find a perfect person to take care of your aging loved one!