Understanding Caregiving for Seniors

For many years in Nigeria, seniors have been left in the care of younger children who have little to no professional training. This could be because the family don’t have a deep understanding of what it means to care for seniors.

Seniors are older men or women who have well passed the age where they are unable to carry out basic life needs except they are assisted in one way or the other. Caregiving is not a frivolous affair, it is important and can determine how well your seniors enjoy the last few days, months or years of their lives.

Who is a Caregiver?

A caregiver is someone who assists with the needs of people; which could be either young babies or seniors. Basically, they provide care and assistance for those who can’t independently carry out those needs due to factors that include physical limitations, illness and aging.

Their duties and responsibilities are quite detailed and include:

• Offering medical support
• Preparing meals
• Provide emotional companion
• Aiding with personal tasks
• Helping with transportation from one point to another
• Cleaning and maintaining the cleanliness of the environment

There may be several reasons why you might not be able to carry for your seniors yourself due to busy schedules or work responsibilities. However, they can be holistically taken care of without you bothering about the state of welfare when you engage the services of caregivers.

The concept of caregiving in Nigeria may need to be reviewed as many people acquire the service of people not properly trained to handle such responsibilities. Caregivers provide their services as the home of their patients which can be to help make them more comfortable or in a specialized facility.

Reasons for Caregiving for Seniors

• They are your family: Seniors at some point were juniors who showered you with so much love, support, care and many other things. It is only right that they are given this care in return of their much labour of love in the past.
• Prone to illnesses: Just like your young babies and young children, seniors are also quite prone to illnesses. A lack of care may expose them to these life-threatening diseases or those who currently have it don’t get to have it managed the right way.  Invariably, you have just preserved and helped them live longer.
• They need human care and comfort: Nobody wants to live a life of no care and comfort, seniors inclusive. They are equally entitled to care and comfort; caregiving is the best way to go about it. Seniors often need medication reminders, assistance with cooking and eating, and general grooming. They also need emotional support which is something very crucial for them at their stage of life.

Seniors have to cope with many body changes that limits their walking abilities, sights and sometimes even their strength in doing regular activities. Employing the help of a caregiver can help relieve family members of the many responsibilities of trying to care for their seniors. Ensure that your caregiver is from a verified source like St. Nicholas Hospital, Lagos.