What are the most effective ways to support elderly clients?

Elderly people are a blessing to us. They have seen days. They have vast experiences about life. They are grand father's and grand mothers and also great grand parents to us regardless of color, race.belief, disability abd status. Effective way of caring for them is to live with them so that they are not left isolated. Remember they were once young as me and you, remember we all will age if death does not scrap us early. Find put what they used to do best and what they can do best to keep fit, it can be doing hand work. Moving around yo stretch themselves, listening to music, they can also dance why not? Inquire what they can do best to keep feet. Feeding provide healthy foods for them nutrition is a right for them too. Pray with them.

I have found that relationship building is key in developing rapport with clients of all ages. Walking with them through their journey and allowing the space and time to hear their stories and history is so important. It strengthens your relationship with the client, providing best client centred care, as well as facilitates trust.

We must people where they are at . I try to always acknowledge that even if a senior invites me into their home it is still intrusive. As we age every test we are asked to take may define more loses of independence whether that’s the ability to drive , continue living in their own homes or make decisions about their health and finances . Does this individual still have friends , family , social networks or support ? What things have they lost and how can we foster a sense of worth , independence and dignity for this individual? What things can they plan in the future to work towards and look forward to ?

1. Active Listening: Take the time to listen attentively to their concerns, stories, and needs. Many elderly individuals value someone who genuinely cares and provides a listening ear. 2. Empathy and Patience: Understand the challenges they may face, both physically and emotionally, and demonstrate empathy 3. Individualized Care: Recognize that each elderly client is unique. Tailor your support to their specific preferences, needs, and limitations. 4. Respect and Dignity: Treat them with respect and dignity. Avoid condescension and foster a sense of independence and autonomy whenever possible. 5. Safety and Health: Ensure their safety by addressing potential hazards in their environment.

As a former psychotherapist working with the elderly, i have witnessed first hand the benefits of utilizing evidenced based approaches to help this population. It was always helpful to utilize a multi-modual approach, addressing the physical, psychological and social needs. When I worked in Gerontological social work, it was important to address the many factors that this population dealt with that often impact their physical and emotional well-being. Its important to work from a strength's perspective. As this population ages, it becomes imperative that we take a holistic approach and help them to maintain a healthy stile of living with consideration to their autonomy.

I agree that in dealing with the elderly, their dignity and autonomy should be acknowledged. In addition, one should not be intrusive either in words or acts, when dealing with the elderly.

From a behavioural science perspective this is key - building rapport will identify similarities enabling more chance of success on next steps. Keeping language clear and simple again will do this. Outlining commitments, and getting active commitments from those in the conversation will also support with next steps.

I concur with this article, in reflecting upon my own extensive experience in working as a geriatric social worker and therapist, I cant stress enough the importance of building rapport and trust with the elderly clients, it is the foundation of effective care for this population. One of the key aspects of my role as a therapist, was helpign them with stresses that was often associated with loss of jobs, friends, decreased ability to do daily activities; facing their own mortality. Depression is common with this population and its important as the article suggest to acknowledge their life experiences and meet them where they are.

Empathic listening and respect for people needs and dignity are the basis of building a stable and lasting relationship of trust

I have found out that the development of strong connections with elderly clients entails the understanding that acknowledges their life experiences. We gain insight into their needs and preferences when we engage and accept their narratives. Another variable to this discourse is effective communication. One's ability to categorically front ideas with clarity and precision buys the attention of the elderly clients.

Double check your list of resources and referrals to ensure the contact information and services provided are accurate and that they have the capacity to support your client.

The quality and well-being of the elderly must always be preserved. These people must have every means available that can enable them to receive all-round assistance. It is also important to take care of socialization, isolation is always to be avoided

As the article suggest, it is important to focus on the needs of the elderly, as they often need a multi modal approach, as they face multiple challenges as they age. Often in my role as a psychotherapist, geriatric social worker, I often connected my clients to essential resources, services, often utilizing my case management skills to make sure they had the resources that they need once they left our facility for treatment. A comprehensive approach as the article suggest is best.

It is important to provide culturally appropriate care for your clients. For example, tailor emotional support in the context of their customs and traditions.

In reflecting upon my work as a former geriatric social worker, and psychotherapist, I worked very closely with this population, I concur with the article, its important to treat each elderly client with respect regarding their life experiences and utilize a strength-based perspective to support them. I often worked with them faciliating grief and loss groups as a certified grief counselor working in a partial hospital program to help them acknowledge their losses and engaging in Reminiscence therapy, which is was very helpful in helping the client to re-live his or her past successes and grieve losses. As social workers we must recognize the importance of giving validation, support to this population.

This is the key - this identification of strengths, skills, interests and goals will form the basis of the persons assessment, and their support plan. Avoiding the use of the word 'elderly' is really recommended here - people do not see themselves as elderly or old. We must use language that resonates with people. The focus on community, family, and social networks again should also form the basis of understanding a persons situation, and how their network can contribute to them achieve their goals.

Particular attention to exercise, nutrition, sleep and hygiene are essential to improve the quality of life of older adults. In order to support them in dealing with the events of life, empathic listening and encouraging socialization are essential

During my short tenure as practicing psychologist in elderly care center, I found out that some residents felt as if their family left them to the center. Some residents have mistaken me as their family members and have shown early symptoms of dementia. Communicate with them respectfully while collaborate with other professionals and caregivers is a must to recognize and treat the symptoms, maintain their health as well as their quality of life.

As a former therapist and former psychotherapist, I worked closely in a partial hospital program with a multi-disciplinary team, my role also included case management, therefore I was in constant communication with relatives, friends, and other formal and informal supports of the elderly client that we served to address their needs from comprehensive standpoint. On my team, we had a psychiatrist, nurse, art therapist, recreational therapist, horticultural therapist and a few other disciplines that directly impacted the client's care. Each discipline gave their own expertise which supported the holistic treatment needed to care for the client effectively.

The use of technology is a great enabler here. There are some great apps that connect all these people together - the person, their families, networks, carers, professionals. If all are able to input and work together to the same goals, there is more chance of success and a greater chance of ongoing levels of independence.

In my role as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, effective ways to help elderly clients may include active listening, validating their experiences, and tailoring interventions to address their unique needs. Additionally, fostering a sense of connection and providing support for any life transitions they may be facing can be beneficial.