5 Dimensions of Helping Seniors
"What will help Seniors?"
A simple answer would be to meet their needs (including the intangibles such as need for emotional support and self-mastery). This results in a flurry of activities directed towards serving Seniors and leans towards welfarism. Digging deeper, a tension remains between fostering dependence("learned helplessness") and equipping Seniors with sufficient resources to manage their lives.
A hierarchical view in the vein of Maslow's would involve activities which facilitate self-discovery among Seniors and hopefully, help them to find meaning in life.
The third view would be minimalism- to take a "hands-off" approach. This view is buttressed by various assumptions, including the view that deep-seated positive change cannot be engineered by external aid, the view that interventions tend to distort the natural process of ageing and the view that the costs of interventions largely outweigh the costs.
I submit that these views are sensible in their own right. However those who believe in empowering Seniors ought to consider working with them along the following dimensions:
1) Safety
The Senior will know how to keep himself/herself safe. In particular, he/she should equipped to cope with abusers, suicidal tendencies, fall risks, medical risks and other sources of danger.
2) Functional Ability
The Senior's functional ability should be assessed and addressed. Activities to reverse frailty or cope with functional decline should be explored. Resources and training should be diverted towards supporting their caregivers.
3) Meeting Current Needs
This is the dimension which is most commonly addressed. Most people are able to spot the Senior's immediate needs (particularly if it involves money or daily living) and try to meet them. However, a step up would be to build their resources so that they are more empowered to decide their own lifestyle.
4) Resolving the Past
The Senior should be invited to explore his/her life journey thus far. These include making sense of grief and loss, resolving past hurts and regrets and reminiscence of good times.
5) Considering the Future
The Senior should consider long-term arrangements, including Advanced Care Planning, Lasting Power of Attorney, Will and Trust. If possible, they should consider the opportunity to settle unfinished business. In addition, conversations about death and what it means to end well should be explored.
This list is non-exhaustive, but it outlines the areas to be attended when caring for Seniors.
A simple answer would be to meet their needs (including the intangibles such as need for emotional support and self-mastery). This results in a flurry of activities directed towards serving Seniors and leans towards welfarism. Digging deeper, a tension remains between fostering dependence("learned helplessness") and equipping Seniors with sufficient resources to manage their lives.
A hierarchical view in the vein of Maslow's would involve activities which facilitate self-discovery among Seniors and hopefully, help them to find meaning in life.
The third view would be minimalism- to take a "hands-off" approach. This view is buttressed by various assumptions, including the view that deep-seated positive change cannot be engineered by external aid, the view that interventions tend to distort the natural process of ageing and the view that the costs of interventions largely outweigh the costs.
I submit that these views are sensible in their own right. However those who believe in empowering Seniors ought to consider working with them along the following dimensions:
1) Safety
The Senior will know how to keep himself/herself safe. In particular, he/she should equipped to cope with abusers, suicidal tendencies, fall risks, medical risks and other sources of danger.
2) Functional Ability
The Senior's functional ability should be assessed and addressed. Activities to reverse frailty or cope with functional decline should be explored. Resources and training should be diverted towards supporting their caregivers.
3) Meeting Current Needs
This is the dimension which is most commonly addressed. Most people are able to spot the Senior's immediate needs (particularly if it involves money or daily living) and try to meet them. However, a step up would be to build their resources so that they are more empowered to decide their own lifestyle.
4) Resolving the Past
The Senior should be invited to explore his/her life journey thus far. These include making sense of grief and loss, resolving past hurts and regrets and reminiscence of good times.
5) Considering the Future
The Senior should consider long-term arrangements, including Advanced Care Planning, Lasting Power of Attorney, Will and Trust. If possible, they should consider the opportunity to settle unfinished business. In addition, conversations about death and what it means to end well should be explored.
This list is non-exhaustive, but it outlines the areas to be attended when caring for Seniors.
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