The level of behavior management required for the elderly depends on their mental and physical health. Older adults with dementia, for example, need a higher level of management in order to maintain their safety and well-bring. Doctors and social service agencies can help you determine which techniques can help preserve the best quality of life for seniors.
Environment
New or unfamiliar environments often trigger undesirable behavior in the elderly, according to the Elderly Health Service, a division of the Department of Health in the Hong Kong government. It may be easier to get cooperation and keep seniors comfortable in places they are most familiar with. When setting up a behavior management plan, consider the amount of time the senior will need to be in an unfamiliar environment and try to limit changes.
Wandering
As dementia begins to set in, many elderly people begin wandering with unknown destinations. They may forget where they are going or where they are. There are steps you can take to limit wandering and excessive pacing that sometimes accompanies the movements. Caffeine can trigger nerves and create a need to move, so limit caffeine consumption. According to Elderly Health Service, daily routines that involve exercise and walking can help to alleviate unplanned excursions. Try to keep the senior involved and awake during the day.
Eating
According to the National Institute on Aging, the elderly often have trouble getting proper nutrition through eating for a variety of reasons. They may have ill-fitting dentures or digestive disorders they don’t want to talk about. Tastebuds change with age as appetite and activity levels slow down, so they may refuse to eat a well-balanced diet. Depression can also affect appetite. Forcing a senior to eat nutritious foods often leads to further problems. Some techniques you can employ to manage eating habits include trying new recipes together. Add important nutrients through snacks such as protein shakes. The elderly often have an easier time managing their nutrition by breaking it up into four or five small meals throughout the day, according to Nutrition.com. When building a new diet for the elderly, you should consult their doctors to ensure you are complying with any special diets to deal with medical issues such as diabetes or high blood pressure.
