"How can you help the elderly to have a better lifestyle"

by Gik

In my experience, i had to understand that as caregiver, traveler and volunteer, you can´t change what they learned.

What they like to eat, and where they want to go it´s something you can´t change, no matter if it´s a bad habit, few might adopt new perspective of life, but the most important part is not to stress yourself.

What it worked for me was to talk a lot about the benefits for them. Then to have a "reward"system, maybe take them to a movie, some cake or to visit someone they miss.

It´s very effective to let them go their own rythm, babysteps through all the process.

Sometimes you might cry and feel lost, because watching someone with dementia for example is hard and sad. So take care of your emotions in the meantime to channel that energy.

Finally, and what I´m working on is to get help from other professionals, therapists, and fisiotherapists. All together as team we give the elderly different approach and some can be of their affection.