As our loved ones age we can’t help but grieve the past that’s no longer possible. We are forced to move forward and acknowledge that transformation is a part of life. While we grieve the change we are also forced to look at our own ageing self and may mourn our own youth. Now imagine for a moment yourself 10, 20, 30 years from now arriving at a place where ageing has impacted your independence and mobility – where you not only live with ageing, you live in it. Ask yourself, what would you value above all at this stage in your life? This is the empathetic approach that we need to take when supporting our ageing loved ones.

There are a few things to make certain when providing support to loved ones:

• Ensure your loved ones maintain their autonomy, control and involvement in decision making
• Have continuity of care that supports individual identity and self esteem
• Safeguard a positive living environment that’s safe, accessible and secure, while providing privacy and independence
• Support a lifestyle that exercises choice and control of how and when
• Encourage a meaningful daily living, involving simple pleasures and community involvement
• Reduce intrusive checking and repetitive questioning
• Be patient

“We need a fundamental shift in the way we think about our ageing population, from dependency and deficit towards independence and well-being. People value having choice and control over how they live their lives. Interdependence is a central component of older people’s well-being; to contribute to the life of the community and for their contribution to be valued and recognized.”

Change is not something you do – It’s something you allow. 

                                                           – Will Garcia