2007-02-27 09:38:49 · 13 answers · asked by julie b 1 in Health ➔ Mental Health
Hi, I work as a support worker in a care home with 60 residents who have varying degrees of dementia and Alzheimers. The main reason why you have to be positive with them is that they very often have such a negative approach to themselves. Many of them (very intelligent people) can no longer read or write, they can't eat properly (ie cannot use cutlery), sometimes they have lost the power of speech and only 'talk' in grunting sounds, they are doubly incontinent, they need to have everything done for them (and I mean everything). You have to praise the smallest achievement and listen to them all the time and turn every negative thing they say about themselves into something positive. Sorry, am running out of space. Email me for a lot more detailed answer.
2007-02-27 11:36:48 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
captm hunt. I can ea silly top your age, but the negativeness of the elderly is brought on from without, not from within. there has been enough TV news displaying this in care homes for the elderly, and also I think it was a very good question, don't forget if you are unfortunate enough you will end in such an abominal place and the positiveness will I fear very soon be wiped away from you
2007-02-27 10:00:24 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
While it's important to have a positive approach when working with any age and population, the elderly tend to have a higher rate of depression and are typically more physically fragile as well. Those that are up in years tend to deal with decreasing health and the fear of dying. I find the geriatric population to be so cute :) They have so much life experience and can impart their wisdom to us that are younger.
2007-02-27 09:49:37 · answer #3 · answered by jannsody 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Working with anyone you should have a positive approach...not just the elderly...
2007-02-27 09:46:25 · answer #4 · answered by oshaberi27 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I work with the elderly on a stroke rehabilitation ward,depending on the person there are lots of reasons to be positive,most of them just want to give up,they feel life has passed them by and instead of wanting to try and get better,most just want to lie back and accept what they feel is their fate,some have dementia or behavioural problems or even resort to inappropriate behaviour,but whatever their problem,positive reinforcement,attitude and a consistent approach to their care only helps to have a happy more content and relaxed older person,who looks forward to your visits and wants to get better and carry on.
2007-02-27 10:08:30 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
There are 3 sides of the triangle. You mental side what you feel inside. your social how you get along with other people. And your physical side which is how you excersice and get fit. And you want to stay on the positive side for health reasons. Learn about your own health because if you treat people bad there positive side can affect all sides of the traingle. So treat people the way you would want to be treated. Be positive.
2007-02-27 09:52:46 · answer #6 · answered by heather n 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If someone ordered you around in a belligerent tone of voice? How would you respond? The elderly are no different. Being positive is how everyone should be period.
2007-02-27 09:56:57 · answer #7 · answered by Alletery 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Other than the respect factor these people have been where you are right now and are themselves where you are headed within them is a vast amount of knowledge on life, that if you have the opportunity you should tap in to.
If you're lucky you yourself will live to be old and I'm sure when that time comes, you would like to be honored for your knowledge and wisdom of a life well led. Remember what you do to others will be done to you. It's karma
2007-02-27 09:52:22 · answer #8 · answered by chellebelle 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Because they are valuable people and deserve to be treated the same way you want to be treated. How you like it if someone was helping you out and had a negative approach? These are wonderful people and a positive attitude goes a long way to show that your really care about them.
2007-02-27 09:42:38 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I am 67, which qualifies me as 'elderly' and I avoid going to places where other old people are... senior citizen's centers, etc... because so many old people are very, very negative and I can't take their negativity...
Perhaps that's a good reason to have a positive approach abound them... some of it may rub off.
2007-02-27 09:48:37 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋