It’s a common courtesy to treat seniors with dignity and respect. Unfortunately, most of the time they aren’t getting the respect they deserve due to people being busy or just being simply dismissed. We forget the contributions they had to our community and family.
The Importance of Treating Elders with Respect
Seniors have plenty of experience in life and they can teach us about enduring change and handling life’s challenges. They have a great amount of wisdom and knowledge to share with us.
It’s important for the younger generation to learn the significance of respecting elders by listening and spending quality time with them. We must treat our elders with respect, even if their bodies or minds are beginning to fail them. The elderly are powerful, creating the comforts that younger Americans take for granted.
What is Ageism?
Ageism is the inclination to think of older people as debilitated and unworthy of attention. It can make people uncomfortable to be confronted with the trials and tribulations of aging.
This attitude towards seniors is growing, but we must remember that they wisdom to contribute to society. They have gained knowledge through their life experiences and it’s about taking the time to listen to their stories.
Spending Quality Time with Seniors
Giving the elderly your time and attention does wonders, especially for those afflicted with Alzheimer’s. Spending quality time together can benefit everyone and create special memories.
Our grandparents taught us the importance of treating others with kindness and respect. The older generations had high levels of morals that they held onto, thus the importance to treat them with the utmost respect.
What to Call Seniors By
Some providers calling seniors by their first names, thinking that familiarity signifies bonding and is less intimidating. That may be true for children or for people with dementia who have regressed to an earlier time and remember only their first names.
However, for many seniors, it is just disrespectful, especially when the person speaking to them is younger. Many seniors will not comment, but they will withdraw, making further communication ineffective.
What Should Caregivers Focus On
Being a caregiver can be a tough responsibility, as the role can be both emotionally and physically taxing. It will demand devotion and patience since the loss of independence is one of the most difficult transitions for anyone who suddenly requires the intrusion of a caregiver. Being patient in difficult situations can be exhausting, but showing our elders’ respect is always the best choice.
It’s important to remember to be not only considerate but also polite to people whose bodies and minds are aging, simply because of the hands of time. Ageism exists, but being kind and showing compassion is at least one step in the right direction in a world that is often devoid of manners.
Fairmont Grand Senior Living Community
Fairmont Grand is a resident centered senior living and memory care facility in Rapid City, SD. Our goal is to create an environment where resident well-being is at the heart of everything we do.
Our wide range of services are designed to meet you or your loved one’s daily needs. We offer restaurant style dining options, a variety of physical activities, and give residents the opportunity to live as independently as possible.
If you or a loved one near Rapid City, South Dakota are considering assisted living or memory care, contact Fairmont Grand to learn more about individualized living options or tour our community.
