Many people assume that when it comes to elderly care, most care practitioners adopt a cookie-cutter approach to individuals who suffer from the same condition. Of course, as any nurse, support worker, or even doctor who works in a senior setting will tell you, this is not the case. Every care professional who works with older individuals aims to adopt a personalised care approach as, simply put, it has the best outcome long term.
This article will walk you through what personalised care is, and how using it can improve senior well-being and, therefore, enhance their quality of life.
What is Personalized Care?
Personalised care is an approach that is tailored to the healthcare and daily support of an individual, based on their circumstances, needs, and preferences. It is a customization of treatments, assistance, and activities that will help to improve their well-being, quality of life, and independence. This care approach is particularly important for senior citizens who have complex and comorbid health conditions.
So, what does that look like, and how does it help?
Tailored Healthcare
All care homes, such as Signature at Banstead, offer customised medical or care plans. These will address individual health issues, which often become more complex in older age, and can also consider how an individual, or their family, wants the condition to be treated. This leads to better management of disease, can help with recovery (if that is an aim), and can lead to overall improved health. It is worth noting that in some cases, there may be religious factors that can impact on the care that someone wants, which will also be respected and incorporated into a care plan.
Increase in Independence
Research into elderly care has found that individuals who have a more personalised health care approach will often have a higher level of independence. This could be due to things such as the room or residence that they are in being tailored to their physical health needs, meaning they need less help moving around from nurses and support workers. It could also mean that they have tools to help them function in the kitchen and bathroom, which, once again, means that they have to rely on others less.
Also, by considering a person’s physical needs, there is a lowered chance of accidents and falls in their residential placement.
Emotional Wellbeing
No two people who are elderly have the same emotional needs, and so, having caregivers who understand the preferences of each resident surrounding companionship, friendship, and social support will ensure that everyone has lowered feelings of isolation and loneliness and will also be able to socialise on their terms. In other words, getting to know each person and treating them as an individual can help them to be seen and heard, helping to bolster their emotional wellbeing.
Cognitive Stimulation
Have you ever been asked to engage in a puzzle task that you are not a fan of? It is tedious, to say the least! Therefore, a personalized approach to social activities and mental stimulation is crucial when it comes to keeping a senior citizen psychologically and cognitively active. Personalised approaches will enhance cognitive health and prevent decline, without arguments or failure to engage, making for a more peaceful time for the residents and support workers!
