If you grew up with the elderly loved one you are now caring for, you might be surprised by how much they have lost confidence in themselves and their abilities. Many seniors struggle with finding their self-worth and role in the world they now live in for several reasons. Having companion care at home services for your loved one can help guide them through this struggle.
Why Self-Worth Becomes Hard to Maintain as a Person Ages
For many generations, people had their adulthood self-worth wrapped tightly around what they did or how they were able to serve others. For some people, their job or career was what defined them and gave them worth in the world that they knew. Once they retired and were no longer needed in that environment, they struggled to find a new place where they were valued and needed.
For others, parenthood and/or being a spouse defined who they were. They spent their days making their families happy, providing for them, and keeping them safe from the dangers of the world. They sacrificed their desires to make sure everyone else got what they needed. Once those relationships change, it can be difficult for your elderly loved one to recall how to put her desires back in front and focus on bringing herself the joy she used to give others.
Finally, some individuals found their worth in their youth in their looks or their physical abilities. The natural loss of youthful beauty can be hard for them to bear, as well as the loss of being able to do some of the physical activities they used to enjoy to the fullest.
Signs That the Self-Critic is Speaking Much Too Loudly to Your Loved One
Everyone can be critical of themselves at some time, and a healthy ability to access your abilities is important but sometimes, as a person ages, all they hear is the internal voice of their self-critic. That self-critic may be telling them they have no worth, nothing to add to the world, or no purpose.
You can see those thoughts show up in everyday actions such as:
- An inability to find joy in activities she used to enjoy.
- A constant berating of herself regarding her abilities.
- A withdrawal from participating in hobbies or activities. It can even be a withdrawal from the people who represent those activities.
- Regularly putting down others. Often, those with the loudest self-critical voices try to make themselves feel better by demeaning others.
- Fear of trying something new and failing.
Five Steps Toward Quieting Your Loved One’s Self-Critic
The very first step is having someone your loved one trusts. That can be a family member or a provider who offers companion care at home. Sometimes family history makes relationships complicated, and a companion care at home provider can step in without any past baggage, making the companion care at home’s voice and guidance easier for your loved one to follow.
Whether it’s you, a friend, or their companion care at home provider, try these five steps.
- Listen and acknowledge. Don’t shame their feelings, but instead, gently reassure them of their worth.
- Invite them to be involved. They might not be able to play football, but they can coach or cheer others on.
- Provide positive feedback. Sincere appreciation will rebuild their confidence.
- Help them shake off mistakes. Remind them it’s okay to mess up.
- Encourage them to keep trying. Practice may not make them perfect, but it will make them better.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Companion Care at Home Services in Manhattan Beach, CA, please call the caring staff at Canaan Home Care today! 1-844-CANAAN-1 (1-844-226-2261)
Canaan Home Care – A Premier Provider of Senior Home Care in the La Jolla, Del Mar, San Diego, Rancho Santa Fe, Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Huntington Beach, Irvine, Tustin, and Manhattan Beach areas.
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