Dr.Tej K.Munshi
” Your mind is a garden, your thoughts are the seeds, you can grow flowers or you can grow weeds.”
This quote attributed to Pinterest & Tamara from the Web, reminds us that we actually have more control over our lives than we think, and whatever we put our minds to, we can achieve. Just for a change let us focus our attention to our worldly life.
Combating elder abuse: Elder abuse takes many forms – including physical, emotional, as well as neglect and financial exploitation. More than five in ten older adults in India experience some form of abuse each year. That number may be much higher because elder abuse is often unreported, hence unknown.
Abuse victims typically show emotional red flags, such as depression, unusual fear or anxiety or intentional isolation. Many victims are abused by someone known and trusted. One can check on with older loved ones for signs of mistreatment, physical abuse, like bruises, burns or injuries. There may also be signs of neglect like:
* Poor nutrition or hygiene.
* Lack of medical aids like eye-glasses, medications to be provided.
* Indications of financial abuse that include unpaid rent, sudden changes to a will already made, large unexplained financial transactions, allowing someone new to access bank accounts. Take some time to call or visit an older adult, nearby or far off. Ask if they are ok and listen to what they tell you. Pay attention to signs of abuse or unusual behavior. Most of all, don’t be afraid to report instances of suspected abuse to a reliable social organization or official agency.
As a mother, father, grand parent or someone close to us nears the end of life, our loving care matters more than ever. However it is hard to know how to navigate those challenging circumstances. ” Looking back, I regret how much I tip-toed around the fact that my mom was dying,” says one family caregiver. ” When we moved her into a room at the hospital house she said,” Well I guess, I’ll miss Navratri this year.” Situations like this can be traumatic for the entire family. Here are a few tips that may help you and your dying loved ones confront the reality of our circumstances and restful reassurance.
* Acknowledge the serpent in the house. Death and dying can seem awkward to talk about. Tiptoeing around death can add stress, if we don’t know where to start.
* Express your emotions, sadness, in front of your loved one. You may pretend that everything is alright, but expressing your feelings gives our loved one freedom to be honest about his or her feelings in front of you. Your loved one will feel relieved that you understand what is occurring.
* Your presence matters: Even if you are uncomfortable as a caretaker in the hospital, but your showing up matters more to your loved one patient.
* Meaningful conversation: People at the end of life usually recall happy memories with those they love. Focus conversation around themes like forgiveness, gratitude and love between friends or family members and themselves.
* Listen to messages conveyed: Some people approaching death may try to communicate important messages to those around them, even if they are unable to speak clearly. Do your best to understand what your loved one is trying to say.
* Find answers to life-ending questions: If the loved one still thinks rationally and communicates clearly with you, learn his/her end of life preference.
* Be mindful of legal documents: Try to know if any legal decisions have ever been made, such as a living will for medical treatment at home or hospital, and disposal of landed properties among stake holders.
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