Eldercare is Unique
Throughout my years as a pet care professional, no two experiences with the elders have been exactly the same. Yet, there are similarities.
These can look like:
food changes as often the old tried and true food is no longer enticing or they are wanting something more,
a request for more treats surfaces,
sleeping more, and
when the weather is conducive slow and gentle walks or play…and when the weather is hot it is finding a cool place or time of day to bring more of that love in.
The joys become their focus. Waiting for the weather to clear or the cooler time of day to arrive isn’t connected to what brings them joy. As they age, they live for their joys as the sweetness in this life! This can be also looked at as reasons for them choosing to stay with us longer.
Their routines often shift to one or two things;
Engagement changes from them requesting or demanding to he or she isolating;
It is also us learning to connect with them in new ways or going to them, engaging them where they literally are. Sometimes through music, through touch, or being with them.
It can be them maneuvering on their own to us leading them through voice, a gentle touch, or when possible, carrying or picking them up.
Always with love, respect, and sensitivity to his or her physical needs.
Sometimes I have felt within me a transference of their emotions…one of the biggest ones is often the most challenging for us to accept. This feeling of being lost in the life experience, not knowing what we are to do next, not knowing what we want or where we are to be…and a sense of endless wandering emotionally.
Many times, I have received this in advance of a pet visit or overnight assignment, and it can take a while to discern why I am feeling this way. It is akin to what I would perceive:
a loss of joy to be like in our human world,
a sadness or even a level of depression,
extreme fatigue or tiredness physically in my body.
Asking “is this mine” helps the person to shift the energy and a strong need to find an outside source, food or the like to fill that gap that is being felt or experienced.
They will often share a message in this way to help us understand what he or she is experiencing or feeling. Yes, sometimes that can be boredom, but other times it is something deeper.
Observation is key to reading the energy or emotional sensations, delving into where it is felt, and who’s this may be.
As a result, an important shift is recognizing that not everything we feel is ours. And – that the next level of learning can begin before we even enter the home of the animal companions.
With the elders, care of them and their unique needs can change from one moment to the next. What seems matter of fact, may be monumental to the overall big picture. It is key to take in the details, step back to see what is unfolding and relay information to others to the best of our ability.
Understanding what the family members themselves have observed leading up to the visits is often key to the overall situation and helps the animal companions feel heard as the continuity is being shared among all parties.
