Elderly Or Geriatric Counseling

Elderly or Geriatric Counseling is the type of counseling that is provided to elders or senior citizens.

The main objective of Elderly Counseling is to help elders cope well with the aging process and to solve problems that arise as they grow older. The secondary objective is usually to help seniors manage their time well, keep them busy and maximize their potential.

The Elderly Counselor must have sufficient knowledge about various changes, issues and problems that elderly people face in their daily lives.

A good understanding of the mental, physical, emotional and social changes that occurs during a human being's golden years is vital to counsel the seniors well.

Respect is a key ingredient in the recipe of Elderly Counseling. An elderly counselor must have respect for the elders and have real empathy for their lives and the issues they face as they grow older.

The elderly often find it a bit difficult to cope with the physical changes that occurs as they age. The eyes, ears, legs, hands, and other parts of the body start weakening.

Sometimes there are mental changes too. When elders have been dependent on others then the magnitude of these problems intensifies once they are completely on their own.

The golden years of an individual is a phase of one's life that is riddled with adjustment. There is a possibility of stress, anxiety, depression and other emotional problems creeping in.

Due to medical and technological advancements, the life span of human beings in the modern world is longer. It is common to find many adults living well into their 70s and 80s these days.

The large number of elderly citizens has increased the demand for seasoned professionals offering Elderly Counseling services. A counselor who genuinely likes senior citizens and can patiently listen to them is important.

Apart from counseling the elders, the counselor's role is also to explain the process of aging and the corresponding issues to the remaining members of the elder's family.

It is easier for an elder to cope with aging-related issues when they have the understanding and support of their younger family members.

Elderly or Geriatric Counseling can be helpful for elders to manage their emotions better. Providing them suitable options that helps add meaning and vitality to their lives is essential.

The counselor must be a reliable support system that can be depended upon to listen, empathize and counsel the elderly client on a regular basis.

The myths related to aging must be busted. It is commonly felt that elders are easily irritated, weak, grumpy, impatient, and lonely. There are many examples of elderly people who are quite the opposite. Most elderly people can be patient, kind, gracious, polite, confident and can manage on their own pretty well.

Alzheimer's and other similar diseases are becoming more common among elders. While it is difficult for elders to cope with these conditions, it is important for the counselor to understand these aging-related diseases well.

The counselor must also explain these conditions to the remaining family members of their elderly clients suffering from these diseases.

The fear of death is another major issue that elderly clients often face. This fear tends to grow stronger as the elders feel they are nearing death.

Elderly Counseling can help elderly people cope better with this fear of dying. Helping them keep their mind off such worries will enable them to grow older with grace.

Another major issue that elderly people face is less or no income and limited savings to live on. It is challenging for elders to manage their monthly living expenses. The added medical expenses can put a strain on them.

The loss of their life partner is a common issue that many elders face. Many elders suddenly find themselves living alone and without much support from their younger family members. They lose interest in life and they want to die much sooner with the hope to bond with their deceased partner in heaven.

Elderly Counselors must be able to give warmth, provide encouragement, offer positive reinforcement, and give hope to their aging clients. They must allow their clients to speak freely and not be afraid of being judged for what they say.

The counselor must be able to withstand minor temper tantrums, abusive language and other things that an elderly client may show when they feel angry, helpless, irritated or frustrated. Overall, a holistic approach to counseling is important. An elderly counselor must be willing to go the extra mile for their elderly clients.