Caring for Older People – Strategies for Providing Quality Senior Care

April 2, 2024

In this post

Introduction

Ageing is a fact of life and a natural process. Some have outdated and negative attitudes towards ageing and associate it with decline and ill-health, and often portray older people as frail, vulnerable and dependent (Centre for Ageing Better). While some older people have health conditions, aches and pains associated with ageing and may need care and support, it does not mean people cannot age healthily and lose their independence.

Where older people need additional care and support, whether at home or in a health and social care setting, it must be high quality, compassionate and person-centred. Providing care that meets an individual’s needs will ensure older people feel valued and their dignity is respected, which can improve their health, well-being and overall quality of life.

With a growing ageing population, effective eldercare strategies are increasingly vital. This blog post aims to equip caregivers, family members, and healthcare professionals with valuable insights, best practices, and strategies for delivering and providing compassionate and high-quality senior care.

Understanding the Ageing Population

A person is usually classed as elderly (an older person) if they are 65 and older. However, people age at different rates, so a 75-year-old may be healthier and fitter than a person in their 60s (NHS).

The UK has an ageing population, and it is increasing as people are living longer. For example:

There are almost 11 million people aged 65 and over in the UK, equating to around 19% of the UK population (Age Co Mobility), which will have increased to almost 13 million people or 22% of the population in 10 years (Centre for Ageing Better).
The number of years of good health without a disabling illness is in decline, 62.4 years for men and 60.9 years for women (Centre for Ageing Better).
In the 2021 Census (England and Wales):
3 million people aged 65 years and over were living alone; 36.3% of older women and 22.7% of older men.
The population aged 65 years and over was more ethnically diverse in 2021 than in 2011.
There were almost 1.2 million unpaid carers aged 65 years and over.
Those aged 65 years are predominantly Christian, and the proportion with no religious affiliation has doubled since 2011, reaching 17.5% in 2021.
There were 278,946 people aged 65 years and over living in a care home in England and Wales, accounting for 82.1% of all care home residents. Within the 65 years and over care home population, 56.4% of residents were 85 years and over (Office for National Statistics).

While people living longer is something to celebrate, there is no doubt that an ageing population can bring challenges, especially for senior care, such as:

Demand for health and social care services, e.g.:
Older people are more prone to chronic conditions, such as arthritis, diabetes, dementia and cardiovascular disease.
Increasing demands for NHS services, e.g. preventative care and management of chronic health conditions/complex needs (The Health Foundation).
Older people with chronic conditions typically need more long-term care and support with social care, which can put a strain on services.
An increase in older people in poverty can make it difficult to access appropriate care and lead to healthcare inequalities. According to Age UK, 2.1 million (18%) of pensioners in the UK live in relative poverty.
Families being caregivers can also impact their health, meaning additional demands on healthcare.

Improvements in senior care may have opportunities. It:

Enables older people to live at home to lead more independent lives, reducing the need for residential care.
Helps to prevent diseases by promoting healthy lifestyles and managing older people’s conditions to reduce demands on health and social care services.
Provides more support for families and caregivers to help them look after their senior loved ones, reducing their need for healthcare.
Enhances older people’s physical and mental health and well-being so they can continue to contribute:
There are more 65s working, paying taxes and contributing to health and social care services.
There has been an increase in over 65s volunteering or participating in civic engagement, which can have health and physical benefits.
Older people are helping with grandchildren, thus reducing the cost of public-funded childcare.

Importance of Compassion in Senior Care

Compassion is central to providing person-centred care. Compassion is so fundamental in health and social care that it is one of the six Cs of care, which also includes:

Care.
Competence.
Courage.
Commitment.
Communication.

The six Cs of care are values that all health and social care staff should follow, and they define compassion as:

“How care is given through relationships based on empathy, respect and dignity. It can also be described as intelligent kindness and is central to how people perceive their care” (NHS Professionals).

Empathy is also important in senior care. When people have empathy, they can:

Emotionally understand and share the feelings, thoughts and experiences of others.
See things from other people’s perspectives and put aside judgements.
Imagine themselves in someone else’s position.
Listen to others with compassion and communicate understanding.

Compassion and empathy are essential when providing care to older people as they can:

Help to provide more effective person-centred care based on individual needs, wishes and preferences.
Prevent social isolation and loneliness, a significant risk for older people.
Make older people feel valued, cared for and treated with dignity and respect.
Help build and maintain relationships based on trust, understanding and confidence between health and social care professionals, older people, families and caregivers.
Support healthy ageing and promote independence and well-being.

Compassionate care can have many positive impacts, and here are some personal and news stories to highlight its importance:

Supporters oppose care home closure plans as it is a thriving, compassionate community. One said, “It is more than just a facility; it is a home filled with love, warmth, and an incredible staff unit dedicated to the well-being of the residents” – BBC News.
‘Compassionate’ staff secure outstanding rating for White Gables care home in Felixstowe – East Anglian Daily Times.
Patients tell personal stories about the care, support and compassion they receive at St Columba’s Hospice Care.
Hen shares her Mum’s story about her time at St Mary’s Hospice and the care and compassion she received.
Ayr care home hailed for “compassionate staff” and “highly motivated” leaders – Daily Record.
Mark Doughty shares his personal story about the value and power of compassionate care – The King’s Fund.
The CHFT and Frailty Team received feedback from relatives of those in the hospital, with one saying, “A shining example of compassionate carers who put the patient truly at the heart of their practice” – Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust.

Strategies for Ageing in Place

Ageing in place essentially means enabling people to remain in their homes and communities as they age rather than going into residential care. It affords them some level of independence for as long as possible and can positively impact their health, well-being, and overall quality of life. It can also be a cost-effective solution to the increasing ageing population (Sixsmith & Sixsmith, 2008).

Whilst ageing in place can have benefits, there are some safety concerns, especially for families. Here are some tips for creating a safe and comfortable home environment for seniors:

Plan ahead – to have the necessary resources, care and support, when needed, to meet the older person’s needs, wishes and preferences. They should make plans in advance with their families, friends, caregivers or advocates and consider the following:

The help needed now and in the future.
What do/will they have difficulty with?
Can family, friends and neighbours help and/or is outside care and support required?
The support services available, eligibility and cost.

Consider homecare – for help and support with day-to-day activities at home, such as shopping, cooking, cleaning, washing, etc. These services are provided through Local Authorities that assess a person’s eligibility. Further information on homecare is on Age UK, and the link is here.

Make the home safe – to prevent accidents, injuries and ill health. It is vital to look for any hazards (things that could cause harm) and remove them or make them safe, e.g.:

Poor lighting.
Trip hazards.
Gas/electricity.
Walking up and down stairs.
Fire.
Smoke and carbon monoxide.
Clutter.
Hot water.
Slip hazards, e.g. slippery bathroom floors and loose rugs.
Medications.
Crime.

Make the home comfortable – to enhance health and well-being, which can include:

Comfortable and supportive seating, cushions and other furniture.
Decor and familiar items older people would like in their homes.
Temperature control options, e.g. heaters and fans.
Areas where older people can do their hobbies and relax.

Explore home modifications and assistive devices/technologies – that can help older people with mobility issues, reduce the risk of accidents and alert others in emergencies. Some minor home modifications and assistive technologies may be free, and others may have a cost. Many different types can help older people stay independent, such as:

Stairlifts – enable older people to go up and down stairs.
Remote monitoring – can include a range of systems, e.g. sensors, personal alarms, wearable technology and cameras, to alert others if there is a problem or an emergency.
Raised toilet seats with arms/handles – make it easier for older people to sit down and get up.
Bath lifts, walk-in showers or rails – these and non-slip mats can help older people get in and out of baths and showers safely.
Home layout and environment adjustments – may include lowering kitchen worktops and shelves, widening doorways and hallways, ramps, rails, lifts, removing clutter, etc.
Security – cameras, lighting and intercom systems can help older people feel safer and reduce the crime risk.
Household gadgets and equipment – to help older people go to the toilet, eat and drink, get dressed, wash, etc. There are some examples on the NHS and Living Made Easy.

Further information about getting help at home is on:

Person-Centred Care Approach

It is essential to adopt a person-centred approach to provide high-quality and effective care to older people, which means:

Placing each individual at the centre of their care and support and letting them choose how they want their care to be.
Matching the care and support to the needs of the individual rather than trying to make a person fit existing routines or ways, i.e. personalised care.
Coordinating and collaborating with older people, families, caregivers and healthcare professionals to provide the best possible care.
Treating people with dignity, kindness, compassion and respect.
Maintaining confidentiality and respecting an individual’s privacy.
Ensuring they are comfortable and safe.
Giving individuals accessible and appropriate information to make informed choices.

Every human being is different with their own identity, needs, wishes, choices, beliefs and values. Therefore, a ‘one size fits all’ approach does not work when providing care and support to anyone, including older people. A person-centred approach considers and meets their unique needs, wishes and preferences while ensuring they are active participants in their care where they can choose, control and consent to how they want to live as independently as possible.

Some examples of person-centred care are as follows:

Carers know the people they are caring for and their likes and dislikes.
Allowing older people to choose what they want to eat for dinner.
Adjusting lighting in the room, e.g. if they are too bright, dim them.
Allowing the person to make decisions for themselves or with them and not for them.
Providing tools and equipment that promote independence, e.g. shower seats or special eating utensils.

In person-centred care, it is not just treating an older person’s symptoms or diagnoses; it is looking at them holistically and recognising they also have physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual needs.

The Care Quality Commission inspects health and social care services, and one of the areas they will look at is person-centred care. Skills for Care has some practical examples of person-centred care from Good or Outstanding rated services here.

Promoting Physical and Mental Well-being

Physical and mental well-being are crucial at any stage of our lives, as they can prevent diseases, increase longevity and improve the quality of our lives.

“Mental well-being is about life satisfaction, optimism, self-esteem, feeling in control, having a purpose and a sense of belonging and support” (NICE).“Physical well-being consists of the ability to perform physical activities and carry out social roles that are not hindered by physical limitations and experiences of bodily pain, and biological health indicators” (Capio, et al. 2014)

Older people are at a higher risk of developing chronic health issues, such as diabetes, arthritis and dementia. They are also more vulnerable to mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, due to loneliness, isolation and living with long-term illnesses. Therefore, older people need to maintain good physical and mental health and here are some strategies that may help:

Regular exercise and activity

Have numerous health benefits and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Do some physical activity daily, even if it is light, e.g. slow walking, getting up to make a drink and vacuuming.
Do some strength, balance and flexibility activities, such as yoga or light lifting, and moderate to vigorous exercises, e.g. walking outside, cycling, aqua aerobics, etc.
Always check with a GP before exercising if it has been a while and/or if there are existing medical conditions.
Further advice on physical activity and exercise is on:
Age UK – Exercises for elderly adults to become more active.
NHS – Physical activity guidelines for older adults.
BHF – Exercising as an older adult, the safe and enjoyable way.

A healthy and balanced diet and drink plenty of fluids

People over 65 are at a higher risk of malnutrition and dehydration, which can cause serious health complications, increase the risk of falls and be fatal in some cases.
Eat a healthy and balanced diet to get the necessary nutrients.
Drink plenty of fluids, including water, tea, soups, milk and coffee. It is best to avoid alcohol if possible.
Further advice on nutrition and hydration is on:
Age UK – Healthy eating advice for the elderly.
British Nutrition Foundation – Older people.
The Association of UK Dieticians – Older Adult Food Facts.

Sufficient sleep

As people age, their sleeping patterns will naturally change. If sleep is regularly poor, it can lead to sleep deprivation, which can put older people at an increased risk of accidents and ill health.
Try to get between seven and eight hours of sleep where possible and manage ‘sleep hygiene’.
Further advice on sleep is on:
Age UK – How to get a good night’s sleep: Tips on how to sleep well.
Age UK – Sleep and brain health.
The Sleep Charity – Aging and Sleep.

Social engagement

Reduces the risk of social isolation and loneliness, which can lead to mental and physical health problems in older people.
Join social groups, clubs and classes of interest to stay connected with others. There are also volunteering opportunities and paid jobs.
Stay in regular contact with family, friends and neighbours, even on social media, e.g. Facebook.
Ask professionals for help, e.g. hotlines, religious leaders, drop-in centres, etc.
Further advice on social engagement is on:
Age UK – The benefits of social connections

Mental stimulation

Mental stimulation is exercising the brain, which older people can achieve by doing activities such as crossword puzzles, jigsaws, chess, card games, crafts, exercises requiring coordinated moves, baking, gardening, playing instruments, etc.

As people age, they can become more forgetful and also find it difficult to concentrate, pay attention, remember and learn. Health conditions, such as dementia and depression, and also some medications and infections can exacerbate this. Although studies show that cognitive decline is not inevitable in older people, mental stimulation is vital to reduce the risks of cognitive decline, diseases and mental health issues.

Mental stimulation is important and can have many cognitive benefits, such as:

It reduces the risk of cognitive decline and diseases such as dementia.
It keeps the brain active, boosting memory, information retention, creativity, productivity and decision-making capability.
It increases positivity, enhances mood, prevents depression and anxiety and promotes overall well-being.
It helps older people stay independent for longer and improves their quality of life.

Like physical exercise, older people will see more benefits if they do numerous mentally stimulating activities rather than just a few.

Preventing Isolation and Loneliness

Older people are vulnerable to social isolation and loneliness, and it can have a significant impact on their health. According to Age UK, 1.4 million older people in the UK are often lonely. It is important to note that not everyone alone (isolated) feels lonely; sometimes, people can be lonely even though they are around many people.

Loneliness can increase the risk of mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression (the National Institute for Health and Care Research) and contribute to a decline in physical health. Older people can also feel hopeless, worthless and sad from a lack of meaningful relationships and social connections.

There are many reasons why older people become socially isolated or lonely, for example:

Frailty, ill health, disability, and other mobility issues mean they cannot go out and about.
Deaths of spouses, partners, other family and friends.
No family left, especially those with no children and those in smaller families.
Families that do not live close by or do not speak for whatever reason.

It is vital to prevent social isolation and loneliness in older people to enhance their physical and mental health and overall well-being. Here are some suggestions on how to achieve this:

Community activities – depending on where a person lives and what they like to do, there may be various community activities for them to get involved in, such as lunch clubs, day centres, walking groups, bingo, quiz nights, crafts, singing, faith groups, etc. Activities may be on local Facebook groups, faith groups and regional groups, such as Re-engage and the National Federation of Women’s Institutes.
Volunteer – there are numerous in-person and online volunteering opportunities across the UK with charities, not-for-profit organisations and community schemes. Individuals could volunteer for causes they believe in, which can also help them to meet like-minded people. Opportunities are on Volunteering Matters, Indeed UK, NCVO and UK.
Classes and courses – older people could enrol on a class or course, although there may be a cost for some. There is also the option to do online classes and courses if they find it difficult to get out and about. u3a offers learning and development courses specifically for older people.
Work – there are over 1.4 million people who are 65 and over in employment in the UK (Office for National Statistics). Working can help older people to boost their finances and meet various people. Age UK has further advice for older people looking for work here.
Befriending services – these can be provided face-to-face or over the telephone. A volunteer may visit an older person in their own home and have a cup of tea and a chat, and they may also take them to events, outings or appointments. Some may chat over the phone and also provide advice. There are many free befriending services, such as (this list is not exhaustive):

Further suggestions to combat loneliness are below:

Managing Chronic Conditions

Unfortunately, as people age, they become more susceptible to chronic (long-term) conditions, which have no current cures. People have drugs or other treatments to help manage their symptoms (The King’s Fund). Here are some examples of chronic conditions that are more common in older people.

Arthritis

Arthritis is a condition that affects a person’s joints and bones, especially their hands, spine, knees and hips. There are many types of arthritis, but osteoarthritis is more commonly associated with older people.

There is no cure for arthritis; it can cause many symptoms, such as pain, stiffness and inflammation. If an older person has arthritis, their symptoms need managing, which can also prevent the condition from worsening. Some examples of management may include:

Eating a healthy and balanced diet.
Exercising regularly.
Maintaining a healthy weight.
Keeping warm.
Wearing appropriate footwear.
Painkillers, steroids, anti-inflammatory drugs, physiotherapy or surgery (if symptoms are severe).
Special equipment for daily activities, such as electric tin openers.

Further information on arthritis is on:

Age UK.
NHS.

Dementia

Dementia covers many progressive conditions that affect the brain (Dementia UK). 1 in 11 people over the age of 65 have dementia in the UK (NHS). However, it is not a natural part of ageing, and it has many causes.

Symptoms get worse over time and may include:

Memory loss.
Speech and understanding problems.
Behavioural changes.
Confusion.
Requiring help with daily tasks.

There is currently no cure for dementia, but there are ways to manage symptoms, such as:

A healthy lifestyle, e.g. a balanced diet, healthy weight and blood pressure, regular exercise, stopping smoking and reducing alcohol intake.
Various medications.
Complementary remedies and therapies.
Cognitive stimulation and rehabilitation.
Reminiscence and life story work.

Further information on dementia is on:

Diabetes

Diabetes is a condition that results in a person’s blood sugar becoming too high due to a lack of insulin. Symptoms usually include increased urination, tiredness, weight loss, thirst, blurred vision and prolonged healing.

There are two types of diabetes, type-1 and type-2, the latter being the most common. Half of all people with this condition in the UK are over 65 years old (British Geriatrics Society).

Type-2 diabetes usually correlates with obesity, being overweight or inactive, or a family history of this condition. People can actually reduce their blood sugar levels and go into remission by losing weight, especially soon after a diagnosis (Diabetes UK), and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

If an older person has diabetes, they will typically need medicine to control their symptoms, such as Metformin and insulin. The NHS has further information about medicines here. They must also keep active and make dietary changes, i.e. limit certain foods.

Further information on diabetes is on:

There are many other age-related conditions, illnesses and diseases, such as osteoporosis, depression, hearing loss and eye disease. Age UK has further information on these here.

Respite Care and Support for Caregivers

Caregivers care for and support older people, including health and social care professionals, relatives, friends and neighbours. When family members are caregivers, they rarely have training and are usually unpaid. Carers UK research in 2022 estimates the number of unpaid carers could be as high as 10.6 million (Carers UK).

Being a caregiver is a huge undertaking that can be challenging, tiring and stressful and make it difficult for family members to have a balance in their lives. Therefore, family caregivers need to seek respite care where they have a break while somebody else cares for the person they are looking after.

Respite care is crucial for family caregivers for the following reasons:

It gives them well-deserved breaks to pursue hobbies and interests they have missed.
It allows them to restore their energy, feel refreshed and have a balanced life.
It prevents them from being isolated, stressed, exhausted and even burnt out.
It preserves their mental, emotional and physical health and well-being.

There are various types of respite care, and the most appropriate services will depend on the older person needing care and the caregiver’s circumstances. Some examples of respite care include:

Daycare centres run by Local Authorities or charities where older people can go for the day and socialise with others.
Help at home (homecare), where a paid carer looks after an older person in their own home. They can provide family caregivers with short and long breaks and may visit regularly or infrequently.
Short-term care home stays where an older person can stay at a care home, usually while a family caregiver goes on holiday.
Help from family, friends and close neighbours for a few hours or overnight stays.
Respite holidays run by charities where family caregivers and people being cared for go on supported holidays.
Sitting services run by charities and carer organisations where local volunteers come to the home and sit with the person needing care so family caregivers can have a break for a few hours.
Respite care for emergencies such as accidents, sudden illnesses and other unexpected events.

The NHS has information on how to arrange for respite care and has links to useful websites here.

Local Authorities can fund respite care. They will usually carry out a carer’s assessment for caregivers and a care needs assessment for the person being cared for to determine eligibility. Assessments help identify the type of respite care needed, even if local authority funding is unwanted or the family is ineligible. Charities may also be able to help, such as the Carer’s Trust, Age UK, the Royal Voluntary Service, Scope UK, MHA and Independent Age, which may offer free services or charge a small fee. If families have the funds, they can pay for it themselves.

It is essential for family members not to feel guilty about having breaks. Respite can help them to provide better care for their loved ones. The person being cared for may also develop new relationships with new carers and have opportunities to do new things.

Palliative and End-of-Life Care

When anyone is diagnosed with a serious illness, including older people, they will have access to palliative care. It is “an approach that improves the quality of life of patients and their families facing the problems associated with life-threatening illness” (NICE).

Palliative care does not cure illnesses but primarily focuses on:

Managing a person’s pain and other symptoms.
Making them as comfortable as possible.
Providing practical, emotional, psychological and spiritual support.

Patients and their families are often worried when they hear the term palliative care and may think they have not got long to live and need to go into a hospice. However, this is not the case. People can live with serious illnesses for many years and do not go into hospice care. It can also work alongside curative treatments, such as chemotherapy for cancer.

Palliative care also forms a vital part of end-of-life care, support given to people in their last months or years of life and to families, carers, friends and other people important to them (NHS). End-of-life usually refers to the final year of a person’s life, which can be difficult and distressing for everyone involved.

Older people can receive palliative and end-of-life care in various settings, such as their own homes, hospitals, hospices, care homes and nursing homes, which will depend on their needs and preferences. Many healthcare professionals are also involved in a person’s care during this time.

Wherever an older person receives palliative and/or end-of-life care, it is crucial to treat them with dignity and respect, make them comfortable and take appropriate measures to improve their quality of life, which can be achieved by:

Realising that the person is much more than their diagnoses and symptoms. Care should be person-centred and holistic, i.e. putting them at the centre of their care and treating them as a whole person.
Adhering to national, local and regional guidelines and standards on caring for people at the end of their lives.
Focusing on the health, well-being and overall quality of a person’s life and not the time they have left. It is not just about managing pain and symptoms but also making them comfortable and meeting their physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual needs.
Involving the person and talking with them sensitively, clearly and honestly about their care and support needs, wishes and preferences, e.g. religious and cultural.
Abiding by the wishes and preferences of the person and allowing them to make informed decisions, e.g. where they want to be cared for and where they want to die.
Supporting families and loved ones during this stage and after the person has died.

Legal and Financial Planning

People should consider other things when they get older, such as legal and financial matters. Older people must be able to communicate their wishes and preferences regarding their care, especially if they lose the mental capacity to express them later on. They may consider the following:

How they want to be cared for.
The location where they want to be cared for.
Where they want to die.
Treatments they want and those they do not.
What happens to their body after death and their funeral arrangements?

These conversations can be between individuals, health and social care professionals, family, caregivers and friends, and the decisions made are part of advanced care planning and may include the following:

Long-term care insurance – some older people and their families may wish to pay for private insurance that covers long-term care needs, services, and support, e.g. immediate needs annuity/care plans and pre-funded care plans. The latter is no longer sold and will only apply to those with existing cover.
An Advanced Statement – is a written record of preferences and wishes but is not legally binding.
An Advance Decision to Refuse Treatment (ADRT) – is also known as an advanced decision or living will. They are legal documents that detail the medical treatments a person wants to refuse in the future.
Do Not Attempt Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (DNACPR) – deciding in advance whether CPR would be appropriate and the potential effects on future health, well-being and quality of life. They can make a decision not to restart their hearts, which is known as DNACPR.
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) – legally naming a person or another trusted party to make decisions for another if they cannot do so themselves or do not want to.

Older people may also want to make decisions in advance about what happens to their body and other things after their death, for example:

Organ donation – decide whether to donate organs and tissues after death. People are automatically put on the organ donor register and must opt out if they do not want to donate. NHS Blood and Transplant has further information on organ donation here.
Estate planning and Wills – details what happens to a person’s property, money and possessions after death and who will be responsible for sorting everything out (Executors). Having a Will is important, and Citizen Advice has some reasons why here.

Older people’s wishes, preferences and circumstances may change, so it is crucial to update records to reflect what they want for their care to remain person-centred and to treat them with dignity and respect.

For further information on legal and financial planning, see:

Age UK

Conclusion

People are living longer than ever before, and the number of older people in the UK is expected to grow. Therefore, it is essential to understand the ageing population, the challenges and opportunities it can bring, and improve care to enhance older people’s physical and mental health, well-being and overall quality of life. It can also help older people maintain their independence for as long as possible and reduce the demand for health and social care services.

Most of us will get older and have varying health conditions, wishes, preferences and needs. What suits one older person may not suit another. Therefore, older people must have person-centred care and be treated with dignity, respect, compassion and empathy, regardless of whether they are cared for at home or in another setting.

There is no doubt that getting older and developing health conditions can be challenging for older people and their families. It can also be difficult for those with life-limiting illnesses undergoing palliative care and/or end-of-life care. Having personalised care and adopting suitable strategies can help older people and their families navigate this sensitive phase of life.

There is plenty of help and support for older people, their families and other caregivers, so they should never struggle alone. They must reach out to people to minimise the effects of social isolation and loneliness and to lead happier and more fulfilling lives.

Please share experiences, questions, or additional tips regarding caring for older people in the comments. It can also be a space for fostering a supportive and informative community of caregivers and individuals passionate about senior care.