An older person is defined by the United Nations as a person who is over 60 years of age. However, families and communities often use other socio-cultural referents to define age, including family status (grandparents),

physical appearance, or age-related health conditions.

There are 8 main care needs for the Elderly.

1. Family Support/ Social Interaction: The elderly are most likely to experience loneliness and feelings of exclusion from their communities. At Sabanu Care we aim to bridge this gap by providing companionship and encouraging active participation with family, friends, and the local community, through activities such as assisting with shopping and having days out.

2. Home Safety: Seniors are at a higher risk of experiencing an accident than any other age group, with 1/3 of elderly 65 years and up falling each year. At Sabanu Care we carry out extensive risk assessments and train our staff to assess their environment to ensure it is always safe.

3. Medical Needs: Many older adults have complex medication regimens to manage various health conditions. At Sabanu Care, all staff are trained in medication management, whilst encouraging active participation from the service users, so they gain confidence and promote their independence in managing medication.

4. Cognitive Health: Many elderly persons may develop cognitive decline conditions such as dementia, stroke or brain injuries and will require support to complete basic daily tasks such as cooking. Individuals with cognitive impairment often require special care, including supervision (sometimes 24 hours a day), specialized communication techniques, and management of difficult behavior.

5. Mobility: With age comes a decline in the physical body, the elderly service user may need assistance with transfers with the use of aids, hoists, or wheelchairs they may need encouragement and support to complete exercises. At Sabanu Care all staff are trained in moving and handling to ensure mobility is maintained and strengthened.

6. Personal Hygiene: The elderly often struggle with maintaining personal hygiene for multiple reasons, such as cognitive decline or mobility issues. Sabanu Crae offers support with all levels of personal care and hygiene need and focuses on promoting independence and the dignity of the service user.

7. Meal Preparation: A balanced nutritional diet is vital, at Sabanu Care, all staff are trained in Nutrition and Diet, we assist our service users by encouraging healthy and balanced eating, supporting them in meal preparation and t times cooking meals, assisting with grocery shopping.

8. End of Life: Many Elderly persons and their families will require a range of support towards the end of their life, such as emotional support, at-home support, and advice on a form of hospice care that best suits their individual needs.