Everything in life ages, and so do people. The same applies to our loved ones, and as much as we want to freeze time, we can’t. Seeing our loved ones get old can be sad to watch and often puts us in a situation where we need to think about their care and needs.
Caring for an elderly person can be a challenging task because their needs change. They need more attention, help, and a better understanding of their situation.
If you have an elderly loved one who needs care, consider these things to ensure you’re providing the best care possible.
Understand Their Needs
When caring for an elderly person, the first thing you should consider is their needs. Unlike younger people, older people have different needs, which can vary depending on their health, cognitive abilities, and mobility.
It’s best to approach this with an open communication with the elderly person so that you can assess the needs. Daily routines and preferences can help you plan ahead and ensure you’re setting a comfortable and supportive environment.
Create a Safe Living Environment
Most accidents that older people have are at home, so creating a safe environment is crucial. Aspects like loose rugs, poor lighting, or cluttered rooms, especially hallways, can be potential risks, so you should address them. You should also look for potential tripping hazards and eliminate those.
Another good approach to creating a safe living environment for an elderly person is installing grab handles. Holding on to something can help, especially with those who have limited mobility. You should also consider an alert system just in case the elderly person you’re caring for falls.
Engage in Physical Activity
As people age, their physical abilities reduce, leading to a point where they won’t be able to do many things independently. Engaging in physical activities can help slow down the process, allowing the elderly person to remain active for longer. It doesn’t have to be massive, as long as the person can handle it.
When it comes to choosing the type of physical activity, it all depends on the person’s abilities. Light walks or some small chores around the home can be good exercise. Not only will these kinds of activities keep them physically engaged, they also do wonders for their mental health and self-esteem. While you’ll still care for them, they’ll boost their wellbeing, and don’t feel like they’re still independent enough not to be a massive burden on you and your family.
Provide Emotional Support
Elderly people don’t need just physical support. Part of caring for them is providing emotional support for the part of their lives they’re going through. Most elderly people have a feeling of loneliness or depression. It can be due to a lost loved one or feeling guilty about burdening the family's younger generation.
Being there for them is essential in providing the proper emotional support. Regular interaction can help them overcome these feelings and be more positive. Phone calls, social interactions or outdoor activities are only a handful of things you can do with an elderly person to help them replace these with happy emotions. Talk to them, listen well, and try to bring out the good memories of the past.
Monitor Their Health and Medications
Regardless of how well an elderly person feels, monitoring their health is crucial. Most seniors rely on medications to continue living a normal life without too many complications, so it’s a good idea to keep track of their supply and whether they take them on time. The best way to achieve this is to set up a medication schedule and combine it with pill organizers to ensure you make the process as simple as possible.
Regular checkups are also essential to ensure the elderly person you care for is as healthy as possible. Contact a healthcare provider and discuss any changes in health and medication adaptations. Elderly people sometimes neglect their health, so you should ensure they go on regular checkups.
Nursing Home
There are situations where an elderly person needs a lot more attention than you can provide, which is where a nursing home comes into play. These kinds of facilities offer staff who can assist 24/7. They also have medical staff, meaning they cover all aspects.
Unfortunately, there have been some unwanted situations with nursing homes revolving around abuse and neglect. If you notice your elderly person having changes in behavior, unexplained injuries, or signs of malnutrition, you should consult an abuse lawyer. You’ll get the necessary guidance on the issue and the best course of action to protect the rights of the elderly person.
Seeing your parent or grandparent get old is a natural process and an expected one. Reaching a point when they need help means you’ll need to care for them, and today’s tips will help you provide better care.