GENERAL

Top Tips on How to Care for Older Adults at Home

Looking for caregiving alternatives for an elderly parent or other loved one may be daunting. It can also be difficult to make a wise decision beneficial for the whole family. Also, some options, such as assisted living facilities, involve significant adjustments for seniors and their families.

Many families opt for home care instead as it does not require big changes. Their elderly family member can live in a place they are familiar with, with the people they love. Caring for the elderly at home may be more demanding than expected, but it is gratifying too. It strengthens the relationship between family members, allowing them to bond closer. For an elderly loved one, there is a sense of comfort in knowing they are under the care of people they have known and cared for all their lives.

Still, it is best to know how to properly care for older family members and ensure they are comfortable and healthy. Older people are more prone to illness and are less strong than they used to be. They will also depend more on their caregiver over time, which requires patience and understanding. They may also have health issues that require more attention. Their comfort and health are the priority.

If you are caring for an elderly loved one at home, here are a few tips to help you.

Know what their needs are

If your elderly loved one has health conditions, monitor their medications. While they may not be as helpless as they appear, keeping track of their meds and taking them on time is best. It is also important to ensure that they are always clean. You may assist if they cannot bathe or clean themselves alone. If your elderly family member has incontinence, which is quite common among the elderly, ensure they are comfortable using quality products like pads and adult pull ups for a fresh and clean feeling. Observe their habits, so you can better provide them with the care they need.

Maintain a safe environment

It is vital to create a safe home environment for your elderly loved one. The home must be free of tripping or falling hazards like cords, rugs, and other clutter. Older people tend to lose balance or may have problems with their mobility, which may result in serious injuries. Ensure that floors are dry, especially in the bathroom and kitchen area. Additionally, it is important to keep various areas of the home, like hallways and stairways, well-lit.

Ensure they maintain a healthy diet

As people age, their dietary requirements are no longer the same, especially if they have health conditions. So, ensure they have balanced meals, preferably fibre-rich foods, including fruits and vegetables. Salty and sugary foods are also best avoided.

Encourage physical activity

The elderly must maintain physical activity to stay healthy and improve mobility. Encourage them to do some light exercises daily, like brisk walking. Exercise is beneficial for their physical and mental wellness.

To care for an elderly family member at home, you must practice patience and understanding. However, it is also vital to take care of your health. Ask help from other family members to take your much-needed breaks.