Old age is beautiful but comes with many health challenges, responsibilities, and worries for the elderly person and those around them. One question that usually pops into the mind of many is how to take care of an elderly person as old age approaches.
There is no rule of thumb as to how best to go about this process, but there are tips to help you know what to do at certain times. Some you may have to employ the services of professionals or a Homecare Service for the elderly, and some you have to do yourself. You will find help suitable for the older adult in your custody, whichever way you choose.
Here in this guide, we show you proven tips to take care of an older person in your custody without hassle and stress. Also, we have answered questions surrounding this life phase and how to go about it.
Ready?
Do All Elderly People Need Care?
No, not all elderly people need care. Most are still strong and can live comfortably alone. However, even in that state, assistance and companionship are required to avoid depression and loneliness.
What are the basic needs of the elderly?
The basic needs of an older person include the following;
- Staying Mobile.
- Getting Personal Care.
- Managing Medical Care.
- Getting Proper Nutrition and Exercise.
- Engaging in Activities and Recreation.
Is It Important to Take Care of an Elderly Person?
Of course, it’s of utmost importance to take care of an elderly person. And most times, it falls in the hands of a loved one in proximity.
Aging cannot be prevented, and we must deal with it when it happens. With aging comes illnesses, memory problems, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, loneliness, and sometimes depression. If an elderly person is in this position, care is imminent.
What are the five things you must consider when you are taking care of an elderly?
The five most significant considerations when caring for an elderly parent include the following;
- Your Current Work/Life Balance Level.
- The Roles Others in the Family Can Play.
- What Type of Care Does Your Parent Need?
- What Is Your Level of Physical, Emotional, and Financial Health?
- Is Your Parent in Agreement with a Caregiving Arrangement?
How to Take Care of an Elderly Person Without Hassle
There are many ways to help the older adult in your life stay safe and feel cared for. Although this may be overwhelming for you, administering the proper care can help you feel more connected during this later stage of life.
Here are tips based on the research we conducted that shows viable ways to take care of an elderly person in your custody;
#1 Constantly Visit Them
Being out of sight for a long time can make the older adult in your life feel left out and alone. No interactions, no talking partner, and no family can cause them to feel alone.
Your loved one needs social interaction with family. One way to ensure it is present is to visit them if you’re not living together constantly. This makes them feel safe, healthy, and loved.
If you have siblings, each can visit on different weekdays. You all get to see it one day, which will be an excellent experience.
#2 Ensure Their Medications And Supplies Never Run Out
In old age, the older person in question may no longer be able to keep tabs on what is left in their cabinets regarding food and supplies. Secondly, if they’re on some medication, they may need to learn how to get a refill when it’s almost finished.
Be sure that your loved one has adequate supplies of their medications, food, and other supplies. A pill box organizer with compartments will help you label their medications for ease of use and avoid overdose.
#3 Hire Help
Caregivers will go a long way to help you take care of the elderly person in your life. This is handy in this busy world where everyone seems to have little time for one another. However, there are people whose job is to care for others professionally. Contact Good Hands Home Care LLC.
If you hire help or a caregiver who you know, go through a licensed agency. Usually, there is a fee attached. Helps will aid in errands, assistance, and company.
#4 Adjust The Home To Suit Their Age
Taking care of your elderly adult includes making home arrangements and decor adjustments to suit their current state. Please look around, assess what may be a safety hazard, and fix it.
Consider the lighting; install a raised toilet, a ramp for wheelchairs or walkers, and handrails. Ensure cables, cords, and wires are safely tucked away to prevent potential falls. Remove extra clutter, small rugs, and raised edges. Safety should be put into consideration.
#5 Ensure They Have No Financial Need
Of course, an older adult may not have any significant financial needs as before, but there may be petty things they may need for money. Sadly, most do not talk about it because “I don’t want to disturb their mindset.”
However, ensure you make money available to them even if they have a source of income.
#6 Watch for Driving Issues And Adjust Accordingly
One way to take care of an older adult who is still mobile is to ensure they do not have issues commuting. Age can affect their driving due to declines in their eyesight or reaction times.
Hiring a driver or helping them around town will go a long way to solving this problem.
#7 Keep Them Active
While doing all you can to keep your loved elderly person cared for, do not forget to keep them active and involved. Activities such as exercise keep them healthy and strong.
Also, you can check out if there is a spot in your community that offers activities that will help your loved one stay social and active.
#8 Ensure They Have Healthy Meals Always
Supplying food is a good thing, but ensuring the food is healthy and constantly available is an excellent check to take care of an elderly person close to you.
Most cannot make food for themselves, so it’s ideal to ensure they have healthy cooked food. You can hire a helper or cook it yourself once a week to last all week.
A meal plan will help you achieve this effortlessly. Some of these meal plans can even accommodate special requests, such as meals for those with diabetes.
#9 Employ The Use Technology Tools To Keep a Watch
Technology has made a lot of things easier for us. Installing a camera or a motion sensor will help you keep watch over them even when you are away. Also, the Life Alert system will help your older loved one to alert you if something is wrong to receive immediate help.
#10 Arrange a Schedule With Family
If you take it upon yourself alone to care for an older adult, you may get overwhelmed. A schedule will help alternate responsibilities and checkups between family members.
With a schedule on who will help your elderly loved one when it comes to bathing, doctor appointments, errands, shopping, cooking, cleaning, etc.
A schedule will not only help keep your life structured and organized, but it will help your loved one know what’s on their agenda as well.
Frequently Asked Questions On How To Take Care of an older adult.
How do I know when it’s time to take care of an elderly person?
You know it’s time to put an older person under care when they cannot carry out daily activities such as bathing, cooking, and others without assistance.
Also, when hygiene is becoming a problem, and there is a change in the elderly person’s behavior, care is imminent.
How to know if an elderly care home is safe?
Another option to care for an elderly person is to take them to an elderly person’s home. Before you do that, you should ascertain the level of safety, hygiene, and care given in that environment.
Ask questions, read reviews, and visit the facility itself for inquiries. Learn about their services and check thoroughly.
How do I approach the topic of senior care with my elder?
Bring up the subject well before you need medical help. Pick a time to speak with your elder, considering their state of mind. It’s good to conduct extensive research on the care facility and its services so you’d be prepared when it’s time to talk to your elder. Consider how much money you’ll have to spend on the treatment.