Elderly Care Tips

All opinions are mine and mine alone.

Elderly care tips

Most of us have at least one elderly relative in our lives. Better working conditions, healthcare and technology means that people are living for longer than ever. But sometimes caring for an elderly relative can be challenging. You worry about them constantly and hate the thought of them being lonely.

While you might not be able to be at your elderly relative’s side every second of every day, there are ways to help with their care. Check out the following tips.

Healthcare

It isn’t the sole responsibility of doctors and nurses to provide healthcare for the elderly. You need to keep an eye on your elderly relative’s health and encourage them to go to the doctors if anything is awry (and, for care negligence, see this Berwyn untreated infections lawyer). So, get in the habit of asking how they’re feeling and flag anything concerning. Elderly people have higher risks of illness, so they will need to be closely monitored.

Accommodation

We all need to live somewhere that makes us feel warm, comfortable and safe. This is especially important for the elderly, who need to be able to navigate their homes with ease. But, when someone gets older, they might find that their home doesn’t cater for their needs anymore. They might struggle on stairs, need a comfier bed or find it difficult to navigate their kitchen (see these tips for an efficient kitchen). You can help your elderly relative with their needs by assessing the situation. You have several options: adapting their home to cater for their needs (such as installing a stair lift, moving their bed etc.) or moving them elsewhere, such as a new house, your home or a care home. An important part of care is accepting that your elderly relative isn’t coping in their current situation and making changes.

Mobility

Some elderly people will find that moving around becomes difficult. They might have arthritis or aches and pains. So, help your elderly relative to go outside by accompanying them. Drive them to the shops, carry their bags or push their wheelchair. They might benefit from a stick or frame, so help them to get what they need.

Company 

We all need a little company to make the day go quicker. A conversation with a friend or family member can hugely improve our mood. Many elderly people feel lonely or isolated, as they might have lost their spouse or friends. It can be difficult to socialize when moving around is painful and difficult. So, care for your elderly relative by being present and providing company. Popping in for a cup of tea or taking them out will brighten their day and they will feel cared for.