Caring for seniors after they have been in an accident can be overwhelming. There are a lot of various elements to consider, and steps that you will need to take in order to support their recovery, both mentally and physically.
Here are some things to take into account when caring for an older relative after an accident, courtesy of Senior Helpers Denver North.
Create a Care Plan
After an accident occurs, it's best to have a plan in place for what will happen during the recovery process. This may include working with your relative's doctor or healthcare provider to determine their care needs. Be sure to involve other family members and provide clear communication about who is responsible for doing what when it comes to caregiving responsibilities. Set up a network of support for yourself as well. This can include friends who are willing to listen to your journey as a caregiver.
Stay in Touch With Doctors
During the recovery process, you should stay in contact with your relative's doctor and other healthcare providers. Make sure to properly follow all of their instructions for care, especially when it comes to medication management. Keep an open line of communication between you and the medical team. This way, you can quickly address any questions or issues.
Provide Mental and Emotional Support
In the wake of an accident, your older relative may feel anxious or overwhelmed with their current circumstances. Caregivers will need to provide emotional support and make sure that their mental health is taken into account. Offer words of comfort, listen to their concerns about recovery, and be open to discuss any worries they have during this time.
If you feel as though your senior loved one is dealing with more than what they should, such as extreme trauma, don't hesitate to talk to them about scheduling therapy appointments. A trained professional might do wonders for your loved one's mental health.
Take Time for Self-Care
Don't forget to take care of yourself during this time, too. Allow others to help you and be sure to set aside some time for yourself each day. Ensure that tasks such as meals, housekeeping, and laundry don't get neglected during the healing process. This way, your relative can stay in a safe and hygienic environment.
Contact Senior Helpers for Caregiving Assistance
Caring for seniors after they've been in an accident can be difficult. However, with the right plan and support team, it can become much easier. Staying in contact with doctors and providing mental and emotional care are key elements to successful post-accident recovery.
Senior Helpers Denver North is here to provide assistance when families need it most. We make sure your loved one receives the best care possible so that everyone can rest easy knowing that their needs are taken into consideration.
Contact us today to learn more about the services we provide to seniors in the Denver, Broomfield, Arvada, Westminster, Thornton, Northglenn, Wheat Ridge, Lafayette, Aurora, and Commerce City areas.