As your senior loved ones age, you may discover that they need more assistance in order to allow them to remain in their homes for as long as possible. Caring for a senior loved one, whether in your home or theirs, may be more difficult than you anticipate. As you adapt to caring for a senior loved one, there are several things you may need to take into consideration.
Establish A Routine
Establishing and maintaining a dependable daily routine is one of the most important steps in caring for an elderly relative. It helps provide structure, and security and prevents confusion or over-stimulation. This can include meal times, bedtimes, bathing times, and medication schedules, all of which are a critical part of your loved one's daily routine.
Ensure Proper Nutrition For Everyone (Including You!)
Eating well is an essential part of maintaining our overall health and wellness, regardless of age. Whether your senior relative is living with you or in their own home, it's important to make sure they are getting the right types and amounts of food they need on a daily basis. It's also important to remember to nourish yourself. If you do not take care of your own nutrition, it can prove very difficult to keep up with the demands of caregiving.
Provide Companionship
Providing some form of companionship is a key way to make sure your senior loved one feels connected and comfortable in their environment. Make time in the daily schedule for visiting, watching television shows or movies together, listening to music, or discussing books. Remaining socially engaged helps keep seniors active and healthy while also helping them feel supported. When you're acting as a caregiver, it can prove increasingly difficult to remember to offer companionship as well as physical support.
Know How To Access Vital Medical Care Assistance
As a caregiver, you may need to manage your elderly family member's medical information, such as doctor's appointments and medications. You may also need to know how to access emergency medical care if needed. Familiarize yourself with how to get in touch with your loved one's care providers as well as the location of the nearest hospitals.
Make Needed Home Modifications
Home modifications can make it easier for seniors to move around, decrease the risk of falls, and ensure everyone's safety. Common home modifications may include adding handrails to stairs or hallways, walk-in tubs or showers with grab bars installed in the bathroom area, ramp access at any entryways with steps, removing loose rugs or clutter on floors, and ensuring light bulbs are providing adequate lighting at night for better movement through the house.
Take Advantage Of Resources And Assistance
Being a caregiver for an elderly relative can be an immense undertaking. Many communities offer in-home care services, such as transportation and meal delivery, that can make the burden of caregiving more manageable. Take the time to research what resources are available in the city or town your loved one lives in so you're aware of all the options available to you and your senior family member.
Senior Helpers Hendersonville Can Help With In-Home Care Assistance
Caring for a senior loved one on your own can feel daunting. At Senior Helpers Hendersonville, we offer senior care assistance for families in the Hendersonville, Gallatin, Clarksville, Goodlettsville, and Cookeville areas. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help alleviate the strain of caretaking responsibilities.