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3 Simple Tips for Taking Care of an Elderly Loved One

Taking care of an elderly loved one can be stressful and challenging for many. Being the primary caregiver for your aging parent or relative, you must be aware of the challenges you need to face, along with the different options available to make the experience less difficult for taking care of an elderly loved one.

Here are some valuable tips on how to provide your elderly parent with the care that they deserve. 

Tips on Taking Care of an Elderly Loved One

1. Assess their needs and your capabilities

For taking care of an elderly loved one, you need to know exactly what they need. Identify the areas where they need help. Are they getting enough support medically? Do they need help accomplishing their daily tasks?

How safe are their homes and neighborhoods? Can they move efficiently around the house, or are they more comfortable in a wheelchair? These are some questions that you need to consider to make sure that they stay healthy and safe. Track their needs and determine what type of services are required. 

It is also essential that you assess your own needs and capabilities. Are you healthy and fit enough to take care of them? Do you live nearby? Are you prepared to place their needs before your own? You need to be honest in your assessment to prevent misunderstandings between you and your elderly loved one. 

2. Cover all the fundamental aspects

If they chose to stay at home, you need to make sure that their home is as safe as possible. Remove any potential hazards that can cause an accident. Carefully check every part of their house and make modifications if necessary.

Repair any damages and install safety measures around the house. Ensure that all walkways are free from clutter or anything that can cause them to fall or hurt themselves. Check if their appliances are working and in good condition. 

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Place yourself in their shoes and imagine what you might need if you were in their situation. You can also talk to them and ask what you can do to make them more comfortable.

Ensure that their medications are updated and complete. If they have a lot of medication, consider using a pill organizer to simplify the process. Make sure that they have enough supply of healthy meals as they may no longer have the ability to prepare their food themselves.

Watch out for any indications that they are not attending to their personal hygiene. It is common for your elderly loved ones to feel isolated and depressed, especially when they live on their own, so remember to visit them often. 

3. Explore available care options 

There are several aging care options that you can utilize to make sure that your elderly are adequately taken care of. Some of these options include assisted living communities, stay-at-home care alternatives, nursing homes, geriatric care managers, independent living facilities, and adult day programs.

These alternatives are designed to enhance the daily living of your loved one, so do not hesitate to take advantage of them. 

Taking care of an elderly loved one requires patience, empathy, and constant understanding. Our elders deserve to be treated with respect and we need to provide them the best possible care that they deserve. 

Happy Living!

Divya

Divya is a writer, who loves to read and write. She is a Company Secretary by profession. She is passionate about art, reading, writing, music, and creativity. She loves to do research on ‘Parenting’ and discover new things now and then. Her passion about positive parenting pushed her to write on ‘Wonder Parenting’. Her loving daughter, Vachie, helped her to dig deep and reach new heights on Parenting. She believes that ‘Parenting is Patience’ and shares her own journey to express that parenting approach differs for every individual.
Simple Living High Parenting!

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