There comes a time when we all have to take care of our older adults. And when this happens, you want to be sure that your older loved ones get the proper care and help they need. Also, they are loved, respected, and treated with patience.
Reaching older stages of your life does not mean that your life ceases to exist; the same goes for seniors. You must make them understand that they are still loved and are important to you. Apart from uttering your feelings in words, you can also let them know through your actions—by taking care of them.
Even if the adjustments in your life to care for and love your elder are challenging, you must realize that it is not easy for them. They have lived their life independently, and now they have to depend on others. This dependency can be pretty tricky. So, help them go through this stage with dignity.
If you are caring for your older adults, the below-mentioned tips might be of some help.
- Inspect the healthcare services
If your loved ones live in a nursing home, visit them often. You have to check if they are getting the right services, if their surroundings, such as their bed, sitting room, etc., are clean, and if they are getting the proper medical care.
You also have to ensure they are not facing any nursing home abuse. If you feel something is awry, such as the deteriorating health of your loved ones, or marks of physical abuse, take action with a nursing home neglect lawsuit for any necessary actions required.
- Spend time with them
When people get old, their social life becomes very limited, so it is quite possible that they often feel lonely and yearn for company. So, spending time with them is the best care you can give them.
Sit and talk to them, tell them what is happening in the house or how their grandchildren are doing. You can often eat your food with them and discuss if you are facing any issues in your studies workplace. The more they feel you value their input and advice, the more confident they feel about themselves and boost their self-respect.
Also, make them part of family gatherings and celebrations. If it is your kid’s birthday, try to arrange everything in their room if they cannot move much.
- Check their medication
All their medical supplies must be filled and refilled every few days. Routinely check their medications and if they have ample supply for the next few days, so there is no break in their medication routine. If they are on several medications for various illnesses, get a pill organizer and put the medicines in there. You can label the organizer with the time (AM and PM) and days of the week when they must be taken. Also, if there is any change in the medication, new or additional medications are prescribed, consult the doctor about potential side effects and the purpose of the additional medications.
Additionally, if there are other medication requirements, such as intravenous fluids, injections, etc., have a patient chart displayed at their bedside. The chart will tell you about their schedule for getting these drips so that you can arrange for them on time.
- Ask for outside help
Caring for someone can be quite difficult, especially when they are older and dependent on you. So, if it gets difficult to manage or overwhelming, don’t hesitate to ask for help. You can find different types of caretakers for older adults. You can hire someone who helps your loved ones with routine activities such as bathing, putting on clothes, eating, taking medications on time, or housekeeping. If you don’t know someone who can do this job personally, you must go through a formal process of getting help through a licensed agency.
- Make the required changes in the house
When you have an elder in the house, it is like having a child that must be cared for every little thing. You also have to make sure the house is livable and safe for them. Make the following changes in your home.
- Install a raised toilet
- Check the lighting in the house to make sure your house is bright enough for them to see everything
- Install a ramp in the house for wheelchairs or walkers
- Make sure cords and cables are not lying on the floor as they can cause a fall
- Install anti-skid mats or strips in the shower or any other slippery area
- Install handrails and grab bars in the bathroom of older adults
- Make sure the house does not have extra clutter lying around so that they can easily walk when they get up during the night
- Remove rugs with raised edges that can catch on walkers and wheelchairs or cause them to stumble over
- Discuss their financial needs
If they have no source of income, such as a pension, try to discuss their financial needs. It is reasonably expected that they may not be very open about their financial needs or depend on you for money. But you have to openly discuss with them and show that you care and want to help. But simultaneously, ensure you don’t hurt their pride and sense of worth.
Conclusion
Caring for an elder is a big responsibility. Whether in a nursing home or under home care, this is a big concern for the immediate family members. You have to ensure that your elders are getting the best care. Simultaneously, their dignity and self-respect are preserved too.
