It may well have begun informally, with just a little help from time to time. Grabbing some things at the grocery store for your aging parent. Dropping off the extra casserole you made while preparing your own family’s dinner. Or just spending additional time visiting to be sure things are ok.
After a while, you may have found that more care and support was becoming necessary. Are you up to the task of serving as an older loved one’s care provider?
A family caregiver’s job is remarkably rewarding. It also features a tremendous level of responsibility, which may feel daunting. These steps can help you ensure the bases are covered in caring for a senior loved one.
Safety
There are a couple of components to safety for seniors:
- Home Safety: Strengthen the safety of an elderly person’s home by installing a peep hole in the door and locks that are both strong and easy for the senior to lock and unlock. It’s additionally a smart idea to take the senior’s name off the mailbox to prevent con artists from trying to gain access by pretending to know the senior. There should be plenty of outside lighting. Use motion-detection sensors that turn lights on when activated.
- Fall Risk Reduction: Falls can be disastrous for older adults. Reduce falls by eliminating throw rugs and other tripping hazards, installing sturdy handrails and grab bars, and clearing away all clutter and low furniture around the senior’s walking paths.
Managing Money
If an older adult is challenged by cognitive impairment, like dementia, it is extremely important to assist with money management. However, under any circumstance, it is a good idea to communicate with your aging relative to review bank accounts, bills, insurance plans, etc. to ensure if the time comes that you need to take control of these tasks, you’re fully ready.
Companionship
Spending quality time with a senior is a very important part of caregiving. While sharing a cup of coffee and chatting may just be an everyday occurrence for you, for an isolated older adult, it may mean the world. Be certain not to let all the essential tasks overshadow the need to simply enjoy quality time with each other.
Overall Health
Tending to an older loved one’s health consists of ensuring physical exercise, healthy eating and sleep practices, and proper medication management. Participating in healthy lifestyle decisions together is a wonderful way to avoid the sense of being overbearing or parenting your parent. Sign up together for an exercise, swimming, or dance class. Experiment with new recipes together. Get a pill organizer, if the senior isn’t currently using one, so medications are taken just as directed. If the senior agrees with the idea, attending doctors’ appointments together can help ensure that all questions are answered and guidelines are understood.
How Senior Care Can Help
Finding a care partner is crucial for both your parent’s health and your own. Nobody can be expected to handle all of the care needs necessary alone. At Abby Senior Care, a provider of at-home care Denver area families can trust, we offer respite care services that allow family caregivers time to step away for breaks from care – as much or as little as you need. Reach out to us at 303-699-8840 for a free in-home consultation to learn more. Visit our Service Area page for a full list of the communities where we provide care.