VWB Blog Choosing caregiving options for our elderly is quite tough for family members who are working during the day. Some might be thinking of sending their loved ones to retirement facilities, while others prefer to keep them at home. Money isn’t always the issue here because senior citizens receive their pension to pay for such services.
However, we must think through the elderly’s convenience because they could be sensitive to new environments. It’s like having a baby who cries and feels abandoned because they feel lost in a different setting with new faces. Can you imagine how your family members would feel after leaving them there alone?
That’s why you must be considerate of such feelings because it may lead to depression. You surely have a room for your aging family members at home, thus, look for caregiver services offered in town. Why not hire one so that he can provide professional caregiving needs for your elderly?
Get your Bloodline Involved
If you have relatives who can help with other tasks, then that would be good. Pretty sure that they also want to spare some of their time, especially when the caregiver isn’t around. This is also a good opportunity for them to make the elderly happier.
Some of the tasks, such as preparing food, bathing, changing clothes, storytelling, and simply accompanying them would be of great help. They may be forgetting things and names, but they’ll surely feel your sincerity and concern. Therefore, every minute you spend is important and highly appreciated.
Keep them Active
Pretty sure that you know what they loved doing during the old days. Let them have fun and enjoy while they still can. If they want to dance or work in the garden, then show your support.
Allow them to join other people who share the same sentiments. In this way, they’ll feel that they can still function.
Let them feel that they’re not a burden. However, make sure that the caregiver will accompany your loved one.
Focus on their Wellbeing
Most of the elderly whose caregivers are looking after them have health conditions, thus, they’re considered patients, too. This means that an hour or two won’t be enough if we consider his wellbeing. Having an illness at an old age isn’t easy because of a weakened immune system.
Remember that many aged patients are already in certain stages of dementia – see https://www.cdc.gov/aging/dementia/index.html for more information. They’ll usually forget something from the present and it’s heartbreaking for the whole family. Sometimes, they’re stuck on old memories too, thus, they need guidance.
They need someone who’ll be there 24 hours a day because medications are given, and the patient needs to be checked often. Family members can also do such things, but it would be best if a professional was around. You may have to hire two caregivers if they work shifting hours.
Going Outdoors
You’re usually present whenever they need to visit the hospital for their regular checkups. But this isn’t the only time you should give now that they’ve aged. When you’re still young, there are always family picnics or trips, and these get-togethers are indeed memorable.
Now, you should be returning such memories because these are surely missed. The caregiver can assist with their usual needs and by showing them a few places, they can accompany your loved one when you’re busy. It’s because they’d feel too bored staying indoors every day.
It would be great to stroll in the park or near the beach where they can see different sceneries. That’s better than watching them on television or hearing stories about it.
Preparing Foods
You should pack healthy snacks, such as fruit and vegetable salad. Caregivers know what’s good and bad for their digestion, thus, they’ll be very careful with this – read here for additional info.
Remember that your parents always pack your lunch box and fill it with delicious food. Sometimes they have sticky notes there for reminders. Thus, you should do the same to show that such things aren’t forgotten.
Some of them can’t prepare their meals, so you could do this before going off to work. You may also ask the nurse to heat the food you’ve cooked. Again, follow the meal plan and make sure they’re healthy.
Making Your Home Safe
Always keep in mind that their bones are weak, thus, they need support. Of course, the nurse will assist the elderly whenever they want to roam around the house. That’s one of their responsibilities so he shouldn’t leave the old man alone.
Now, as a homeowner, you must make sure that nothing will cause an accident. Falling on the ground won’t be good and that would cause trouble for their lower back. Thus, everything that might go on the way must be cleared, especially the pointed or sharp ones.