Elderly adults need lots of nurturing and love, especially from their family members. Taking an elderly family member into the home could feel overwhelming when they move in at first, but they sure add so much extra love too.
The home itself may require many adaptations that need to be made and the family’s routine. Caregiving is a long-term commitment made with love, so here are some tips for doing just that for older adults in your home:
1. Employ Caregivers If Needed
Any household would benefit from an extra pair of hands to assist with chores. The caregiver and companion would add many positives for the older adult.
Caregivers are carefully trained and can provide aged care at home for families and their loved ones. It may include tasks like bathing, dressing, taking medications, and helping with mealtimes. These skilled, professional helpers could be one of the best decisions made for the older person as they gain a carer and a friend.
2. Schedule Regular Telehealth Sessions
Making sure that medical needs are met would be one of the most important things to schedule. Not all appointments have to be outside the house, and telehealth has made it easy to happen in the comfort of the home or in your apartments for rent in Miramar.
Help the older adult set up the necessary equipment like a laptop or connect the call for them on a mobile device. They can speak to their doctors and therapists from a comfortable spot and don’t have to travel to various locations for appointments.
3. Take Their Needs Into Consideration
Before moving in with family, the older person would most likely have had routine and personal needs. If they feel their needs are not met, they may become resistant to move.
Moving into a new home shouldn’t take away from their daily activities. It is imperative to keep things similar before moving to maintain some sense of normalcy. It could help make the transition easier for everyone, especially older adults.
4. Schedule Social Interactions
Bonding with other human beings is a basic necessity for every person, but more so for an older adult. Socialization could help curb anxiety and depression for older people too.
When an older person is moved from their lifelong home to another location, it would be easy to feel alone or left out. Schedule some time with friends and family that would include them, even if they keep in touch through video calls.
5. Use Technological Advances
Over the last few years, technology has advanced significantly, and there are many devices, applications, or systems that could benefit the older person.
Look into getting a cellphone specifically designed for someone with impaired vision and hearing or a bracelet that monitors heart rate and other vital functions, sending a signal to a phone when vital signs dip below certain levels.
6. Communicate Efficiently With Care
The older adult may need more reassurance than others and could want more guidance in terms of daily activities.
Gentle reminders that are communicated with love could go a long way to assist them to feel heard and cared for daily. Be open and honest with them regarding household matters and include them in discussions and other family communications.
7. Ensure The Home Is Safe
Much like babyproofing a home, the living space should be modified or adjusted by the caregivers, especially for the needs of the older adult, to ensure that they are safe.
Move furniture that may obstruct them from moving around, install grab rails in the shower and at the stairs, and make sure they have a panic button to use in case of emergency. If they are not mobile, install a bell in their room to ring when they need assistance.
8. Ask For Help When In Need
Get as much information as needed before the older adult moves in and continue to find sources of information for every unfamiliar situation that may arise.
Doctors, nurses, and therapists could be good sources of information and would be able to provide support when needed to the older person and their families regarding various issues.
The Takeaway
Taking on caring for an older adult could be one of the best decisions for them and the family. Knowing they are safe under the same roof as people who love them would bring peace of mind to all.
It may need some adjustment on both ends to make moving work, but the process is rewarding when everything comes together.
Communication is vital for any relationship, so make sure that these channels remain open and that the needs of the older adult are made a priority.
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