Taking on the role of family caretaker is a big responsibility, and preparation is key.
It may have started informally, with a bit of help from time to time. Picking up some things at the supermarket for your aging parent. Dropping off the extra dinner you made while preparing your own family’s meal. Or simply just spending additional time visiting to be sure things are ok.
Perhaps now you’re starting to realize that more care is becoming needed. Are you up to the challenge of serving as a family caretaker for a senior loved one?
A caregiver’s job is incredibly fulfilling. It also includes a huge level of responsibility, which may feel challenging. These strategies can help you make sure the bases are covered providing care for a senior loved one.
Safety
There are a couple of components to safety for seniors:
- Home Safety: Enhance the security of the senior’s home by installing a peep hole in the door and locks that are both sturdy and simple for the senior to use. It’s also a good idea to take the senior’s name off the mailbox to prevent con artists from attempting to get access by pretending they know the senior. There should be adequate exterior lighting. Implement motion-detection sensors that turn lights on when activated.
- Fall Prevention: Older adult falls can have long term consequences. Prevent falls by removing throw rugs and other tripping hazards, installing sturdy handrails and grab bars, and removing all clutter and low furniture in the senior’s walking paths.
Finances
If the senior is challenged by cognitive impairment, such as dementia, it is especially important to help with finances. Still, in any circumstance, it is best if you work together with your aging relative to review bills, bank accounts, insurance plans, etc. to ensure that, if the time comes that you need to take over these tasks, you are fully ready.
Companionship
Spending quality time with a senior is a vitally important aspect of being a caregiver. While sharing a cup of tea and chat may be an everyday occurrence to you, for a lonely senior, it may mean the world. Be sure not to let all of the necessary tasks overshadow the need to simply enjoy quality time with each other.
Health
Looking after an older loved one’s health involves ensuring physical exercise, healthy eating and sleep habits, and proper medication management. Engaging in healthy lifestyle choices together is an excellent way to avoid the sense of being overbearing or parenting your parent. Sign up together for an exercise, swimming, or dance class. Try out new foods together. Pick up a pill organizer, if the senior is not currently using one, so medications are taken exactly as directed. And if the senior agrees with the idea, attending doctors’ visits together often helps make sure that all questions are answered and guidelines are understood.
How Senior Care Can Help
Finding a care partner is vital for both your parent’s health and your own. Nobody can be expected to deal with all of the care needs necessary themselves. At Home With You Senior Care, a trusted provider of award-winning home care in Ellicott City and the surrounding areas, we offer respite care services that allow family caretakers time to pause and take breaks from care – as much or as little as needed. Call us at 410-756-0959 for a no-cost in-home consultation to find out more.