People look forward to their visits with elderly individuals. However, older adults often need extra care and attention, as they cannot do things they once did. How can family members support a loved one as they age?
Regular Visits
Most people lead busy lives but must make time for elderly relatives. Plan regular visits to St. Andrew’s Kirksville Apartments to see loved ones and ensure they are cared for properly. These visits ensure they get the socialization they need for better mental health. Cognitive decline has been associated with isolation, so these visits must be a priority.
Participate in Activities They Love
When visiting elderly relatives, participate in activities they love. The bonding time is priceless, and participating in these activities is good for their cognitive health. Family members might also find new activities they love or pick up skills that might otherwise be lost when this person passes.
Monitor Their Medication
Many seniors take medications regularly. If they miss one or more doses, their health may suffer. Ensure they are taking the medicines as directed. Set alarms to remind them to do so, and divide the pills into compartmentalized containers so they only take what they are supposed to with each dose.
Redo Their Residence
Seniors may need their homes revamped to prevent falls and other accidents. Grab bars in the shower and a raised toilet seat helps them in the bathroom. Auto-sensor lights allow them to move around in the dark, and family members can move frequently used items to lower shelves in the home. Ensure they have working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to keep them safe.
Hire Help
Elderly men and women might need help with basic household tasks or daily living activities. To help with these tasks, hire professionals. They will help the relative with everything they need, and the individual or family members can pay for this help.
Plan Healthy Meals
Senior citizens often lack the strength or energy to prepare their meals. They need nutritious foods to remain healthy and active. Consider having someone come in and prepare meals for them so they know they are eating properly.
Help Them Stay Active
If they don’t remain active, older individuals lose their skills. Their muscles stiffen, and they need a wheelchair or other mobility aids to get around. Weight gain is an issue, and they may have other health issues, such as high cholesterol. Keep them active to prevent this from happening.
Set a Schedule
Older men and women often prefer sticking to a schedule. They don’t like change. Create a schedule that accounts for daily activities, such as meals, and includes medical appointments, hobbies, and other activities they regularly engage in. They will appreciate knowing what is coming and where they need to be.
Self-Care
Men and women who take on the role of caregiver for a loved one often neglect themselves. In addition to caring for this person, they have their own lives. Many have families they are taking care of at the same time, so they end up burning the candle at both ends. Self-care is essential for caregivers to ensure they don’t burn out or harm their health. They need to eat healthy meals, get plenty of sleep, and take regular breaks to provide their loved ones with the highest level of care when they are together.
Supporting and caring for elderly relatives shouldn’t be a chore. With the right measures in place, a person can enjoy their time with this individual rather than focusing solely on their needs. Seniors should spend quality time with loved ones, and these measures will allow them to do so. Every family should put them into place today.