There comes a time in everyone’s life when they need to look after elderly parents or family members. Even if you are gifted with nurturing instincts, it’s a major undertaking that will require your time, money, and energy.
But despite all that, have faith that you are capable of providing love and care to your elderly family members. If you’ve never had an elderly loved one dependent on you, we’re sharing a useful caregiving guide. Let’s get started.
1. Stay in Constant Touch
As your parents or any other elderly family members start growing older, it’s more important than ever to stay in constant touch. Not only should you call them every day for an update, but also visit them as often as possible. During these visits, take a look around the house to ensure they are taking proper care of themselves.
2. Hire Help
Once your loved one’s health starts declining, you should think about hiring help. You probably have a job that doesn’t allow you to look after your parents 24×7. Also be sure to consider activity director software as well.
Understandably, your elderly parents might not be comfortable with letting a complete stranger help them with everyday tasks. With FreedomCare, they have the option to hire someone they like, and it could even be a friend or a relative.
3. Make Arrangements for At Home Care
Do your parents live in a fourth-floor walk-up apartment? That’s simply not safe. You should consider home health care Myrtle Beach SC for a living arrangement that’s easier to access. Provide a high quality hospital bed for their protection and comfort. In addition to this, take a look around their house to ensure there are no safety hazards. Especially, make sure the bathroom is slip-proof, and the whole place has bright lighting.
4. Keep Up with Doctor’s Appointments
Getting older often involves frequent doctor’s appointments. Make sure you make suitable arrangements to take them safely to all the appointments. Furthermore, keep track of their medical prescriptions and thoroughly brief the hired help about all their medications.
5. Take Care of Bills & Paperwork
As time passes, your elderly family member will become less alert. It’s important to take care of their paperwork, such as timely paying utility bills and estate planning.
6. Encourage Them to be Active
Encourage your elderly loved ones to stay physically and socially active. Get them a membership for Senior Centers, where they can enjoy a variety of activities. Also, invite them over for social gatherings or visit them as often as possible.
7. Provide Home-Cooked Meals
Older people are vulnerable to malnutrition. You can try and cook healthy meals at home for them. However, if you have a jam-packed schedule, you can subscribe to a meal-prepping service or hire someone who can cook meals for your loved ones.
8. Create a Schedule
Without a schedule, your life will become a hodgepodge. Create a schedule to ensure you’re getting the shopping, prescriptions, doctor’s appointments, physical therapy, cleaning, and other tasks on time. A proper schedule will also allow you to take out time for yourself.
9. Seek Financial Assistance
Elderly care is not only time-consuming and physically demanding, but it can also cause a financial strain. Luckily, you can explore various financial assistance programs to ease the financial burden.
10. Look After Yourself
Taking care of an elderly family member, particularly at home, is not easy. But no matter how hectic things get, you must look after yourself as well. If things get overwhelming, don’t shy away from taking a break. Hire help or ask a family member to take over while you rest and recharge.
The Bottom Line
There’s no doubt that some days will be difficult. But once you find your footing, it will become easier to manage. And remember, there is no shame in asking for additional assistance.