(Newswire.net — March 25, 2021) — The aging process is unstoppable and in time you may find the care roles reversing as your elderly relatives or parents get older. Helping your loved one as they age takes a lot of care and consideration. Although you may have the best of intentions at heart, caregiving in all forms can be tough. Here are a few tips for you to help your elderly relatives maintain their quality of life for as long as possible.
Safeguard the Home
As your loved one gets older their mobility and cognitive skills may become impaired. This often happens over a period of time which means that it can be hard to pinpoint exactly when they need extra help with these growing issues. Be proactive and safeguard their home from hazards. Falls are the leading cause of injury in senior citizens in the U.S. By checking your elderly relative’s home for hazards, you could prevent them from becoming a statistic. This Home Fall Prevention Checklist can help reduce the risk of injury in the home.
Regular Check-ups
Encourage your relative to go for an annual check-up to ensure everything is in working order. A professional healthcare provider can spot abnormalities and changes in their health and treat them before they develop into something serious. A check-up is especially important if your relative is experiencing ill health. A health professional can offer sound advice and prescribe the correct medication or treatment, if needed. Self-prescribed medication can be extremely hazardous if taken improperly and not all medicine is suitable for everyone.
Annual eye examinations can reduce the risk of falls and can help your relative maintain good vision for as long as possible. Optometrists can also spot diseases before any symptoms occur and can prescribe the correct eye wear if it is required.
Encourage a Healthy Lifestyle
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can be a game changer for senior citizens. Physical activity can improve strength and balance, and it can help prevent some diseases from arising too. Being active can reduce stress, promote better sleep and can help stop negative thoughts and depression from settling in the mind. Not only will a good level of fitness keep the body healthy and the brain stimulated, but it can also provide a social element too. Whether it is a walk around the park with their friends, or playing ball with the grand kids, exercising with other people can perk up their mood and give your relative the chance to socialize. Activities such as cycling, yoga and tai chi are low level exercises which can be enjoyed by older individuals.
Communicate Often
Getting older can be a lonely experience, especially if a companion and close friends have passed away already. According to the Health Resources & Services Administration, social isolation can be as damaging as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Staying connected and socializing with others can help boost a person’s quality of life. A social visit is most likely welcome by older relatives. A visit gives you the chance to see how they are doing in person, while checking their home environment to make sure everything is in good condition. If it is not possible to visit often then a simple phone call a day can break up a monotonous routine. Scheduling in some time to chat can give your relative something to look forward to, and it will give them the chance to share with you any worries they may be feeling.
Offer Emotional Support
Phone calls and social visits are a great way for your relative to open up to you. However, sometimes it may take more of a push to get them to open up about any concerns they may have. As well as general chit chat, make sure you specifically ask them how they are doing and ensure they know that you are there for them if they need you emotionally. If they are feeling restless or slightly isolated, it could be a good idea to find local, organized activities for them to participate in. Book clubs and gardening societies are common in a lot of areas. Socializing with other seniors can have a positive mental effect while regularly taking part in a local club can give them a sense of purpose in their everyday life.
Be Realistic
However much you may love your relative, you need to be realistic about how much you can help. If you have noticed your relative’s health deteriorating at a rapid pace, then seek a professional opinion. Rather than worrying about them 24/7, reaching out and speaking to someone can ensure your relative is getting the professional help they may need.
Know When it is Time
It can be difficult when your relative’s independence or mobility becomes impaired to the point where they need professional assistance. Keep their quality of life in the forefront of your mind, there comes a time when someone will require assistance with their everyday living. However, when the time comes there are many routes to choose from. Frontier Management offers various lifestyle options for senior living communities in more than 120 locations, you can find out more on assisted living and independent living on their website https://frontiermgmt.com.
Look After Yourself
Helping your loved ones as they age is rewarding, but it can also be a draining experience too. If possible, share the responsibilities with siblings or other close family members. This will enable you to take a much needed break, and can reduce the pressure you may feel from looking out for your relative constantly. Looking after an elderly relative can be both physically and emotionally draining. Watching someone you are close to deteriorate can be difficult to deal with. Although a lot of people in your situation may appear bright and cheerful on the outside, it is easy to feel down on the inside. Make sure you give yourself credit and take a leaf out of your own book. Take the time to look after your own mental health and take charge of your physical wellbeing too. Stay connected with your loved ones and speak to family and friends about any worries you may have. It can do a world of good to share your troubles.