When our loved ones get older, it’s hard to see their physical and mental abilities deteriorate. With many of us preferring our senior loved ones to stay at home in their final years, it’s important that they are well looked after and cared for. With that in mind, here are five ways to help senior family members age independently.
Essential Needs
It’s important for your family member to follow a healthy balanced diet as they get older. However, basic needs such as medicine and groceries can become a challenge, especially if they need to drive to pick up essential products. Thankfully, there are various tools that you can use to make the process that little bit simpler, such as by using online grocery shopping to reduce the need for them to stand in line at their local store. If your family member cannot work a computer or doesn’t know how to use the internet, you can place the order yourself and get their goods delivered to their door.
Preparing the Home
If your senior family member wants to live at home, it’s advised that you take some time to go around their home to spot any hazards or common things that they may need in key areas such as the bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom. If they have mobility issues, you can install a bathroom rail, which can give them some much-needed support when going to the toilet. Rails can also be installed throughout the home to reduce the risk of any unexpected falls. There are other basic changes that you can make such as adding additional lighting and removing any floor hazards.
Getting the Right Healthcare
It’s essential that you understand your loved one’s medical needs to ensure they’re getting the right healthcare. Whether it is how many doctors’ appointments they need to attend, what sort of medicine they need to take each day, as well as if they need to have their blood sugar levels checked, being on hand to remind your senior family member can make a huge difference and help them stay on track.
Medical Emergencies
One of the main worries that you may have is if your senior family member has an accident in their home without you being there. Whether they have a fall or an acute medical event (such as a stroke), ensuring they are safe and get medical help as quickly as possible should be your number one priority. Thankfully, there are medical alert systems that your loved one can wear on their wrist when in the home, meaning should they find themselves in an emergency, they can simply push the emergency medical alert system which puts them in touch with help straightaway. You should check out Bay Alarm Medical, as their medical alert system is highly rated, helping to put your mind at ease when you’re not with the person.
Understand Their Needs
As your family member gets into old age, they may have fears and concerns that need to be addressed. With many of the older society feeling lonely and vulnerable, it’s important for you to be on hand to listen to their worries. Simple gestures such as sharing positive words of encouragement can make a huge difference to your senior family member and help boost their morale.
If your family member wants to stay in their home, there are various measures that you can take to ensure they are happy, comfortable and, most importantly, safe in their home. There are several resources that you can use to make their life easier, allowing them to live independently. Whether it involves having essential supplies delivered to their door or using a medical alert system in case of an emergency, make sure to have a plan in place to put your mind at ease and keep your loved one safe and protected from danger.
