Caring for Our Elderly
Aging is apart of the life cycle and is ultimately a process that cannot be skipped. As children, we imagine our parents as invincible and we don’t truly understand the extent to which their aging will affect them and us. If our older adults are already living a healthy and independent life, then we may not feel any considerable changes or concerns. However, there may be some circumstances when aging, or simply life, may warrant short- or long-term care.
As we enter the new year, I feel it is important to talk about the elderly and their care, specifically in-home care. Even if caregiving isn’t something you’ve thought of before, there’s a chance you may take on the extra role in your future. According to a survey conducted in 2015 by the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP, approximately 34.2 million Americans provided unpaid care to an adult age 50 or older.
There are plenty of tips and resources for you to consider while caring for the elderly. If you are new at caregiving or simply want to learn more, here are a few tips from the National Institute of Aging (NIA) that I’m sure will be helpful.
1. COMMUNICATE
It is paramount to remain patient and keep communication direct, simple, and positive when speaking with your care recipient, especially if he or she has health problems that may negatively impact their memory.
Keep eye contact and use their name while speaking to them.
Touch them or simply hold their hand to encourage conversation.
Ask simple yes-or-no questions and less open-ended questions to limit choices and confusion.
2. BATHING AND DRESSING
You may find yourself needing to assist with bathing and dressing. A simple task for us can be close to impossible to our elderly loved ones. Helping with bathing, getting dressed, and grooming can affect their emotional and mental well-being. These small details, like having combed and washed hair and clean clothes, can go a long way.
Try to make sure their wardrobe includes loose-fitting clothes, possibly with elastic bands, to make it easier for them to dress themselves and avoid accidents.
Make the process easier by laying the clothes out in the order they are put on and encourage your loved one to dress themselves.
Rinsing with water or mouthwash is a good alternative after meals if brushing teeth has proven to be difficult (Please make sure this is the last option, it is important to keep up with good oral care).
Reduce the chance of falling by making sure the in-shower chair is sturdy and there is a hand-held showerhead readily available.
A daily sponge bath and a full bath or shower twice a week is usually enough for most individuals.
3. CHECK FOR SAFETY HAZARDS
Falls can become very dangerous as we age, so it is important we remove anything that can possibly cause our loved one to fall and possibly cause serious harm. A thorough inventory of potential hazards could help prevent accidents.
Remove rugs or use double-sided adhesive tape to attach to any large area rugs.
Be sure all electrical cords are tucked away or tacked to the baseboards.
Remove any unnecessary furniture that may interfere with easy movement.
Install handrails and grab bars next to the toilet, in the bath or shower, and along the stairways.
Always keep the home clean, do not let any clutter build up.
Make sure each room has proper lighting and, if needed, add night-lights in bathrooms, hallways, and bedrooms.
4. ENCOURAGE EXERCISE
Physical activity helps keep the heart, muscles, and joints in better shape, so try to include some light exercises to remain active as much as his or her condition permits. Please speak to your care recipient’s doctor before starting any new activities or exercises.
Take a daily walk together, if possible.
Motivate them to help with small household chores such as sweeping, mopping, dusting, or gardening, if able.
If your loved one is not mobile, tossing a balloon or small rubber ball back and forth is a great option.
If walking is not an option, try getting them to ride a stationary bike since the impact on their knees and joints are lower.
We understand taking on the role as a caregiver is a daunting task, but we hope these tips were helpful. If you are currently in need of assistance with caring for a loved one, please give us a call or send us a quick email to go over the best options for your situation. We are here to help!
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