A care home isn’t always the best choice for a relative. Often, your relative will want to stay
in their own home as long as possible and receive care, which is a kinder option. If you have
an elderly relative, whether it’s your mom, dad, or grandparents, who can no longer care for
themselves adequately, learning what home care entails can be important. It can make a big
difference to both their lives and yours, especially in their twilight years. If you think that
caring for them in their own home is the best option, here are some tips to help you. It’s
important to note that it’s not going to be the easiest of tasks you’ve undertaken, and the
road ahead may well be a rocky one. However, there are also plenty of aspects that will be
very rewarding.
Ensure Their Home is a Safe Place to Be
If your relative has decided they want to stay in their own home, you may need to make
some changes. The first thing to do is to make sure you remove any clutter that will have
gathered over the years. Also, get rid of any unnecessary furniture so that they can move
around their home freely. This is important if they are going to be using walking aids and
mobility devices. Consider installing grab bars near the toilet and shower and make sure
there is a rail going up the stairs as mobility aids. Cables and wires should be tucked away
to prevent them being a trip hazard.
Consider Hiring Someone
With working and caring for your family, unfortunately, it may not always be possible for you
to visit them in their home. You could live a long distance away, for example, or work
unsuitable hours. Whatever the reason, a way to get around the problem is to hire a
professional carer. There will be several agencies in your area you can look for help. You
may only need an occasional companion to start with, but as your loved one gets older, they
may require more care.
Make Sure They Get Regular Exercise
Research has shown that older people who exercise regularly can stave off a number of
diseases. They also function the same as a person 10 to 15 years younger. When a person
gets older, it can be easy to slip into long periods of inactivity, but even people using walking
aids or mobility devices can enjoy light exercise. As well as regular walks, yoga and
meditation are good forms of exercise for seniors. Don’t forget – a healthy, balanced diet is
also important.
Talk About Finances
Talking about money issues is not always easy, especially if it’s your parents that are in
need of care. It’s important to have discussions about money and help them avoid any
financial stress. Be open with them, ask for their advice and look for ways that will work well
for both of you. They may be happy to sign their financial affairs over to you. However, they
may want to retain control of it themselves. It’s a fine balancing act, but if you talk about it,
you’ll be able to reach a compromise.
The most important thing to remember is that the best way to care for an elderly parent or
senior is by being there for them when they need you.
This post was written by Bill Clark. Bill is a freelance journalist who specialises in writing about culture and the arts, however will write about anything that piques his interest including business, travel and lifestyle. He can be reached on Twitter @BilboClark01.