I think you’ll agree with me when I say:
It’s hard taking care of an elderly family member while balancing your own life.
But is it?
We’ve got plenty of options for caring for our loved ones that don’t involve sending them to the retirement home. Many of which we can do ourselves to make their life comfortable and safe.
In this post, I’d like to share a couple different adjustments you can make to the home to improve the quality of life for those you take care of and develop a healthier, safer lifestyle to boot!
Preventing Your Loved One from Being the One in Four That Falls Each Year
That’s right:
One in four over the age of 65 will take a tumble – this happens every 11 seconds – according to the National Council on Aging.
But that’s not all they’re in danger of…
…You also need to worry about items like:
- Fires
- Car safety
- Home security
- Finances
You can begin this journey of senior-proofing the home by removing items that are likely candidates for causing a tumble. Another could be considering EasyClimber residential elevators to bring them between floors without the dangers of going up/down the stairs.
Sometimes it’s simple things like:
- Using brighter bulbs for better visibility
- Making sure all smoke detectors are working
- Keeping the area clean from gunk and mold
The dangers are also found outside of the home.
It’s important to help your senior family member navigate the roads and avoid harmful situations such as confrontations or scamming situations. Go with them through their daily routine and keep a mental note of the potential dangers along the way. Then, find products that act as a safety solution.
Stopping (Or at Least Delaying) Them from Being One of the 47 Million with Dementia
Thank goodness that dementia has begun to drop off in the United States.
But…
You never know if your elderly family member may become one of the 47 million that develops it later in life. It’s a terrible affliction that introduces many problems (especially with safety).
Deterring dementia happens with a lifestyle change – which would include:
- More exercise and general physical activity to improve circulation
- Eating a healthy diet with more veggies and a lot less sugar
- Getting better rest and sleep by having a comfier sleeping quarters
- Being more social to stimulate the mind and keep them aware
One of the more modern ways of improving the health and lifestyle of the elderly relative you care for involves video chat. This neat face-to-fact communication connects the person to healthcare professionals, psychologists, and support networks at any time of the day.
The access to these individuals will help address questions and concerns for you and the elderly individual. It’s also a great way to keep them cognitively engaged which provides a healthy boost when deterring the onset of dementia.
Sometimes All That’s Needed Is a Little Attention and Patience
I talk with a bit of experience.
I’m no professional but I am a caregiver for my grandmother (now reaching the ripe, old age of 74!).
She’s in good health but I (and the family) can see where things are beginning to fade especially with her stamina. We’re mostly concerned for her well-being because she’s such a go-getter!
I’ve learned that patience and attention are two qualities you need when caring for them.
It takes them a little longer which feels frustrating – especially being young – but you’ve got to slow down and (frankly) enjoy the peace that comes with slow living.
You’ll find that balance between caregiving and having a life of your own. Especially if you act in senior-proofing the place and helping them understand their limits and potential dangers.
