Looking after elderly relatives is tough. You have to help them navigate life as their physical and mental capacities decline. To make it easier on you, here are 8 tips for caring for elderly relatives.
Keep care at home if possible
If your relative can still walk, clean themselves, and feed themselves – then they are probably best off staying at home with you instead of going to a care home. It’s not cheap but it might be better for them in the long run if they stay healthy enough to enjoy life without too many restrictions. You’ll have to make sure that their financial situation is sorted out before the end of their lives though.
Coordinate your care
Make sure that you’re not both doing all of the cooking, cleaning, and shopping. Draw up a rota and make sure that everyone is pitching in equally. It’s also a good idea to bring your kids into this. If they are going to take on some of the care responsibilities while you’re busy, then they should get used to it as soon as possible. This way it’s more likely that they’ll continue to take good care of your aging parents.
Make care regimens person-centered
If your parents want to do something, make sure that you help them as much as possible. If they don’t, respect their wishes and find out what works best for them. Allowing them to make their own decisions helps them retain a sense of independence and autonomy. That’s better for everyone.
Enable social inclusion
This means involving your parents in social get-togethers, inviting them to family events, and keeping up regular contact with their friends. This way there’s less chance of them becoming isolated or depressed, which is associated with dementia.
Let them know about alternative medicines
Elderly folk sometimes shy away from alternative medicines like acupuncture because they don’t understand them or are worried that they won’t work. It’s best to just be open about it and let them go at their own pace. Show them websites like Vapecbdworld.com, where they can access CBD products.
Stay up to date on the latest technology
Having the latest gadgets in the house makes life easier for everyone. Get them to show you how to use things like computers, tablets, and smartphones so that they can stay relevant while staying at home with you.
Investigate your insurance options
There are a lot of great insurance packages out there from companies like FinalExpenseDirect.com, that can help see your parents through their last few years. Make sure you have the appropriate insurance for your situation and if it becomes an issue, talk to people who have been in similar situations as you. They’ll know what is best for them and enable you to make the right decision.
Take care of the caregivers
When you look after aging parents full-time, it can be difficult to take care of yourself as well. Make sure that you talk things through with your partner and decide on your boundaries early on. If you keep everything open and honest then family life will run a lot more smoothly for everyone involved.
