In-Home Care Tips for Seniors

Home Care Services Lexington NC

If you were to ask your elderly parent where they would like to live, most would probably want to reside in their current home. According to AARP, 87 percent of adults over the age of 65 said they wanted to live at home. Seventy-one percent of adults between the ages of 50 and 64 said they wanted to age in place. In order for your loved one to safely continue living at home, a family caregiver or in-home care services professional should be present to monitor the elder and assist when needed.

For those family members who have decided to take on the caregiving responsibilities, there are a few tips you need to follow in order to make the journey as a caregiver as stress-free and enjoyable as possible.

• Create a schedule. By having a consistent schedule each day, you and the elder will know what to expect. Make sure to include a little wiggle room in order to prepare for any unexpected changes to the schedule. For example, if your loved one is feeling exhausted and needs to rest, you will have some time in the schedule to allow them to do so.

• Keep water with you at all times. Especially during the hot summer months, seniors can easily become dehydrated without even realizing it. They will not even realize they are thirsty until dehydration sets in. Whether you are spending time outdoors or inside, encourage the elder to sip water throughout the day, even if they say they are not thirsty. If they are not drinking an adequate amount of water, they could become dizzy, unable to sleep or eat, and may have headaches.

• Get a phone or remote with large buttons. One of the side effects of getting older is decreased vision, making it difficult to see the numbers on a phone or remote. Purchase these items with large, easy-to-read buttons in order to make it much simpler for the elder to use. Also, place digital clocks throughout the home as a way for the elder to read the time without straining their eyes.

• Buy clothes in solid colors. If your loved one needs help getting dressed, stock their closets with clothes in solid colors instead of patterns. This will make it much easier for the elder to pick out their own clothes. Also, organize their closet with all skirts and pants on one side and all shirts on the other. If some of their clothes are out of season, pack them in a box until the time comes to wear them.

Caring for an aging parent can be a rewarding experience, but you must be prepared to take on this challenging role. These tips will better prepare you for this experience.

Source:  http://www.caregiver.com/articles/homecare/homecare_tips.htm

http://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/info-2014/livable-communities-facts-and-figures.html

If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care Services in Lexington NC, please contact the caring staff at Tender Hearted Home Care today. (704) 612-4132.