Caring for a senior can be a demanding experience. It takes up vast amounts of time and energy, preventing you from focusing on anything else.
Fortunately, there are strategies you can use to make it more straightforward. Here’s everything you need to know:
Work Out What Level Of Care They Require
The first step is to figure out what level of care your relative requires. It can be on a spectrum from once-daily visits to around-the-clock care.
The goal should be to help your loved one remain independent for as long as possible. The longer they can stay in their home and manage parts of their lives, the less involvement they will require from you.
If you don’t know how much care they need, the best option is to go for an assessment. Assessors can tell you the level of care they require and can recommend subsidies depending on where you live.
Make The Environment Senior-Friendly
The next step is to make your home (or your loved one’s) more senior-proof. The idea is to protect them from hazards that might cause them harm in the future.
For example, you’ll want to remove any loose rugs from the floor and ensure the ground has the correct level of grip. It shouldn’t be slippery, but it also should be familiar. Too much grip can actually be as dangerous as too little.
You also want to improve the lighting so your relatives can see where they’re going as they make their way around the home. Dark conditions can make it more challenging to anticipate obstacles, increasing the risk of a fall.
Communicate With Other Family Members
Once you’ve done that, you might also want to reach out to other family members. Talking to other people about your situation and how they can help reduce the burden on your shoulders.
For example, you could share tasks where one of you takes care of the housework, and the other takes the senior on trips to the garden center or grocery store.
Adjust Your Care Requirements
Another way to make caring for a senior easier is to use an hourly home care service. These provide additional support when you need it, taking some of the responsibility off you.
The best way to use these services is for the most difficult parts of the day, usually in the morning and evening. Professionals can use hoists and have dementia and disability training. They can also assist with toileting, dressing, changing, and bedding down for the night.
Practice Self-Care
While looking after a relative, also ensure you practice proper self-care. Looking after yourself also helps you serve others and prevents you from feeling burnt out.
Help Them Regain Their Independence
Finally, you can make your life more straightforward by helping your loved one regain independence. The more they can do for themselves, the simpler your life will be.
Helping them with their autonomy also improves their quality of life. The more they can do for themselves, the more in control they will feel.
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