family-caregiver-talking-to-senior-man

It may have started informally, with a bit of support every now and then. Picking up a few things at the store for your aging parent. Dropping off the extra dinner you made while preparing your own family’s dinner. Or simply spending additional time visiting to ensure everything is ok.

As time passed, you could have discovered that more care is now required. Do you think you’re up to the challenge of serving in a family caregiving role for a senior loved one?

A caregiver’s job is remarkably rewarding. It also features a significant amount of responsibilities, which may feel intimidating. These steps can help you make sure the bases are covered in providing care for a senior loved one:

Safety

There are two components to safety for seniors:

  1. Home Security: Strengthen the security of the senior’s home by installing a peep hole in the door and locks that are both sturdy and easy for the senior to use. It’s also a good idea to take the senior’s name off the mailbox to stop con artists from trying to get access by pretending to know the senior. There should be an adequate amount of exterior lighting. Use motion-detection sensors that turn lights on when activated.
  2. Fall Prevention: Senior falls can be harmful. Prevent falls by removing throw rugs and any other tripping hazards, installing sturdy handrails and grab bars, and removing all clutter and low furniture around the senior’s walking paths.

Finances

If the older adult is challenged by cognitive impairment, like dementia, it’s extremely important to aid with money management. However, in any situation, it’s best if you collaborate with your aging parent to review bills, bank accounts, insurance plans, etc. to ensure that, if the time comes that you need to take over these tasks, you are fully equipped.

Companionship

Spending quality time with a senior is a very important component to being a caregiver. While sharing a cup of coffee and conversation may just be second nature for you, for a solitary senior, it can mean the world. Be certain never to let all the required tasks overshadow the need to simply enjoy quality time with each other.

Overall Health

Looking after a senior’s health includes ensuring physical activity, healthy eating and sleep practices, and proper medication management. Participating in healthy lifestyle decisions together is a great way to avoid the feeling of being overbearing or parenting your parent. Sign up together for an exercise, swimming, or dance class. Experiment with new recipes with each other. Pick up a pill organizer, in the event that senior isn’t already using one, so medications are taken exactly as prescribed by a doctor.  If the senior agrees with the notion, attending doctors’ appointments together can help make sure that all questions are answered and suggestions are understood.

How Senior Care Can Help

Finding a care partner is vital for both your parent’s health and your own. Nobody can be expected to handle all of the care needs required alone. At Compassionate Nursing Services, award-winning providers of home health care in St. Louis and the surrounding communities, we offer respite care solutions that allow family caregivers time to step away for breaks from care – as much or as little as you need. Contact us at 314-432-4312 for a free in-home assessment for more information.