family-caregiver-talking-to-senior-man

It may well have begun informally, with a little assistance from time to time. Grabbing a couple of things at the grocery store for your aging parent. Dropping off the extra casserole you made while preparing your own family’s dinner. Or just spending additional time visiting to be sure everything is ok.

Now, perhaps you’re discovering that more care is becoming necessary. Will you be up to the challenge of serving as a caregiver for elderly parents?

A caregiver’s job is very fulfilling. It also consists of a number of responsibilities, which may feel intimidating. These steps can help you make sure the bases are covered when becoming a caregiver for elderly parents.

Safety

There are two main components to safety for seniors:

  1. Security at Home: Strengthen the safety of the senior’s home by installing a peep hole in the door and locks that are both sturdy and simple for the senior to use. It’s also a good idea to take the senior’s name off the mailbox to keep con artists from trying to gain access by pretending to know the senior. There should be plenty of outside lighting. Use motion-detection sensors that turn lights on when activated.
  2. Fall Risk Reduction: Senior falls can be devastating. Avoid falls by removing throw rugs and other tripping hazards, installing secure handrails and grab bars, and clearing away all clutter and low furniture in the senior’s walking paths.

Managing Money

If the older adult is challenged by cognitive impairment, like dementia, it is especially important to help with money management. Still, in any situation, it’s a good idea to work together with your aging parent to go over bank accounts, bills, insurance coverage, etc. to ensure that if the time comes that you need to take control of these tasks, you’re fully prepared.

Companionship

Spending quality time with a loved one is vitally important when you become a caregiver for elderly parents. While sharing a cup of coffee and conversation may be second nature for you, for a lonely senior, it could mean the world. Make sure never to let all of the required tasks overshadow the need to simply enjoy quality time with each other.

Overall Health

Tending to an older loved one’s health and well-being consists of ensuring physical activity, healthy eating and sleep habits, and proper medication management. Engaging in healthy lifestyle choices together is a wonderful way to avoid the sense of being overbearing or parenting your parent. Sign up together for an exercise, swimming, or dance class. Test out new recipes with each other. Pick up a pill organizer, in the event that the senior isn’t currently using one, so medications are taken exactly as prescribed. And if the senior agrees with the notion, attending doctors’ appointments together can help make sure all questions are answered and recommendations are understood.

How Senior Care Can Help

Finding a care partner is vital for both your parent’s health and your own. No one can be expected to handle every one of the care needs required alone. At Morning Glory Home Care, a top provider of elder care in Edwardsville, IL and the surrounding areas, and we offer respite care solutions that allow family caregivers time to pause and take breaks from care for as much or as little time as they need. Call us at 618-667-8400 for a free in-home consultation to learn more.