Statistics obtained by the AARP and the National Alliance of Caregiving indicate that more than 39 million people in the United States provide care for a senior loved one. If you’re just beginning your role as a caregiver, there are a number of factors to consider. There’s an abundance of ways you can assist an elderly parent at home.
1. Increase Safety
Older adults with visual impairment or who are unsteady on their feet present safety concerns. All pathways throughout the house and the exterior yard should be free of obstacles. Remove throw rugs or ensure they’re secured to the floor. Check for uneven floors in doorways between rooms and on the pavement outside. Make sure the interior of the home is brightly illuminated at night. Provide a nightlight in your parent’s room and in the hallway for trips to the bathroom. Bathrooms need grab bars and slip-proof mats in the tub or shower.
Many older adults are choosing to age in place, and some need a helping hand to continue living at home safely and comfortably. Luckily, there is professional home care Montgomery seniors can trust and rely on.
2. Address Dietary Needs
An aging body needs a healthy diet to ensure cardiovascular health. The right diet has also been shown to maintain or boost cognitive function. Meals should consist of lean meats along with brightly colored vegetables. Serve fish two to three times a week for the omega-3 fatty acid value. This nutrient protects fragile central nervous system tissues. Produce should make up the bulk of your loved one’s diet. Fruits and vegetables are rich in minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants that prevent cellular damage from free radicals. Use salt and unhealthy fats sparingly.
3. Promote Physical Activity
Encourage your loved one to engage in some type of physical activity up to 150 minutes per week. Older adults might enjoy daily walks around the community or at nearby parks or nature centers. Cycling and swimming are low-impact options that provide a cardiovascular workout while strengthening bones and muscles. Your loved one can also sign up for a tai chi class, which enhances balance, flexibility, and strength.
4. Encourage Socialization
Older adults must have some type of social life to maintain emotional, mental, and physical health. Although they may see family members frequently, regular outings encourage them to venture out into the community and interact with other people. Invite your loved one’s friends over for luncheons or refreshments. Perhaps he or she can communicate with friends by phone, a social website, or via video chats.
For families living in Montgomery, AL, respite care can be a wonderful solution when their aging loved ones need companionship and socialization a few hours a week or just need minor assistance with daily household tasks. At Home Care Assistance, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home.
5. Gain Information About Your Parent’s Medical Conditions
Accompany your loved one to healthcare appointments and research the diagnoses and prognoses of ailments. Create a database of the medications and treatments, and learn the possible adverse reactions and side effects for each formula. Ensure your loved one takes medications as prescribed by the physician. Monitor your loved one’s health for any changes and report any problems to the healthcare provider.
6. Be Respectful
Regardless of your parent’s age, cognitive function, or physical ability, he or she is still an adult. You and other family members must show respect and appreciation. Include your loved one in care decisions, and always value his or her opinion.
Families shouldn’t have to worry about finding reliable senior care. Home Care Assistance is a leading provider of elderly home care. We offer a proprietary program called the Balanced Care Method, which uses holistic methods to promote senior health, our caregivers and Care Managers are available 24/7, and all of our in-home care services are backed with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. To schedule a no-obligation consultation, give us a call today at (334) 593-3988.