When our loved ones enter their senior years, it can be difficult to watch their health deteriorate. If your elderly relative is fiercely independent, it can be hard to know when to step in to offer help. It’s only natural that you will want the best for your nearest and dearest and the last thing you want to do is cause any arguments, so here are a few ways to help your elderly relative age independently.
Five tips to support senior independent living.
Deliver Essential Needs
If your loved one is having difficulty with their mobility, performing the simplest of tasks like going to the grocery store can be a challenge. If your elderly relative is unable to get out of the house, stepping in for them and doing their shopping can make their life that little bit easier. With many of us leading hectic work schedules, finding the time to help can be difficult, so why not use online shopping instead? That way, all their essentials can be delivered to their door without them having to move a muscle.
Preparing the Home
If your elderly relative wants to stay in their home, there are all sorts of potential risks and hazards that could cause them harm. To ensure they’re protected in their property (and to give you peace of mind) make sure to have a look around their home to spot any potential hazards such as an uneven floor or broken fixtures. Nipping any problems in the bud before they become an issue is crucial.
Ensuring Health Care Measures
As your loved one gets older, they may need to take more frequent trips to the doctor and hospital to keep a close eye on their health and wellbeing. If your elderly relative is struggling with memory loss, it can be all too easy for them to forget to take their medication, so being on hand to set gentle reminders can be a big help. If you have the time, you can also ferry your loved one to and from doctor appointments too. Implementing tools for a healthy lifestyle can improve their daily life.
In Case of An Emergency
While we would all love nothing more than to be there for our elderly relatives 24/7, it’s just not realistic. If you don’t live with your loved one, your mind can go into overdrive with panic and worry, especially if they find themselves in a medical emergency. To help put your mind at rest, you may want to consider purchasing items like a medical alert device which your loved one can wear on their wrist or as a necklace, meaning they can press a button and get in touch with the emergency services within a matter of seconds.
Addressing Emotional Needs
While reaching senior age should be seen as an achievement, that’s not to say that your loved one won’t be worried or anxious. Being on hand to provide emotional support for your loved one is important. Taking the time to listen to their thoughts and feelings and having empathy for their situation can help them feel calmer and more relaxed. If you can’t drop in regularly in person, giving them a call and letting them know you’re thinking about them can really help. Many seniors feel isolated and lonely, so keeping an eye on their health and wellbeing will make them feel more valued and appreciated.
Delivering essential needs to your loved ones door, preparing their home to ensure they’re protected and safe, purchasing a medical alert device for them to wear in case of an emergency, as well as being there to provide emotional support are just a few things that you can do to help your elderly relative age independently.
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