Caring for an older adult can be a rewarding experience, yet it can also be an emotionally and physically demanding and daunting task. With so many potential changes in both physical and mental health, it can be difficult to know where to start. Fortunately, many resources are available to help caregivers provide the best possible care.
For those taking on the responsibility of caring for a senior, many resources and tips can help make the process easier. This guide will provide you with various helpful resources, tips, and tricks for caring for an older adult to ensure your loved one is comfortable, safe, and healthy.
Understand their Medical Needs
Many older adults who need care will require prescription medication or specialized doctor visits, like dementia care services. It is important that caregivers understand all the medications their loved one is taking, the reason for each, and all the medical services they require.
It is essential to look out for any adverse side effects or interactions between medications and any negative changes in your loved one’s health or behavior. If you are unsure how to best manage medications, ask the doctor who prescribed them or your loved one’s pharmacist for help.
If your loved one has any existing mental or physical health conditions, make sure you know their symptoms and how they can change over time. This way, you will be able to recognize changes and seek appropriate care promptly.
This dental expert who does good-quality Invisalign in Upper East Side also highly recommends that you bring them to a physician and a dentist regularly. This is so you can stay on top of their health condition. If any issue arises, it can be remedied as early as possible.
Keep them Healthy and Active
Make an effort to regularly engage with your loved one and help them live a healthy, active lifestyle. This can include playing games, going for walks, swimming, providing them with a healthy diet, and more. Engaging with your loved one will help them stay active, mentally stimulated, and connected with the world around them.
It is important to encourage your loved one to stay active and healthy. Physical activity, in particular, is important for overall health and wellness. Regular exercise can help reduce the risk of various diseases and conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease. If your loved one is not physically active, try encouraging them to start a walking program.
While physical health is important, it’s also essential to watch out for your loved one’s mental health and ensure that they feel okay. Feelings of things such as isolation can lead to depression, anxiety, and other health issues that can significantly affect them in the long run.
Take Care of Yourself as Well
As much as you love and care for your older adult, it is essential to remember to take care of yourself. Taking care of yourself can help reduce feelings of stress and burnout. It can also help you remain healthy and better provide your loved ones with the care they need.
Taking proper care of yourself can include getting adequate sleep, eating a balanced diet, and getting regular exercise. If you feel overwhelmed, stressed, or depressed, try getting help yourself. Many support groups, such as caregiver support groups, are available for people in your situation. Talking to others in similar situations can help normalize your feelings and provide helpful tips and advice.
Conclusion
Becoming a caregiver for an older adult can be daunting. Fortunately, many resources are available to help caregivers provide the most appropriate care. By following these tips, you can better provide the best possible care to your senior loved ones.
I live in a small Georgia town that you most likely have never heard of and I LOVE it! My house is more than full as I am a single mother of four & caregiver to my aging mother and uncle. Lover of all things Outlander. Goes to the beat of her own drum woman.
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This was super helpful for me to read as I am in this situation. It is super important to also take care of yourself so that you can care for your loved ones.
I was my mom’s sole care-giver. It’s… a lot. My suggestion – look for resources to help you long before you need them
I was the caregiver for my husband’s dad. He was the sweetest man in the world. He was so appreciative of everything we did for him. When his dementia got really bad, we could no longer care for him without help. It wasn’t a burden to me because I loved him. It was just always so sad because aging is something that none of us have control over.
My Mom had Alzheimer’s and lived with me for 3.5 years before I relented (and she was placed in an assisted living situation). What was worse was – placing her in a “chain” that had a “memory care” wing. They put on a great dog-and-pony show when we came to visit. The moment she arrived they did ZERO to help her settle in. They didn’t bother to read the binder I put together about her – they’d come in an pepper her with questions she couldn’t answer: where did you live? kids? husband? IDIOTS. They doped her up with psychotropic drugs – thankfully we were able to get her into a private home situation w/a lovely owner run company.
I cared for my mom for 8 years. She was very stubborn, and refused to follow her physical therapy, or even leave the apartment. She wanted to stay in a dark room all the time…..It’s a fine line between helping and “forcing”. I let her make her own decisions…she left us in 2020. I still cry every day. I want my mother.
helpful tips to share
My mom has been living with us for almost 4 years. Like my grandma, my mom has dementia. I work hard at getting one good meal in her a day and giving her a good life. What I often for get is ME! Good article; thanks!
It’ll be 5 years next month since Mom passed. There are times I still battle with having to have placed her in assisted living; I wonder if there were many more months I could’ve forestalled that.
I am going to print several copies of this post to hand out to my children and eldest grandchildren as I quickly approach old age. I especially appreciate your advice to take care of yourself as well as your charge, this is vitally important as you can’t help anyone if you are letting yourself go or ignoring your own wellness needs
Taking care of yourself is so important. I am a caregiver and this is a great guide.
great tips. I dealt with this with my mother.