Sophie Okolo, MPH

Taking on the responsibility of caring for an elderly relative can be so rewarding, but it can also be a tricky and confusing process which is met with resistance and stumbling blocks that you need to work together to overcome. It’s never easy to take great care of someone, but it’s totally worth it to see them happy and healthy at the end of the day. Fortunately, this guide aims to make the process of caring for an elderly relative as simple as possible, and you can help them to feel comfortable and stay occupied even if you aren’t around. So, if you’re interested in finding out more, then read on to uncover some of the best recommendations that you can utilize today! 

Adapt Their Home 

First and foremost, one of the most important steps that you need to follow to ensure your elderly relative can stay happy and healthy during each and every day is to adapt their home to suit their current needs. As you age you often become less mobile, and things like balance and walking independently may be a bit of a struggle. This can encourage you to remain firmly in your seat through fear or embarrassment, as falling over or needing assistance to move around is never enjoyable. Fortunately you can easily resolve this issue by installing grab bars around your elderly relatives home, allowing them to walk from room to room with the added support of a bannister so that they can maintain their freedom. If they have several floors inside their home then you must install a stair lift to allow them to move safely, as a trip on the stairs could cause serious injuries or may even be fatal. Other adaptations and additions such as a foldaway chair inside their shower cubicle so that they can sit down and avoid slipping can also be of real benefit, so never doubt the importance of home adaptation to make their life easier. 

Get A Trusted Carer 

Unless you’re registered full time as your elderly relatives sole carer, then it’s a good idea to seek out an additional carer that is both experienced and qualified to take great care of them. It’s so easy to find top standard carers in the modern day, as there are so many dedicated businesses that are committing to look after the elderly, disabled and anyone else who may need a little assistance with their day to day life. You don’t need to head out to a local hospital or health center to benefit from carer services either, as a home carer can visit your elderly relative in the comfort of their home to help them with whatever they need. They can cook, clean, provide medication and even offer company to those who spend a lot of time alone, so be sure to choose the most suitable package for your relative’s needs. You can choose Self-Managed home care packages too, so take some time to explore your options to choose the best package!