When you have an aging parent, long-term care will be a matter of concern because seniors require it eventually. Not everyone affords a nursing home facility, and some people prefer to look after their loved ones at home. Luckily, you can provide in-home care to your parents by preparing yourself and your living space to manage the tasks and responsibilities. Getting your place ready is about ensuring that it is safe and comfortable for senior residents when they gradually lose balance, mobility, and independence. Let us share some actionable tips to prepare to look after an elderly member at home.
Keep an eye on the senior’s well-being
Senior care is uncomplicated at first when the elderly member is independent. You may check on them a couple of times during the day and ensure they have everything they require. But you must keep an eye on their well-being as problems like dementia or Alzheimer’s can crop up stealthily. Follow up on regular healthcare visits, and look for red flags indicating a cognitive decline. Getting help sooner than later can slow down the progression of the disease and limit complications.
Declutter your living space
Safety is one of the key aspects of prepping your home for senior care. Clearing the clutter is the best way to start, as unnecessary things can hamper mobility and cause fall hazards for the elderly. The last thing you want to deal with is a severe injury like a fracture because it can take longer to heal in aging people. Assess your home and clear anything that appears useless and poses a hazard.
Invest in the essentials
As aging parents near the end of life, they require medical care and treatment. You may choose to look after them at home instead of sending them to a hospital. Luckily, you can get hospital beds, mattresses, accessories, wheelchairs, walking aids, and portable oxygen concentrators to ensure proper care and treatment for your loved one. You may even rent the necessary equipment for long-term care on a budget. Investing in basic home improvements for bathroom and stairway safety can also help.
Enlist professional help
Caregiving is a huge responsibility, and looking after an aging parent becomes challenging as their condition deteriorates. The last thing you should do is to wait until a crisis happens or you encounter caregiver burnout due to the immense workload. You need not handle it solo, rather it is better to hire a professional in-home care provider to look after the senior member. Get the immediate family involved and seek a contribution to managing the cost of professional caregiver services.
Look after yourself
Investing in self-care is equally crucial because looking after an aging parent is a stressful journey. Although you love them, you may find yourself dealing with negative feelings and thoughts down the line. Find ways to address physical exhaustion and mental anxiety as you navigate the role of an in-home caregiver. Split the responsibility with your siblings, and take frequent breaks to refresh and rejuvenate.
Looking after an aging parent is a daunting responsibility, and the road gets tougher when you commit to in-home care. But your loved ones deserve all the care and attention you can give. Follow these tips to handle the caregiver role in the best possible way.