The elderly population within the US is rising steadily. Older adults above 65 are expected to reach 80 million by 2040. As the population ages and inevitably, their bodies get slower, they need more care and attention to maintain their health. That’s because our immunity tends to weaken as we get older. As a result, we’re prone to infections and chronic diseases, which can take a toll on our well-being.
Older people may need assistance with their routine since carrying out basic tasks without feeling agitated can become challenging. Considering these factors, understand that caring for an older person is a hands-on job. So, develop a structured approach to ensure they get all the care they need without missing a beat.
While it may seem overwhelming at first, once you get into the habit of caring for an older person, it may not be hard for you to keep up with them. Here’s how:
1. Give Medicines on Time
Older people require numerous medications. They may need these medicines to treat short-term infections or to manage their chronic symptoms. Almost 90% of older patients need at least one prescription medicine, 80% of these adults need two, and 36% require at least five different prescription drugs. That’s why you can’t delay their medicines and must ensure you’re administering them on time.
Make a list of all medications the older adult you care for is taking to make your trip to the pharmacy easier. But if you have no time to spare, you can always order the necessary drugs online. Pharmacies like Towncrest Pharmacy have got you covered.
If you happen to be in Iowa City or Solon, you can head down there in person and pick up the medicines you need, but if you can’t make it, order the pills you need, and their delivery service will take care of you.
2. Never Miss a Follow-up
Elderly patients need routine checkups diligently. So, try to attend all appointments. Meeting with a doctor allows you to discuss their overall health, determine if they’re borderline for other ailments, and what changes you need to make to their routine. A healthcare provider can guide you better on what you’re missing out on and where the patient needs better care. You may also pick up better ways to manage their health, such as what ingredients to add to their diet, what medicines you need to discontinue, and warning signs to watch out for.
These appointments are also reassuring for older people as it informs them about their health and helps them understand what they’re going through. Even if the older person you’re caring for looks healthy on the surface, they may be battling a hidden illness or injury requiring immediate attention.
3. Encourage Older People to Socialize
In 2023, one in three adults aged 50-80, which is roughly 34%, have reported feeling isolated from others, while 29% feel it sometimes and about 5% feel it quite often. Loneliness and feeling cut off from the community can cause mental health complications like anxiety, depression, and sleep loss. These issues can trickle down to an older person’s physical well-being, causing appetite suppression and a general disregard for their health, and may push them to neglect their hygiene. They crave companionship, a friend, or someone they can share their thoughts and feelings with.
A good company can release oxytocin in elderly folk, and this, in turn, releases the secretion of the happy hormone serotonin. So, encourage them to make more friends. You can help them get started by taking them out for walks, supporting the older person in joining walking groups, keeping a small get-together at their house, and encouraging them to get friendly with the neighbors. You can also teach older people how to make friends online, especially if they cannot move around frequently.
4. Modify the House
According to the CDC, roughly 3 million older people are treated in the ER for a fall injury yearly. For this reason, modify the house and reduce the risk of the older person getting hurt. It would help if you carpeted the house and moved their room downstairs if they live in a two-story home. Attach railings and support beams around the house, making it easier for the older person to move around without tripping. Also, invest in a home hospital bed since these are designed for patients who can’t use regular beds and have a chance of falling while lying down.
Likewise, look into making the house wheelchair accessible by getting ramps installed in hard-to-reach places. Make the older person’s life comfortable. It’ll drastically improve their health and profoundly impact their lifestyle. A modified house also gives older patients a fraction of dependency. They can easily move around the house without depending on you.
5. Create a Healthy Diet Plan for the Elderly
Older people have more specific dietary needs than adults. So, be more attentive about what they’re consuming to prevent their diseases from flaring. Prepare meals with little to no added sugars, fats, and sodium. Try increasing their protein intake with seafood, fortified soy products, and dairy. This diet can help improve their muscle mass, which is essential for their physical well-being.
Add more sliced fruits and low-calorie snacks to supplement their diet further. You may also introduce vitamins as pills into their routine, but before you do that, consult their doctor since some elder folk have dysphagia and need their supplements in liquid or dissolved.
Conclusion
As a person gets older, they need more care and attention. Since their body slows down, it becomes harder for them to look after themselves. That’s where you come in. You can care for and support them by ensuring they have their medicines on time, taking them to their monthly appointments, and encouraging them to expand their social circle. Likewise, you can take care of elderly folk by modifying their house to make it safer for them to use and create a meal plan for them. Start slow and steadily develop a routine. It’ll empower you to be a beacon of support for older people.