How to Care for an Elderly Family Member

With age comes wisdom, but age also brings a reduction in physical and mental abilities of a person. When we’re young, the elders in our family ensure that we grow up right; happy, self-sufficient and fulfilled. They do their best to provide us with the best upbringing they can. So naturally, we have to take care of them and ensure they have a comfortable old age. This article is precisely about that; how can you take care of your elders.

Spend time and connect with them

If you live with your parents or grandparents, you should at least set aside an hour for them. Have conversations with them, tell them about your day, ask them about their day as well, engaging with them can make all the difference. In case you don’t live with them, then make sure you call them every day and check on them. A few minutes of pleasant conversation can give loads of happiness to them. Also, make an effort to visit them as often as you can; this will not let them feel alone.

Hire a carer

Due to the nature and location of your job, you may not be able to visit them often, or you may live in an entirely different continent. In such scenarios, one of the best things you can do is to hire a carer for them. Carers play a significant role in assisting ageing elders in their daily life activities as well as taking care of small things such as their medicines etc. Carers will also have the appropriate healthcare equipment required for their specific needs. However, you should not think that your job is over by merely hiring a carer, still try your best to engage with them as often as you can. Your engagement shall give them much more joy.

Regular health check-ups

With age, health becomes one of the significant concerns that elders face. Many of them are even reluctant to take their medicines on time and go for a regular health check-up. Taking care of their health should be your responsibility as much it is theirs. Make sure that they go for their regular health check-up and also be in touch with the doctor personally. Be hard on them if they show reluctance in visiting the clinic or taking medicines on time. This will help them to live longer and more importantly, live healthily. Sometimes the elderly in your life may not be competent enough to be under your care, and this is when you have to start looking into aged care facilities.

Take Them Out for a Vacation

In case you haven’t been able to spend much time with them. You should take them out on vacation. You can take them to a place none of you has ever been, and this will help you all to bond well as you experience new things. Make sure the vacation is at least a week long. A two-three days trip won’t help much. On vacation, encourage them to try new things, be it a unique attire or a local dish.

Teach Them New Technology

It’s essential to teach your elders how to use new technology. This will make them more confident, independent and make their lives easier. For example, if they want to buy a gift, they can order it from one of the e-shopping websites instead of going to the nearest store. This will also help them to connect with their friends and relatives easier. You can also connect with them faster through something like a video call, in case of emergencies.

Though this list is endless, these are some of the basic things that you must do for taking care of your elders. Happy Caring.