How to Care for an Elderly Loved One

When you have an elderly relative, it can be difficult to know what care they need. Like everyone else, the needs for older people vary depending on the circumstances. While you don’t want to assume that they need help, you also don’t want to be passive. 
It can be difficult to watch an elderly relative become frail or unwell. More elderly people are suffering from dementia than ever before, and it’s painful watching a loved one become confused and forgetful. It’s important to make sure that elderly loved ones feel looked after and respected in modern society. So, how can you care for your elderly loved one?
Be attentive   While you might feel that a nursing home is the best solution for your elderly relative, you will still need to be attentive to their needs. Some nursing homes are better than others, and the worst mistreat their residents and allow them to get bedsores - how long does it take to get bed sores in a nursing home? It can take as little as several hours, depending on the circumstances. So, continue to be attentive, no matter how many carers they have. 
Listen It’s an unfortunate fact that many elderly people feel lonely. Their spouse, life partner or friends may have passed away. So, one of the best things you can do to care for an elderly love one is to communicate and listen. When people get to a certain age, society deems them as less important. But you don’t. Make your elderly loved one feel loved and important by listening. You may learn a thing or two.  
Make adjustments  When someone gets older, they might struggle to move around their home. Stairs can be difficult to climb and high cabinets can be painful to reach. So, help your elderly relative to navigate their home with ease by making some adjustments. This might involve installing a stairlift, moving their bed downstairs or lowering the appliances. We all want to feel safe and comfortable in our homes, so helping a relative in this way can be extremely valuable. 
Be present  Some elderly people might have health or mobility issues which make it more difficult to go outside. This can be especially problematic in cold winter months when there’s ice and snow on the ground. It’s important for people of all ages to go outside and socialize, so drive them to the shops, carry their bags or push their wheelchair. If your elderly relative doesn’t fancy going out, pop in and make them a cup of tea. Being present shows that you care.  
Being old doesn’t make them invisible. All elderly people deserve care, respect and kindness.   If you enjoy my blog, please consider following me on Bloglovin'