Trusted family members are the best caregivers for elderly people at home. These individuals provide a range of services to assist the elderly with their day-to-day activities. Many of these services are essential for seniors, including assisting with the adaptation of their homes, meal preparation, medication management, transportation and meals. Learn more about how you can find the right caregiver to care for your loved one. Here are some tips.
Make your home adaptable
There are many different ways to adapt your home for seniors living at home. An occupational therapist can help determine what needs to be done in your home and how much money you have available for the project. Hand rails, ramps, and outdoor lighting are excellent for people with mobility impairments. But, ensure they aren't in the way of neighbors.
Medication Management
Elderly living at their homes require special attention in medication management. The reason older adults are sometimes unable or unwilling to remember which medication to take is that they might take multiple medications at once, forgetting to take them all. This confusion can lead to missed doses, or even the end of treatment. Seniors may also take multiple medications for different conditions. Many people are aware of the dangers associated with taking more than one dose of a common medication. However, seniors often forget that they should take their medicine at least twice daily.
Transportation
Caring for the elderly at home is a demanding job. Many times, family caregivers can't leave their job every day to assist a loved one to get to and from appointments. Alternative transportation options are available that will help ease the burden on caregivers while also helping elderly individuals remain socially connected. There are many transportation options available, and each region offers different options. However, there are often special transit options and discounts. Here are some tips on how to find alternative transportation for elderly citizens living at their home.
Meals
Meals for elderly persons living at their homes are free of charge or subject to a sliding fee. While no senior will be turned away for lack of funds, seniors may be asked to contribute voluntarily to the cost of the meals. These services are highly sought-after in many parts of the nation, leading to long wait times and even being turned away by seniors. It is possible to make a positive difference and not become a statistic.
Activities
There are many activities that seniors can do at home. Many of them can double up as physical activities. Baking cookies, cakes and bread are all social activities that require some hand dexterity. Make popcorn, make Easter eggs, or make fresh salads from your garden. These activities can be both enjoyable and satisfying for the older. Many seniors may not want to be with others or alone.