lderly care is a tricky subject, and it isn’t always easy to know what you should be doing. There are so many things that can happen when taking care of an older adult that it’s hard to figure out where to start the discussion.
Many people are not aware of how much work goes into caring for a senior citizen, and it is imperative that you do your research. It might require finding a caregiver, which will entail finding the right type of home care for their needs and budget. There are many different types, from live-in to hourly to 24-hour staffing. Another thing to be aware of is the cost of overnight care.
This post will take a look at 5 of the most common elderly care issues and provide tips on how to deal with them to help you make better decisions for your loved one.
Medication
One of the most common care issues for seniors is medication. If they are on a lot of prescription drugs, it can be hard to make sure they are taking them safely. This is especially true when you have other family members or caregivers who need to be involved. It’s important to make sure you have a plan in place so that your loved one is safe.
It’s not uncommon for seniors to forget to take their pills on time. You should set up a schedule that makes it easy for them to take their medication. You can even set up reminders on their phones so that they never forget. You should also have a system of reminders in place for yourself and any other caregiver involved. If you are not familiar with the medications, there are plenty of senior resources you can use to make sure you know what they are and how to give them.
If you hire a caregiver, it’s a good idea to train him or her on the medications. That way, they will know what to do if your loved one says they forgot their pill or has a reaction.
Meal Time
Another common issue is meal time. If your loved one is unable to cook or prepare meals, it’s important for you to find some way to make sure they’re eating well. There are several options for this, and it all depends on the person and their needs:
Cooking – If your loved one is able to cook, then you can take them grocery shopping and let them take over the kitchen. Just make sure that they are capable of cooking safely and that they know how to follow the right cooking procedures.
Meals on Wheels – Many communities have this service available, where caregivers and volunteers will make meals and deliver them to your loved one’s home. It’s an easy way for them to get a good meal. Just make sure that the person preparing the meals is skilled enough. They should be experienced and trained in meal preparation.
Home Help – If your loved one wants their meals to be prepared at home, you can hire a home helper who will help with other tasks around the house, like laundry, cleaning, and, of course, meal preparation. This way, you don’t have to worry about doing these things yourself while still ensuring that your loved one is eating well and well-cared for.
Communication Issues
Another common elderly care issue is communication problems. Sometimes older adults lose their ability to communicate clearly or at all, which can be very confusing and frustrating for anyone trying to communicate with them. There are different ways you can help solve these issues:
Speech Therapy – Many people who aren’t able to speak clearly can benefit from speech therapy sessions with an experienced therapist. These sessions will help them learn new ways of communicating, which will help you communicate with them better in the future. Speech therapy may also be helpful if they have lost their ability to communicate altogether rather than just having an issue with clarity. And now, online speech therapy is available for convenience and comfort and is effective for seniors. Better Speech is rated as the most comprehensive online speech therapy program for all ages.
Communication Apps – There are many different communication apps available on the market that you can use to help communicate with your loved one. These apps allow speech therapists and therapists working with them to send messages electronically, which can be easier than speaking sometimes. This allows you to send messages through mobile devices rather than using your voice.
Transportation Issues
Transportation is another common issue when it comes to elderly care. If your loved one isn’t able to drive anymore or doesn’t have transportation options available, it’s important that you get them some sort of transportation solution. There are many options out there, including:
Public Transportation – Most communities have public transportation available, which makes it easy for seniors to get around without needing a vehicle of their own. This opens up a lot of possibilities for places they can go without worrying about getting around on their own. They can go visit friends or go shopping without needing someone else’s transportation help, which makes life much easier for you as well as them.
Taxi Service – A taxi service is another good option if public transportation isn’t an option in your area because it gives your loved one another means of getting around when they need it. Taxi services are also helpful if your loved one has difficulty getting out of the house because they don’t have any family or friends nearby to help them get around or pick them up if they need a ride somewhere without a car or the ability to drive themselves. Some taxi services also specialize in senior citizens’ transportation needs, so you can ask whether they’re able to do that or will recommend someone who specializes in this area.
The Bottom Line
When it comes to elderly care, every individual case is different. Some people may struggle with even the most basic functions and needs, whereas others may be completely functional and able to take care of themselves, with the exception of forgetting to take their medications every now and then. In order to provide the best quality care for your loved ones, you need to identify the issues they struggle most with and figure out how to help them in the best way possible.