Old age is inevitable in everyone’s life. While most of us will give anything to be young forever, Mother Nature has a different plan. As humans progress in age, there comes a time when the body cells and organs will start getting weak, succumbing to the pressure of old age.
At this age, seniors become dependents again and rely on others for their wellbeing. Since they become dependent, caring for them is a tedious job, so you need to be prepared for it. We know it’s a huge responsibility to take care of a full-grown adult. This explains why you have to be ready for it mentally, financially, and physically.
Even though it is stressful, you can arm yourself with vital tips. This way, you don’t lose your mind when trying to give your seniors the right care.
Get help with Caregiving.
Caring for the seniors and elderly could be incredibly taxing. It could drain you mentally, physically, and emotionally if you tackle it alone. As a result, you need all the help you can get.
With this, you get to keep your sanity, reduce your workload without breaking down. The assistance you will get is a factor of the kind of care that the senior needs. A few ideas include:
- Hire a live-in caregiver
- Take them to an adult day program – a form of socialization with fellow seniors.
- Use a meal delivery service.
- Employ a respite care service
Support them Financially
If their pension is regular, that is good news. The financial responsibility of caring for them will not rest solely on you. However, there is a high chance that they might not have a source of income, so you have to shoulder this.
For seniors living under your roof, it is easy to foot their bills and take care of their meals, clothing, and other essential supplies. However, if they live away from you, make sure to include their needs as part of your budget.
They will need medical supplies, prescription medications, a senior emergency first aid kit, personal care products like absorbent underwear, etc. They also need money for their medical needs, especially those with health conditions like dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, arthritis, etc.
Keep Them Active
Depending on their state of health, there might be reduced mobility. This is not good for their health. Besides, being restricted to a single place for long takes its toll on mental health. Studies show that it contributes to depression, obesity, poor cognitive function, etc. As a result, try to get them active, both physically and mentally.
You don’t have to take them to the gym. Motivate them to take a walk for at least 20 minutes per day. Simple exercises like clapping, dancing, etc., and anything that can get their blood flowing and their heart pumping are good. This way, you get to reduce the tendency of depression, build muscle, and improve their sleep health.
In the same way, you want to stimulate them mentally as well. Seniors need this to improve their cognitive function. This will also go a long way to decrease the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Get them reading (magazine or newspaper) or read to them. There are simple brain games you can get them to attempt like a crossword puzzle, Sudoku, or a deck of cards. These activities will stimulate the brain and keep it healthy and active.
Make Adjustment in Their House
You are dealing with seniors. They could be slow and sluggish with time. Also, their mind might not be as strong as before. This makes them prone to injury, falls, and illness. As a result, it will be a terrific idea to assess the house for possible safety hazards. Based on your assessment, you might have to make some modifications.
A couple of these are:
- Have a handrail they can grab while in the shower or toilet
- Have a raised toilet installed
- Make sure smoke detectors are working.
- Ensure the light sources are bright enough.
- Get rid of all clutters that might prevent easy movement.
- Have all cords, cables, and wires tucked away.
- Make sure the bathtub and floors are not slippery.
The above will go a long way in preventing accidents that might warrant emergencies.
Keep their Meals Healthy
It is vital to be picky in the meals you offer your seniors. Their immune system is not as strong as before, so it is essential to limit infection chances that might come via food. As a result, critical care and hygiene must be followed when preparing their meals.
Similarly, give them food that will keep their body system healthy and immune system firing day and night. Prioritize diets like vegetables, fruits, and lean meat. Besides boosting the immune system, they can help fight bacterial and viral infections.
They need antioxidants (present in fruits and vegetables) to keep body cells from damage and fight free radicals in the body. According to research, only the right nutrition supplies the most important antioxidant for seniors.
Also, it keeps carb, fatty food, and sugary foods down. These foods are a source of inflammation, which affects how effective the immune system works.
Conclusion
Taking care of your seniors does not have to be hard work. With essential tips and adequate planning, you can make it fun and easy. The five tips discussed above will go a long way in guiding you towards giving the senior members of your family the right care system.