Whilst not every older relative needs assistance and may even want to do things by themselves. Many are quite capable of not only looking after themselves but also others around them. They can contribute to their local communities and families. However, this is not the case for everybody. Many elderly people do need to have people to look after them especially when they approach their 80s and 90s. When they do need help it can be useful to have a set of guidelines to follow in case you need to look after your elderly relatives.
Oxygen concentrators
Oxygen concentrators can be extremely useful to have in an elderly relative’s home. They can provide a short burst of pure oxygen for those who need it. Those with a prescribed oxygen treatment may need one nearby at all times if they have issues with their breathing. This can be those who suffer from asthma or emphysema. Make sure that you know how to use it and that you know where it is in your relatives’ home.
Do your research
This can come in really handy for you to prepare for caring for elderly relatives. The more you are able to learn means that you will be more prepared in case a challenge comes your way. There are lots of support websites on which you can find care guides and resources on caring for your elderly relatives. It can give you advice for dementia care and home care. It may even involve making adaptions to your home for your relatives to make it more friendly for them.
As well as this, you can look into receiving financial aid that the government can provide if you need to become a full-time carer. It may not be a huge amount of money, but it can help you if you need to make any adjustments.
Routines
It can take a little bit of time to get into a routine of caring for an elderly relative. However, when you get into a routine it can make both your and your relative’s lives easier. It can be simple things like organizing a time for when you arrive and when you leave or when you need to administer the medication. A routine requires work from both sides, however. You and your relative need to work together to find a routine that works for you both.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help
There is no need to take all of the responsibility on your shoulders. There are professionals out there that can not only give you advice but lend a hand when you need it. Live-in carers can cover the hours that you are not there and will also provide a new social interaction for your elderly relative. You can rest easy at home knowing they are being looked after whilst your relative can socialize a little more and you can both have a break from each other so that you don’t have any unnecessary arguments.
The only thing to remember is that if you are going to organize carer for your relative, is that they should be involved in the decision making as they will be living with them Carers often become like an extended family to their patients.
Look after yourself
When you devote all of your time to caring for someone else it can be easy to neglect yourself. It won’t be any good for you to burn yourself out and it will leave your relative without an effective carer. Make sure that you get enough sleep and that you are eating a healthy and balanced diet. Additionally, you should set time aside so that you can exercise and socialize.
Taking time for yourself is not a crime. Take time throughout the week to focus on yourself whether that is reading or watching a program that you want to. You should even think about organizing a holiday in the future so that you have a sustained break from all of your duties. This will make sure that you can ensure the care of your relative without exhausting yourself.
Caring for your elderly relative
This is not something that anyone wants to think about, but it is perhaps something that you need to think about. There are lots of things you can do to ease your own burdens, but you should make sure to organize their care with your relative. This will help you and your relative to organize a clear caring regime so that you both can enjoy your lives.
