Taking care of an elderly loved one isn’t easy. Oftentimes, your heart is deeply connected to that person, and it can be challenging to see them struggle or feel at a loss for ways to help. As a caregiver, you want to make sure you’re doing everything you can to give your loved one what they need.
While there are obvious ways to take care of your loved one, like making sure their medical needs are met, there are many other ways you can improve their quality of life, or most importantly, show them how much you care. Here are a few more nurturing ideas:
Create A Memory Book
A heartwarming way to capture memories (both of the past and moving forward) is to create a memory book. Take the time to sit down with your loved one and put together cherished photographs from over the years. You can spend this time sharing treasured memories and laughing together.
It doesn’t have to stop at photos either; you can also share other mementos, like recipes and trinkets that you’ve all collected over the years. Once your memory book/box is complete, you can leave it with them to enjoy on days where they may be feeling a little alone or sentimental.
Empower Them In Using Technology
Many elderly people feel the effects of isolation, especially since the pandemic. Now is a great time to teach them how to use modern technology, so that they can stay in touch with everyone they love, even if they can’t leave their homes. Teach them how to use a smartphone and how video calls work. You could even sign them up for simple social media sites to help them find old friends and colleagues.
Another great idea is teaching them other skills, like paying bills online and ordering goods or groceries to their home. When you’re not available, you will at least rest assured they have some independence and never go without anything they might need.
Make Some Home Safety Modifications
If your loved one has any kind of medical plan in place, there’s a good chance there have already been some home safety modifications made. However, there could be some other home safety measures that you could put in place to help them maintain more of their independence. For example, things like voice-activated devices and smart home appliances will help them keep their home functioning even if they’re a little limited with mobility.
Learn CPR
CPR is a useful skill to have in general, but it’s definitely something you should consider learning if you’re regularly checking in on your relative(s). The National CPR Foundation can help teach you the correct steps to take if you do find your relative unconscious or not breathing.
Is National CPR Foundation legit, yes? That may be a question you have, and if it is, rest assured that the foundation is a reliable place to get your certification. Learning CPR is very important. Knowing what to do in a life-threatening situation will empower both you and your loved one in times of dire need.
Create A Personalized Exercise Routine
Exercise is still important, even (and often especially!) when you have reduced mobility. One of the best ways to can take care of an elderly loved one is to help them create an exercise routine. You could, for example, start with gentle yoga and work your way up to aqua aerobics. Not only can exercise make sure that your relatives stay as healthy as possible, but it can also be a source of joy and enjoyment.
Help Plan Meals
The food your loved one(s) is eating also makes a difference in their overall health. Sit down with them and work together to create a meal plan that is nutritious but also meals they can enjoy, especially if they have any dietary requirements. You could also take the time to cook together with them not only to make sure they’re adding the nutrition they need to their meals, but also as another source of bonding in your relationship.
Encourage Cognitive Games & Activities
As we age, our cognitive abilities decline. But, there are things you can do to prevent this or slow the process down. Encourage your relatives to play cognitive games and activities such as puzzles, memory games, card games, or even apps on their smartphones! These activities can help bring them a sense of enjoyment and also keep their cognitive levels where they should be. Perhaps you could set up an evening of chess where you add in some friendly competition! This will help give them (and you) something to look forward to.
Get Them Involved In New Hobbies
You might not be able to be available for your relatives all hours of the day, and as mentioned above, feeling lonely or isolated is the last thing you want them to feel. One easy way to take care of an elderly loved one is to encourage them to find a hobby or passion. This will give them a new sense of purpose and enjoyment. And, if they’re choosing classes, they will also get the chance to meet other people and expand their social circle. It doesn’t matter whether it’s sewing, gardening or even a book club, it can be a great emotional outlet and provide them with an incredible sense of encouragement.
Create Opportunities For Social Engagement
Speaking of social circles, making sure their social engagement levels are fulfilled is important for their emotional health. Encourage your loved one to keep up with existing friendships and attend community events so that even when you’re not around to interact with them, you’ll know that they’re not feeling lonely or isolated.
If they find it difficult to navigate outside of their home, you could plan something in or around their home instead! For example, set up a tea and coffee morning for their friends to come over and enjoy some time at their home. (PS: This is another example of why modifying their home is a great idea!)
Help Plan For Their Future
While your ageing relative may be fit and healthy at the moment, it’s important to talk about the future. It’s not an easy conversation to have, but it’s important to have open conversations about what their future wishes and needs are. This may include any preferences they have with medical care and living arrangements. It could also mean talking about their wills and who they would like to be the executor of their estate. Listen to their wishes, and offer proactive advice so that you can help them put a plan in place for their future that they are also happy with.
Encourage Independence
As you age, you sometimes have to ask those around you for a little extra help – most of the time more help than you’d like to ask for. It’s easy to lose your sense of self-worth when this happens, so it’s your responsibility to help your loved one remain as independent as possible.
One example could be arranging food services so they don’t have to ask you to cook for them, or it could be making changes in their home, such as moving a bedroom downstairs, if mobility becomes more of an issue. Allow them to make their own decisions and don’t immediately take over a task if they seem to be struggling. This will help your loved one keep his/her own sense of autonomy and confidence in themselves.
Offer Companionship
Finally, sometimes the best way to take care of an elderly loved one is to simply offer your time and attention. Putting in the time to visit them regularly, check in on them daily, or simply spending some quality time together can make a world of difference in their lives. Sometimes all they need to know is that the people around them love and care for them, and that’s enough.
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