The ideal caregiver for an elderly person at home is a trusted family member. They provide many services to help the elderly with daily activities. Some of the most popular areas that need assistance are adapting the house, medication management, transportation, meals and more. Continue reading to learn more about finding the perfect caregiver for your loved ones. Here are some suggestions:
Make your home adaptable
There are many different ways to adapt your home for seniors living at home. An occupational therapist can help with the decision making process and determine how much money you have to fund the work. Handrails and ramps can be a great option for people with mobility issues. Outdoor lights can also be helpful at night. But, ensure they aren't in the way of neighbors.
Medication Management
The elderly who live at home require more attention to their medication management. Older adults may forget to take their medication and can take multiple medications at the same time. This confusion can cause confusion, which can lead to missed doses and even complete discontinuation of treatment. Seniors may be prescribed multiple medications to treat different ailments. 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.
Transport
Transportation for seniors living at home can be a difficult job. It is not common for family caregivers to be able to leave work every day to make it possible for loved ones to travel to appointments. Alternate transportation options can help reduce the burden on caregivers as well as help older people stay connected. While transportation options vary by region, many offer discount services and specialized transit options. Here are some ideas on how to find and utilize alternative transportation for seniors living at home.
Meals
Meals for seniors living at home can be provided at no cost, or on a sliding-fee basis. 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 in high demand in many parts of the country. This often leads to long wait lists and sometimes even turning away seniors. To avoid becoming a statistic, you should know that you can make a difference.
Activities
There are many types of activities for the elderly living at home. Many of them can double as physical activities. Making a cake, making cookies or even making bread can require hand dexterity and are social activities. Another option is to make popcorn, colour Easter eggs and make fresh garden vegetables. These activities are enjoyable and can be satisfying for the elderly. However, some seniors might not enjoy being around others or alone.