12 Tips And Tricks When It Comes To Looking After Your Elderly Relatives

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If you need to start looking after your elderly relatives but you don’t know where to begin then don’t worry, you have definitely come to the right place. Whether you’ve been doing odd jobs for them over the years or they’re only just starting to lose their independence, you need to be sure you’re doing all that you can to support them during this time. Whilst it may be difficult at first, there are lots of tips and tricks you can pick up to ensure you’re doing exactly that. From visiting them regularly to doing their shopping for them, the more you’re helping them the better. With that in mind, here are 12 tips and tricks when it comes to looking after your elderly relatives:

Make Sure You’re Spending Time With Them Regularly

One of the best things you can do when it comes to looking after your elderly relatives is to ensure you’re visiting them as much as you possibly can. Not only will this help when it comes to loneliness, but it will also give them the opportunity they need to ask you for any odd jobs that may need doing around the house.

Keep In Contact When You Can’t See Them

If you’re in a position where you can’t see your family often, you need to be sure you’re keeping in contact with them as much as you can. Whether this means calling them every single day or popping them a text to see if they’re okay, they will appreciate you keeping in touch. For guidance when it comes to staying in touch with your elderly relatives, you can visit this site here.

Help Them With Their Housework And Renovations Where Possible

If you’re in a position where you’re able to, you should be helping your elderly relatives with their housework and home renovations as often as you can. Whether that means painting the walls or hoovering their stairs, they will probably appreciate any help they can get.

Do Their Shopping For Them If They Need A Hand

Similarly, if they’re not able to do their shopping each and every week, you may want to consider picking up a few essentials for them when you go out. If you don’t live nearby, ordering their online shopping for them is also a great option. That way, at least you know they’re getting everything that they need.

Encourage Them To Go Out

Although they may go out once or twice a week, you need to ensure you’re encouraging your elderly relatives to continue going out. Whether they’re walking to the shop to get some milk or they’re popping to their neighbours for a coffee, the more they’re getting out and about, the less lonely they’re likely to feel. If you know they struggle to get out, take the time to go with them. For inspiration when it comes to day trips with your elderly relatives, you can visit this site here.

Find Social Events For Them To Attend

Another great way to ensure they’re getting out and about is to find local social events that they can attend. Although they may be hard to come by, it’s a great way for them to meet new people that live nearby.

Arrange Medical Care If They Need It

If you know your loved ones struggle when it comes to arranging medical care or getting the attention that they need, you may want to consider doing it for them. Whether you’re helping them with upper back pain or buying the medication they need for a cold, the more you’re doing to help the better. If your relatives are experiencing upper back pain, you can visit this guide on upper back pain in elderly here.

Book Appointments And Make Phone Calls On Their Behalf

Similarly, you may also find that you need to book appointments and make phones calls on their behalf, especially if they’re hard of hearing.

Consider Whether Or Not They Need Any Assisted Living Aids

Although they may not be welcome to the idea at first, you need to think about whether or not your elderly relatives need any assisted living aids in order to help them remain at home. Whether that means investing in a stairlift or purchasing a cushion that easily allows them to sit up in bed, these aids are designed to allow those that live alone to continue with their day-to-day life. They’re definitely worth looking into if your loved ones are starting to struggle.

Help Them With Their Finances

Depending on whether or not they’re struggling with their finances, you may find that you need to help and offer them advice. Similarly, they may also need assistance when it comes to paying money into their account or withdrawing cash when they need it. If you’re unsure about what you’re allowed to help with, you may want to consider speaking to a professional banker first.

Teach Them How To Use Modern Technology

Another great way to help your elderly relatives is to teach them how to use modern technology. From showing them how to take photos with their phone to teaching them how to start a group phone call to all of your family members, this is a great way to keep them connected. On a similar note, you should also be teaching them how to use their TV remote if they update it.

Consider Whether Or Not They Need A Care Giver

Finally, you may want to consider whether or not they need a caregiver that visits them every day. Although you may be able to travel to see them, chances are you’re not going to be able to give them the care and attention they may need each and every day.

With lots of great ways to ensure you’re helping your elderly relatives, you can be sure they have everything they need. What do you do to help your elderly family members? Have we missed anything off of the list? Let me know your thoughts and ideas in the comments section below.

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