elderly care Archives - CURLY AND CANDID

As your parents or any older relatives become older, they can face health issues which prove to threaten their independence. When you love and respect your parents it can be difficult to watch this happen, especially when they were once so independent and lived their own lives, on their own terms. However, health issues or not, there are some things that you can do to help them maintain this, and allow them to have autonomy over the way that they live. Here are some things that you can do to help promote independence for the elderly.

Listen to What They Want

Unfortunately, some people deny the elderly their independence simply by not listening to what their wants and needs are. Even when facing the difficulties that come with dementia and Alzheimers, your parents are likely to make it clear what they require. Sometimes, you just need to listen a little closer or ask them questions when they’re having a good (or better) day. Patience is key and listening is just as important.

Independence For The Elderly: Make Their Homes Safe

More often than not, elderly people want to stay in the comfort of their own homes. In fact, leaving these homes can be quite distressing, especially if this is where they have so many memories of your family’s time together. Do all that you can, then, to make their homes safe to live in so that they have as much autonomy as possible. Installing a stairlift is a great help here, and there are many other options, too.

Look Into Live-in Carers and Visiting Carers

Most people can access care from their homes, and if you’d prefer to ensure that your parents or other family members are safe at all times then you can look into live-in care, too. This will help to put your mind at ease, but if you want to assess the other options available then visiting care is also worth considering. This takes a little bit of the strain off your family, whilst still allowing your parents their independence at home.

Independence For The Elderly: Consider a Personal Alarm

When you’re helping someone to maintain their independence, it most likely means that they’re going to be alone at some point. To make sure that they’re safe and to make you feel secure in the fact that they’re OK, why not get them personal alarms? If anything happens – for example, if they fall over – they can be connected with you in an instant, so that they can get the help and support they really need.

Install a Key Safe

A key safe is vital if you want to support your parents whilst they live at home, and they’re pretty affordable, too. Getting one of these installed means that you can get into the house if they aren’t responding, or there is an emergency situation. On top of this, you can let yourself in, which is ideal if your parents struggle from limited mobility or any other issues. It’s better to be safe than sorry, so be sure to get a key safe installed.

These are just a few things to consider promoting independence for the elderly. Speak to relevant healthcare and community group for further localised support on practical help and support for yourself. Being a carer, even part-time, is a big job.

In Family Time, Self-Care

Parents Age: Things You Need To Remember

Nicki CawoodAugust 23, 2019December 3, 2020

Everybody gets older. It’s inevitable, and yet it’s something that many of us don’t want to face – especially when it comes to our parents. As much as you may want to bury your head in the sand about this, there are things you need to remember as your parents age. They are as follows:

As Your Parents Age, They Can Get Pretty Lonely

Older parents tend to get pretty lonely. However, many of them are also too proud to say anything. It can be more difficult for them to get around, and they likely see their friends less because they are having the same problem. They can get especially lonely if they no longer have their other half. Make sure you plan regular visits. See if there is anything you can do to help them see their friends more, too, such as giving them a ride to their place or taking them to a coffee and cake morning. They will appreciate it!

Their Health Can Deteriorate Quickly

Their senses, including eyesight and hearing, can take a nosedive pretty quickly. It’s important to keep an eye on these issues, especially when it comes to problems like cataracts. Eye specialists like Eye Surgery Scotland can help to restore their vision but this means that we’ve got to do our best to help them through these difficult times. They may even be too proud to admit that there is a problem! But having regular check-ups is is essential if they’re not doing this already. It’s surprising how quickly someone’s health can deteriorate!

As Your Parents Age Their Needs May Change

Everyone’s needs will change at certain points in life. Pay attention to your parents so you can assess when their needs have changed. They might need help in their home to do the things they are used to, such as make food and get dressed. A place like Senior Life can give you more information on this. Make sure you pay close attention and speak with them about what they could use to make their lives easier and more enjoyable. It’s all about making sure they keep a high quality of life.

Home care services are often preferable to seniors who may want to stay in their own home. So, it’s important to educate yourself on what is available, as well as making sure your parents have an understanding of what they want and what is best for their overall wellbeing.

They Might Make A Few Confessions

It isn’t unusual for older parents to make a few confessions. The key to these kinds of conversations is knowing what not to say. You shouldn’t be judgemental or shut them down. Try to be as understanding as possible. They might tell you more, they might not. Try to see if you can work out where this new confession has come from. Are they feeling lonely? Guilty?

Help Family To Get Everything In Order As Your Parents Age

Making sure your parents have everything in order, such as their estate and their will can take a load off their minds. It’ll make your life easier too. Don’t think of this as morbid. Sorting wills, pensions and everything else simply make things less complicated down the road as your parents age.

Remember that there are some great sources of advice and support that you and your parents can access which will help with all aspects of aging.