Did you know that roughly 16% of the U.S. population is aged 65 years or older in 2019?
Although it may be difficult to see your parents, grandparents, or other loved ones’ age, you don’t want to simply hope everything is okay. Caring for aging adults can be tough. Dealing with dementia and Alzheimer’s is difficult, as is living with daily issues like bad hearing and vision, disabilities, and mobility problems.
Are you wondering how to care for an aging adult without running yourself ragged? Fortunately, there are some things only you can do, and a few things that require the help of a caregiver or the nursing home itself.
Read on to learn the right way to help your loved one be cared for and comfortable.
Assess Their Needs
One of the best ways to assess the needs of aging parents is to simply ask them how they are doing and what they need help with. In addition, paying attention to changes in appearance, behavior or ability can clue you into areas where help may be needed.
Once you have a good understanding of their needs, you can develop a care plan that meets those needs. Be sure to involve the aging adult in the process as much as possible, as they are the experts on their own lives. With a little bit of effort, you can make sure that aging adults receive the care they need to live happy and healthy lives.
There are a number of home care alternatives available to those who are caring for aging adults. These include hiring a home care worker, using home care services, or providing care for oneself. They can help with this by providing assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and grooming.
Meet Their Emotional Needs
Caring for aging adults can be a simple process if their emotional needs are met. It is important to keep them engaged in activities they enjoy. Allow them to maintain as much independence as possible, and show them compassion.
Reminding them of loved ones and happy memories can also be helpful in making them feel comfortable and content. Showing them compassion and understanding can go a long way in making the caregiving process simpler.
Keep Their Minds Active
When caring for aging adults, it is important to keep their minds active to help prevent Alzheimer’s disease and other age-related dementias. There are many activities that can help keep their minds active, so find what works best for them and make it a part of their daily routine.
One of the best ways to keep their mind active and alert is by reading. By reading, they are constantly challenging your brain to recall information and make connections. In addition, crossword puzzles, Sudoku, and other brainteasers can also help keep your mind sharp.
Aging Adults: Living Their Best Life
If you’re caring for an aging adult, then this brief guide is a must-read. It simplifies a complex process and provides essential tips to make the experience more positive for both the caregiver and the care receiver.
Most importantly, it reminds us that elderly care is a rewarding experience that can enrich our lives. Don’t wait until they need the care to start planning – the sooner you start, the better.
Did you find these tips useful? Be sure to browse the rest of this section for more guides on how to live your best life.
