collaborative post
The aging process can be tricky without support from family and friends. But it is not always easy for someone to ask for help. Just because we get older doesn't mean we want to give up our independence!
So the best option is to offer up help to your elderly relatives without them having to ask for it. Being there for them will be supportive and positive for them and it will also be uplifting and gratifying for you as well. It is a really rewarding and beautiful thing to help another person and also to be the one receiving that help.
Here are five simple ways you can support your elderly relatives which will bring you both great joy and comfort.
Check in with them often
The easiest yet most effective way to look after your loved ones is to check in on them. You can call them or pop over to see them. Either way, regularly being in touch is the best thing you can offer anyone.
By being in regular contact, you will be able to gauge how your relatives are doing and what they might need help with. It will also help them to feel more comfortable asking you for help if and when they need it.
You can consider having a set day or days for your contact. That way they come to expect and rely on hearing from you. And it will help you to remember and fit the time into your schedule.
If your loved one is having difficulties and caring for them is taking up a substantial amount of time, you may want to explore home assistance as an option. By having someone visit your loved one regularly, and providing them with the care and companionship they require, you can significantly enhance their quality of life. Additionally, with many companies now implementing the use of a care app, you are able to track your loved one's progress and receive live updates on their well-being. This will allow you to maintain a healthy balance in your own life, as well as having the peace of mind that the needs of your loved one are being met.
Knowing how your loved one is doing is the foundation of any other help you can offer.
Accompany them to medical appointments
One of the most intimidating and vulnerable times for anyone is when they are seeking medical attention. It is definitely one of the most important times for you to be there to help your elderly relatives.
Sometimes it can be challenging to move an elderly person in comfort if they have certain health issues or are unable to ride in public transportation. There are some great resources out there that can help you such as this blog post about using private ambulance services.
Using an ambulance for transportation has a lot of great benefits including a comfortable ride with trained staff! There are of course medical supplies readily available in case they are needed. It is all explained on this non-emergency ambulance service page.
Make home modifications
As we get older, certain elements of our home can become challenging. Many people would prefer to age in place so that they are still in their homes, near family and friends, and have that sense of familiarity and community. That being said, it can be intimidating to stay in the home if it isn't designed with your needs in mind.
That's where modifications to the home can make a positive impact on your relatives comfort and safety. Look at things such as the bathtub, safety rails, a medical alert system, trip hazards, a stair lift, and widening doorways to name a few.
Do their grocery shopping
Getting out to the shops can be an exhausting process for your elderly relatives. If they are able to come with you and would enjoy it, of course, you can bring them for their shopping. If it is a struggle for them, your managing their grocery shopping would be a great help. It would ease their mind and also help you to provide the proper nutrition they need.
Show Respect
No matter how their abilities may change, your elderly relatives will always deserve your respect and deserve to have dignity.
It can get frustrating to help someone but keep in mind that seniors do not need parenting. Aging is tough and seniors don't mean to be difficult. But at the same time, they don't want you taking over or trying to control everything. It's important to allow them to keep their sense of control and to keep things calm and loving.
There are five tips for helping your elderly relatives while still showing them respect. Do you have any to add to the list? Let me know in the comments.
