As we grow older and older, our health becomes more of an issue we need to focus on. For ourselves and those around us, getting older can be a difficult time. You don’t want to admit that there are things you can no longer do and asking for help can be a real challenge. Caring for a loved one as they age can be a difficult and emotional task.
However, with a rise in the senior population continuing into 2030 as a result of the baby boom, caring for the elderly will be of the utmost importance for many families now more than ever. As a result, here are some suggestions for caring for a loved one as they age and help adopt the healthiest lifestyle for them as they live out their final years.
Accommodate Them in Their Home
As one grows older, it’s very common for them to not want to leave their home. About 90% of seniors want to stay in their own homes as they age. When caring for a loved one as they age, you want them to be happy, safe, and comfortable. One way you can do this is by altering the home so that it is as convenient for them as possible.
For example, as you get older, using the stairs becomes more and more of a challenge. If you can eliminate such a hazard, living at home can become much more manageable for an elderly person who struggles with mobility.
Similarly, bathrooms are common trouble areas. If you have the ability, renovating the showers to walk-in showers can help your elderly loved one avoid slipping and falling.
Falls can be incredibly dangerous for the elderly, so avoiding and preventing falls at all costs is an important way to care for their health and prove them with a lifestyle that can protect it.
Consider In-Home Care
Another way you can care for a loved one as they age is by providing in-home care. This can be especially good for the nearly 2.1 million Americans age 50 and older who have late age-related macular degeneration (AMD) that can lead to severe vision impairment.
Having in-home care can help your loved one avoid any potentially dangerous tasks they may have attempted to do themselves. Taking medicines, preparing food, and even personal hygiene all become that much more dangerous when one cannot see.
In-home care is also another way that your loved one can feel comfortable in their own home but not left alone to fend for themselves. Especially if you are unable to care for them, like many families are, in-home care provides ease of mind for both the family and your senior.
Hiring caregivers can be the best thing you can do for them, especially when you hire someone that is qualified and has all the necessary caregiver training certifications required by the state.
Help Your Loved One Stay Active with a Safe and Healthy Exercise Routine
When caring for a loved one as they age, it’s important to ensure that there is an exercise routine established. A body in motion will stay in motion. Those who are regularly active live longer due to increased mobility and a healthier body overall. If your loved one is still able, encourage going for walks or even simple weight lifting exercises. A healthy lifestyle includes being active, even as we age.
Final Thoughts on Caring for a Loved One as They Age
Caring for a loved one as they age is not an easy feat nor is growing old yourself. However, with love and care, the process can be a lot easier. Remember to focus on communicating and listening to what needs need to be done in order to find the most appropriate next steps. Offering help when one doesn’t want it can be an uncomfortable situation, so be sure to listen and respond with understanding.