Top Five Tips For The Care Of Older Adults
Top Five Tips For The Care Of Older Adults
When it comes to caring for older adults, there are many things to take into consideration. As your loved one ages, the children will be the first ones to attempt to care for their aging parents. As a first time caregiver, there are probably many things you didn’t know to even think about. Finding a professional in-home caregiver will relieve a lot of stress and ensure that your loved one is properly taken care of. In this blog, we will discuss the most important tips for caring for the elderly, so that you are prepared for what’s to come when caring for an older adult.
Keep Care At Home If Possible
Finding a care provider who will provide care to your loved one outside the hospital/assisted living setting and in the home is key to an older adult's overall happiness. There are many different providers who will come to the home including: nonmedical caregivers, CNA/HHA’s, physical therapists and nurses.
There is a difference between elderly needs and wants, though, and it is important that they are both met. So, how do you take care of an elderly adult at home? Most older adults need assistance with ADL’s such as dressing, bathing, light housekeeping, meal prep, and meal reminders. Take a look at our checklist PDF to see what your loved one needs assistance with on a daily basis.
Let Them Make Their Own Decisions
It is important to make care regimens person centered. Encourage your loved one to make their own decisions about the type of care they receive. This also expands into letting the aging adult do as many of their ADL’s alone as possible. You can guide them and be there for them when they need it, but let them keep their independence for as long as they can. When you make the care regimens patient centered, this will bring feelings of comfort to your loved one.
Look Into Insurance Options
As obvious as it may be, make sure you explore all your insurance options before paying for home care or nursing care. Oftentimes home care services accept Veterans Assistance, Medicaid Waiver, and Long Term Care Insurance. Here at SHC, we recently started accepting clients with Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield. So, don’t over complicate paying for home care. You often have many more options than you think. Make sure as you are investigating each insurance option, you read over all the details and find a professional to help you during this process.
Practice Mindful Communication
Don’t be afraid to have that tough conversation with your loved one. It is important to talk about end of life care and what their wishes are. Make sure you use your resources and tools online to help you through this process. Research different home care options beforehand and have a few different options that you can recommend to your loved one. A great resource into this conversation would be talking to a member of the care management team. This individual has likely helped hundreds of families through conversations like these. At Senior Home Companions we have a handful of care managers ready to answer any questions you may have.
Take Care Of You
I am sure you have heard the saying “put your own oxygen mask on before tending to others.” You simply can’t take care of anyone if you don’t take care of yourself first. Finding ways to nourish mind, body and spirit is important when you are working the role as a caregiver. Sure, a massage is great, but that isn't always going to do the trick. Here are five self care tips for caregivers:
- Practice simple breath awareness for 10 minutes a day.
- Try yoga or meditation.
- Make eating well and quality sleep a priority.
- Practice self- compassion.
- Remain socially connected, and find a local caregiver support group.
How Senior Home Companions Can help
At SHC we have a team full of dedicated individuals who have clients and caregivers in their best interest. Our team of skilled care managers can help navigate the home care process and assess your loved one’s needs. Our team of client coordinators work directly with the caregivers to pair them with the appropriate client. We offer numerous services to emotionally support our caregivers and family members caring for an elderly adult. We also have an encouragement team that supports caregivers’ and family members’ spiritual needs. To inquire about our services and support groups, contact us here or call (317) 251-0441 today.