As people get older, they tend to need a little more support, but it isn’t always easy to ask for the help they need. By knowing how to help loved ones, you can provide assistance without overstepping any boundaries and ensure that family members have the best possible support in place. With this in mind, take a look at these three ways to care for relatives as they get older:
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1. Daily Visits
If your loved one wants to retain their independence and generally copes well without assistance, then daily visits may be an effective way to provide them some support. From dropping some groceries in to assisting them with self-care, there are many ways that daily visits can offer practical and emotional support. If you can’t commit to visiting a family member on a daily basis, then relying on certified nurses or home caregivers can be a fantastic solution that works for everyone.
2. Residential Communities
Living alone can be a challenge as you get older, which is why many people choose to move into senior living residential communities. With extra support, enhanced security, a network of friends and a full agenda of activities, this type of environment can be ideal for people who require additional support.
Furthermore, many residential communities offer specialist assistance for specific health issues. A highly rated memory care facility, like Belmont Village Senior Living,can provide a safe and stimulating environment for people with all types of memory issues, for example. With the right support in place and input from certified professionals, symptoms can be managed, and residents can enjoy full and enriching lives.
3. Sharing Your Home
When it becomes apparent that a loved one needs more support, offering to share your home may seem like a natural response. However, caring for someone on a full-time basis can be extremely challenging, so you will need to consider whether this is something you can commit to on a long-term basis. If your family member requires around-the-clock care, for example, this may mean giving up your job or foregoing activities so that you are present at all times. For many people, the realities of providing at-home care means that it isn’t a viable long-term solution but, if you have the time and space, sharing your home with older relatives could be an arrangement that suits your family.
Knowing When to Help
Although an older relative may require support, it’s not unusual for people to refuse any type of assistance. When this happens, it can be challenging to persuade them to accept help, particularly if it means making major changes to their lifestyle. However, a calm and patient approach can help to smooth the process and allow older relatives to retain as much independence as possible. With input from physicians, nurses, and professional caregivers, you can establish how much support is required and find an optimal solution for your relatives, yourself and your family as a whole.
