Helping older people to stay in their own homes
Collaborative Post
It can be difficult to see our older loved ones struggle, especially when they are adamant about living on their own. However, there are many things we can do as families to help ageing relatives live independently in their homes for as long as possible. In this article, we will outline some tips and tricks that have proven successful for other families in similar situations. With a bit of organisation and cooperation from everyone involved, your loved ones can safely and comfortably age in place.
Their Wishes and Concerns
The first step is to have a conversation with your elderly loved ones about their wishes for the future. It can be difficult to broach this topic, but it’s important to know what they are thinking and feeling. Do they want to stay in their own home? Are they worried about being a burden on the family? What are their concerns? Once you know their thoughts and feelings, you can start making plans accordingly. If they do want to stay in their own home, find out what kind of assistance they will need? Will they need help with groceries or transport? Do they need someone to check in on them regularly? Knowing what type of help they need will make it easier to put a plan in place. Once you have an idea of what your loved ones want and need, you can start making plans to help them age in place.
Make a Plan
Now that you know what your loved ones need, it’s time to make a plan. If they need help with groceries or transport, talk to other family members or friends to see who can pitch in. Maybe someone can do the grocery shopping once a week or drive them to appointments when needed. It’s essential to involve as many people as possible so that no one feels like they are shouldering all the responsibility. If they need someone to check in on them regularly, decide how often you will check-in and who will do it. You might want to set up a schedule where different family members check in on different days of the week. Or maybe someone can stop by every day for a quick chat. However you decide to do it, make sure everyone is on the same page. Once you have a plan in place, be sure to communicate it with all involved parties. Everyone should know their role and what to do if something changes. Bear in mind that you may need to bring in outside help, and there are many options available, both nationally and locally such as elderly home care in North Hertfordshire.
Devices and Apps That Can Help
There are several devices that can help elderly loved ones live independently in their homes. For example, GPS trackers can now be worn as a bracelet or pendant. So if your loved one starts to wander, you can see where they are and go get them. Medical alert systems also allow them to press a button if they need help. These systems usually have a base station that is kept in the home and a mobile device that goes with the person when they leave the house. Even personal alarms for elderly people, which can be worn around the neck or carried in a pocket, can provide some peace of mind. There are also many apps available that can help with things like grocery shopping and transport. There are even some that will send reminders for taking medication or appointments. Using some of these devices and apps can help your loved ones live independently while still keeping an eye on them.
Ageing can be a difficult time for both the elderly and their families. But by having a plan in place and using some of the latest technology, you can help your loved one age in their own home safely and comfortably. So don’t wait, get started today!
Photo by Georg Arthur Pflueger on Unsplash
