Many seniors prefer to age in place, but their health often decreases with age, making it difficult to perform normal duties without assistance. You should encourage your elderly loved one to remain independent and find ways to help him or her without overstepping boundaries. Here are some of the things you can do to effectively provide care for your loved one without sacrificing his or her independence.
Value Your Loved One’s Opinions
When planning your loved one’s weekly meals, exercise routines, and social activities, make sure he or she is a part of the planning process. Keeping your loved one involved gives him or her some control, even if you’re making the important decisions. Instead of simply handing out the week’s menu, ask which foods your loved one would like to eat. When your loved one voices an opinion about social activities, don’t ignore him or her. Take his or her wishes into consideration and develop a schedule that includes safe yet fun activities.
Many older adults are choosing to age in place, and some need a helping hand to continue living at home safely and comfortably. Luckily, there is professional in-home care seniors can trust and rely on.
Hire a Professional Caregiver
Sometimes seniors prefer having professional caregivers help with their daily activities instead of relying on help from family members. Older adults see this as a way to maintain their dignity in front of their children, grandchildren, and other individuals. Hiring an in-home caregiver on an as-needed basis ensures your loved one’s safety isn’t compromised. You can check in with the caregiver each day to get a report on how your loved one is responding to care. You’ll still have the ability to make decisions regarding your loved one’s care without intruding.
When considering home care service, Barrie, ON, families should make sure their senior loved ones have the resources they need to maintain their independence and remain healthy. Trusted in-home care professionals can assist seniors with daily tasks like cooking, bathing, and exercise, and they can also encourage them to focus on healthier lifestyle habits.
Respect Boundaries
Don’t walk into your loved one’s room without knocking. Give him or her time to answer the door or speak out before you enter the room. Always make your presence known when approaching your loved one in other rooms of the home. You can watch over your loved one and keep him or her safe while respecting privacy and setting boundaries. When your loved one is going to the restroom or taking a bath, encourage him or her to hold on to grab bars, and urge him or her to be careful when walking from room to room. It’s a good idea to occasionally call out your loved one’s name in case he or she needs your assistance.
Provide Personal Space
Don’tonfine your parent to one room in the home. Instead, designate personal areas of the home he or she can visit without being interrupted by others. Your loved one can use the personal areas to do activities he or she enjoys, such as exercising, reading, painting, or just relaxing. Having personal space provides the respect and dignity your loved one deserves, and it gives you the opportunity to watch out for his or her physical and mental wellbeing without intruding.
Some seniors only require help with a few daily tasks so they can maintain their independence. However, those living with serious illnesses may need more extensive assistance. Luckily, there is professional live-in care Barrie, ON, seniors can rely on. Home can be a safer and more comfortable place for your loved one to live with the help of an expertly trained and dedicated live-in caregiver. Home Care Assistance can be your trusted partner when your loved one needs help with the challenges of aging. Call us today at 647-970-3803 to learn about our high-quality in-home care services.