Providing home care is often a fulfilling task. However, given that you do not have any caregiving experience, you are prone to making mistakes that could affect your loved one's health or make them uncomfortable. However, several interventions can help improve the success of home care services. Continue reading to find out what they are.
Make the Home Senior Friendly
Your loved one could develop mobility issues due to aging or illness. In this case, they could be bound to a wheelchair or mobility scooter. However, most homes are not designed to accommodate wheelchair users. Therefore, you should consider minor renovations to make the property accessible and functional for your loved one. For instance, you could declutter common areas such as the living room, kitchen, and dining area to ensure wide isles. If you live in a storey property, an elevator will help your loved one access the upper floors. Lowering shelves and working areas will also guarantee the independence of your loved one.
Prioritise on Communication
A mistake made by family caregivers is making assumptions regarding the welfare of their loved ones. For instance, they could assume that they enjoy certain foods or activities. On the other hand, the senior might fail to speak out since they feel that the caregiver could feel disappointed since they work hard to ensure their comfort. The easiest way to overcome this is to create a culture of communication. Start by asking your loved ones about their needs and preferences. Moreover, always engage them when making significant decisions. If you disagree with their vision, make justifications to prove your point instead of bulldozing your way.
Keep an Eye on the Senior's Health
Some diseases such as arthritis, diabetes, or Alzheimer's begin to creep in as one gets old. As such, keep an eye on your loved one's health to prevent these diseases and identify them at an early stage. Typically, you should consult a senior health professional to establish dietary and lifestyle choices that can promote the health of your loved one. Further, consider regular medical checks to ensure early response to any medical condition.
Know When to Seek Professional Services
As a home caregiver, you may not have the expertise required to deal with the complex health needs of your loved one. For instance, an illness could incapacitate them, making them completely dependent on you. At this stage, consider seeking professional caregiving services if the caregiving tasks become overwhelming. For instance, you could hire a caregiver or transfer your loved one to an assisted living facility or nursing home.
Share6 June 2022
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