Elderly people often need a lot of support from their families and friends
Many elderly people like being independent and self-sufficient which gives them a sense of independence and shows their loved ones that they are still in control
However, they still need care and attention. Below are five tips to help your elderly loved one live an easier life.
Engage them in activities
Engage them in activitiesAs your loved one ages, it becomes harder for them people to engage in social events and hobbies that they love. This can be due to their lack of ability and strength to function as they did when they were younger. However, this does not mean that their social lives have to come to as a stop.
Try and find ways in which your loved one can actively participate in their past hobbies such as playing chess and taking walks among other things.
You can also enroll them in groups that participate in activities such as crafts or trips to keep them occupied. By engaging them in these activities you will be keeping their brains and body active enabling them to be fit both mentally and physically.
I recently found out that almost 10% of the World’s population is considered to be elderly, which I thought was a large figure. That’s people who are over 65 years old.
In many countries, the population is ageing. Meaning that people are living longer and the average age of the population is getting older.
As that continues, I believe that gardening and home related businesses will see a rise in spending. But this also means we will see an increase in businesses that cater for helping the elderly.
One of the biggest risks for the elderly is falling, as it can cause life-long damage which is hard for them to recover from.
So, have a think about the best ways to help your loved ones stay safe and injury free.
Keep them active and safe
If your elderly loved one is still living alone try installing a walk in shower instead of having a bathtub. A walk-in shower is more convenient and accessible, providing good exercise.
Place a handrail for support. Find the best walk in shower options for the elderly with key features for support.
Falls are also common in elderly people. It’s hard for an elderly person to get back up, especially after a fall. Ensure that you lay floor rugs that are smooth to avoid tripping. Put away any items that might result in a fall which could injure an elderly person.
A small amount of exercise is recommended for all people, both young and old. Unfortunately, as some people age they feel that they should not continue with some tasks around the home, such as vacuuming and gardening.
They may decide to get a cleaner and gardener in. However, if the person is capable of doing these tasks still it is well worth continuing to do them. Garden work and household chores are a great form of activity.
If you’re worried, you could get them a lightweight cordless electric vacuum and cordless electric hedge cutter.
Keep them connected to other people
Leaving elderly persons alone can lead to depression, which might cause their health to deteriorate faster than would normally be expected.
Find a way to entertain your elderly loved one to keep them happy. You can find another elderly person who can keep them busy chatting or just spend time with them. This way you will be reducing isolation which makes them feel as if you no longer care for them.
Visit often
Whether you’ve opted for home care or have decided to take your elderly one to a home for the old, frequently visit them to know how they are doing.
The elderly also need to feel loved in order to boost their health. If possible, try living somewhere close to where they live and keep checking up on them.
Get them assistance
Although many elderly people prefer living alone, even in their old age, sometimes it is not advisable to leave them all alone with no assistance. Hire a caregiver that will come in every now and then to check up on your elderly loved one, help them cook and conduct chores such as house cleaning.
If you find an elderly home would be better for them, find one with the right care and amenities.
Sometimes living alone can be difficult, especially if they suffer from certain medical conditions. They are likely to feel scared and need all the help and support that they can get to make life easier. Provide the best support you can.
If your loved one is living alone and needs a little extra help with the gardening, look at getting them cordless electric lawn mower. These are lightweight and still do a great job so there is less chance of them injuring themselves.
