If you’re looking after an elderly or dependent person, you know that sometimes it can be quite complicated. In fact, depending on each person’s circumstances, different care and attention are needed. Here are seven tips to keep in mind if you are taking care of older people at home.
In Aecetia, we work taking care of elderly and dependent people. And, as experts in the sector, we know that it is not an easy situation. To help you improve their quality of life and also yours, we share with you some tips that you should take into account.
Adapt the house to your needs
Over the years, our senses are diminished and mobility becomes more and more difficult. As a result, older people often have difficulty walking and are more prone to falls.
To make their day-to-day life easier, it is advisable to adapt the house or the place where you live to their needs, trying not to have any obstacles that hinder their mobility and placing objects and furniture in a way that makes their routines easier and safer.
You should avoid cables or furniture that you might trip over when walking. In addition, in the bathroom, where most accidents take place, it is convenient to place handles and non-slip adhesives in the shower so that it does not slip.
Establish a daily routine
Over the years, older people are becoming more routine and are often more affected by changes in their habits. So it is good to establish a daily routine with the basics of everyday life.
Set the times for waking up, eating, bathing, going to bed and also for free time. In this way, although every day there are different activities, a schedule will be followed and this will make our elders feel more comfortable.
Plan your days in advance
Even though a schedule has been established for day-to-day routines, there are always activities or tasks that are occasional, like going to the doctor, getting a visit or simply starting a new activity.
Therefore, it is important to plan the days in advance. In this way, you can talk about it with the person in charge, making them aware of it and making sure they don’t feel dazed at that moment.
Have control over their medicines
The elderly arethe population group that consumes the most medicines and the most susceptible to adverse reactions, produced by the diseases and polypharmacy that the elderly often present.
Therefore, it is important that you have full control over your medicines. What medicines are they taking, its possible adverse effects and the dose and time of taking them. Keep a record of all the medical recommendations in a notebook so that you can refer to it if in doubt.
In addition, it is advisable to have medication available for at least the next two weeks, thus avoiding possible last-minute inconveniences.
A balanced diet is needed
Eating a healthy diet is a habit that should apply to everyone, regardless of age. But it is true that it becomes even more important in advanced ages.
This is because the food needs of older people are changing. The metabolism slows down and therefore less energy is required than before. It is also common to reject certain foods.
To ensure the good health of our elderly, it is important that they follow a healthy, balanced diet that is specially adapted to their needs. In general, light and low-salt foods are recommended.
In our post: healthy eating tips for older people we tell you the keys to prepare the meals of the person you care for following a diet adapted to their needs.
Establish a physical exercise routine
Older people tend to become less mobile, which makes them feel more insecure about themselves. This is where physical exercise plays a vital role.
Just as you need to set menus that are tailored to your needs, so do your exercise routines. In this way, the older person will feel more agile, more energetic on a daily basis and confident with their own body.
Take care of yourself
As a caregiver, it is important that you also take care of yourself, both physically and mentally so that you can properly take care of the person in your care.
Follow a balanced diet and try to exercise regularly to stay active. Make sure you get enough sleep to be rested, so you can perform the next day’s activities.
It is also important that you have a contact person who specialises in the care of older people in case you need help.
Tips to take into account in the current situation
On the other hand, regarding the current situation, you must bear in mind that if your dependant doesn’t feel well, he or she must keep taking the medicines prescribed by the doctor beforehand in the usual way.
In addition, if he or she suffers from diseases such as: diabetes, hypertension, heart or lung problems, if she or he has any symptoms such as cough, fever or difficulty in breathing, you should seek medical attention immediately.
Finally, if you need medical help, try to avoid going to the hospital or health centre. If possible, it is preferable to request medical attention at home, or to make an appointment by phone.
So far, the main tips to keep in mind if you are caring for older people at home. We hope now you have some guidance and help you to improve the quality of life of your loved one.
But before we finish, we want to remind you that we are here to help you. Don’t hesitate to count on our home service for elderly and dependent people whenever you need it. Whether it is punctually or periodically.
Our professionals specialised in the care of dependent people will make sure that your elderly are completely cared for and comfortable in their own home, adapting to their routines and lifestyles, we are just a click away from you!
