Caring for an elderly loved one can be a challenging task. It's important to stay informed, consider their happiness and comfort, and use as many support resources as possible. To ensure your elderly parent is safe, happy, and cared for, there are several considerations to keep in mind. First, it's important to check your home for any issues that need to be addressed.
This includes assessing the overall cleanliness of the house, checking for broken items that need to be repaired, and routinely checking the food supply, dirty clothes, mail, and plants. Additionally, you may want to look into day care for adults outside the home if your loved one needs help taking care of themselves. Exercise is also essential when caring for older adults. Not only does it keep them healthy, but it can also reduce the risk of falls.
It's also important to keep up with the latest innovations in elderly care and best practices in long-term care. When it comes to preparing for the future, you may want to look into Medicaid and Medicare options. Medicaid pays for care for 7 out of 10 nursing home residents, but Medicare generally doesn't pay for nursing home care. You may also need to make adjustments to the home if your elderly parent wishes to stay independent at home.
Finally, it's important to remember that people who care for older loved ones have been found to have higher rates of stress, anxiety, and depression. To ensure your own well-being while caring for an elderly loved one, it's important to take advantage of support resources and ask for help when needed.