Supporting Elderly Relatives

Imagine waking up one day and finding yourself unable to carry out the most basic of every day tasks. From making a cup of tea to showering. Sadly, this is the reality many elderly people are facing. Care costs can be expensive and quite often the care provided can be sub-standard.

My mother-in-law is 94 years old. She’s been house bound for many years now. An unfortunate side effect of the covid-pandemic which left her too frightened to leave her home. After a recent stint in hospital, her day-to-day life has changed considerably.

Naturally, my husband and I want to do all we can to help her remain in her own home for as long as possible however, we’re sensible and realise that this may not be possible. One thing you can do to help is invest in personal alarms for the elderly. They can really help to give peace of mind to the person who is using it, but also for their family. This is one of the many reasons why we have also been doing some research into indendepent living facilities. Cabot park village is one such example. While it’s not home, it’s a good alternative. With this in mind, here are some tips about how you can support elderly relatives.

Transport

Many elderly people have regular doctor or hospital appointments. Getting them to their appointments can be tricky when you factor in work and childcare. That’s why a private ambulance service is a good option. This type of service is ideal for transporting elderly relatives to appointments safely. In addition, non-emergency ambulance service transport is available for a variety of reasons such as :

• Outpatient appointments
• Day care
• Planned admissions and discharges
• Inter-hospital transfers
• End of life transport

As mentioned above, my mother-in-law has recently been in hospital. My husband and I were prepared to drive her home upon being discharged. We’d loaded her wheelchair into our car ready but the hospital called offering to drive her home via their ambulance service which made our lives a lot easier.

Create an accessible home

In order to help our elderly relatives remain in their home as long as possible it’s important to create an accessible home. There are many different ways this can be done. From replacing baths and step-up showers with a wet room. Adding support rails for help getting in and out of the shower, as well as up and down from the toilet can be a big help. Railings down hallways are also a great option and ensuring your elderly relative has a suitable walking aid, such as a walking stick or frame, can provide additional stability. In some cases, making a home more accessible may not be enough, and additional support may be needed. Looking into caregiver agencies near me can help you find professional assistance, ensuring your loved one receives the right level of care while maintaining their independence at home. Experienced caregivers can provide help with daily tasks, medication management, and companionship, offering peace of mind to both the individual and their family. 

Remove hazards

Anything that can be considered a hazard should be removed. For example, rugs and doormats. If it can be tripped over, remove it. By doing so you can help to prevent falls in the home. This also goes for hard wood floor. Make sure they’re grippy. Slippy floors and elderly people do not mix well.Another potential hazard, as silly as it may sound, can be a cup of tea. From burning yourself on the kettle to dropping a hot mug of tea. One option here is to make up a flask of tea in the morning. You can get special flasks that you just push a button on the top and pour. Special sippy cups for the elderly are also a great choice for hot liquids as they have secure lids so if dropped, it can prevent any nasty burns.

Establish a Relaxing Night-time Routine

Getting enough rest is essential for maintaining both physical and mental well-being, especially as we age. A consistent bedtime routine can help signal to the body that it’s time to wind down, making it easier to fall and stay asleep. Encouraging elderly relatives to follow a calming routine—such as reading, listening to soothing music, or enjoying a warm drink—can improve sleep quality and overall health. Harnessing the transformative bedtime routine power can help create a sense of structure and relaxation, making nights more restful and days more energised. Small adjustments, like reducing screen time before bed or using soft lighting in the evening, can make a big difference in promoting better sleep.

Eating healthy

As we get older, eating healthy still remains important. Cooking however, can become a little more difficult. Thankfully there are lots of services available in the community for the elderly. You can get hot meals to delivered straight to your elderly relatives door. This takes out the hassle of cooking and offers the reassurance that your elderly relative is eating well.