Caring for an elderly loved one can represent a difficult journey. It’s a complicated affair comprising many different emotions. If your relative has become less independent, you may be worried about your future and what role you’ll play as you consider how you might best support them.
Every situation is uniquely different, and if you’ve never done this before, it can certainly be a bit of a minefield. In this short article, you’ll learn a few tips for how to support an elderly relative who’s going through some changes, and what sort of things allow them to live happily.
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Maintain an Open Dialogue
When your loved one is going through changes, it’s easy for the relationship between the two of you to become a little strained. Sons and daughters can get frustrated with their parents as they feel they’re not listening to them, yet ironically, the parents are upset because they feel no one is hearing them.
To prevent these sorts of situations, it’s important to maintain an open dialogue. This means, in essence, being honest and upfront with each other, both of you with an aim of overcoming challenges rather than blaming the other person. If your loved one feels they’re being listened to, they’ll be much more receptive to whatever it is you have to say or suggest.
Modify the Home
It’s highly likely that your loved one would benefit from some home modifications to make their life easier.
Exactly what sort of form this takes will be different for each individual, but changes usually revolve around enhancing mobility. As such, it might be that you install a stair lift, or simply a basic hand rail in the toilet might be all that they need.
An occupational therapist can help you work through the logistics: they’ll assess the home and the sorts of challenges your loved one faces, and work to come up with a solution that gives them a hand while not taking away their independence entirely. They’ll also be able to help with identifying any hazards that are present and offer advice on how to mitigate them.
Consider Long-Term Care Options
While you might want to avoid thinking this far ahead, it’s much easier in the long run to consider what permanent care options are available.
This often carries a negative connotation for an elderly person and their relatives, but a modern private residential care home is likely nothing like you imagine. These are places where socialising and discovering hobbies are prioritised; the aim is to enrich, not stifle.
There are likely several different options in your area, and it’s worth paying them a visit now and broaching the topic with your loved ones sensibly so none of this is a shock.
Wrapping Up
Above all else, it’s important to remember to treat your loved one with kindness and compassion, even in the times you feel irritated with them. Cherish the time you have with them, both the good and the bad. Do this, and you’ll be halfway there. Good luck!