5 Ways to Look After add Your Elderly Relatives

Getting older is an inevitable part of life, and sadly, sometimes that can mean loss. Whether it’s losing loved ones or your ability to do certain things independently, transitioning into the later years of your life can be tough. This is why it’s essential to make sure your elderly relatives are looked after, and that they know you still care and want the best for them. This doesn’t mean you have to move them in with you (unless you want to do that), but simply making sure you’re setting aside time to give them some attention. Here are 5 ways you can help look after them.

5 Ways to Look After Your Elderly Relatives
[ image: pexels.com by magda ehlers ]

1. Visit

For many elderly people, loneliness is a big problem. If their partner is deceased or they’re don’t have a living companion anymore, their house can feel very empty, especially if they have spent the majority of their life living with at least one other person. 

This is why it is so essential that you make sure you visit them regularly and keep in touch. Although everyday life can be busy and time can slip away, try to call them at least once a week and visit as often as you can. Don’t let them feel abandoned or forgotten about – you have no idea how much this effort will mean to them.

2. Shop for Them

If you live close by to your elderly relative and have the time, offer to do a weekly shop for them. Not only is this a great way to see them regularly, but if they can’t drive or struggle to get out to the shops, it’s essential to know that they are eating properly and getting the provisions they need. You can take them with you if they’d prefer, or they can provide you with a list of things to get.

3. Care and Support

It might come to a point when you need to arrange for some professional care for your elderly relative. This could mean moving them to an assisted living facility or other care homes or organizing for a nurse/carer to visit them in their homes. 
A
You must discuss this with them first and come to an arrangement that is suitable for the type of care they need, but also something that they’re comfortable with. You can find more information about assisted living and other care facilities at Caring Advisor.

4. Encourage Socializing

Socializing is an essential aspect of life and good for anybody’s well-being and mental health. If your relative has a hobby they enjoy, see if there are any local groups or a club that they can join that involves those activities. Even if they attend a weekly coffee morning at a local community center, this is a brilliant way for them to get out of the house and make new friends.

5. Keep them Moving

Finally, exercise is essential for everyone’s health! Even if your elderly relative has limited mobility, encouraging them to do some gentle exercise is a great way to keep them in good health. Take them out for walks, a swim, or other physical activity they can manage and enjoy.

These are 5 simple ways you can make a big difference to your elderly relative’s daily routine and provide them with the basic care that they need.