When you have elderly relatives, you may start to feel that life for the is getting tougher and tougher. There are many biological process that occur as a result of old age that can make every day tasks really hard and difficult to manage. Things like being able to dress oneself, or cook safely are things we take for granted. These things can become very tricky to do as our bodies age and weaken. Medical conditions can also cause our lives to become much more difficult.
Elderly relatives may become very dependent on others to help them perform daily tasks. When it comes to personal care, many of us will be more comfortable with a stranger who is paid to help. It takes the burden off family but also helps to retain some of the dignity that old age seems to rob from us. You may feel that a move to senior housing could be in their best interests. This will bring care as well as a larger community of people of a similar age. Loneliness for the elderly is a very real problem and can be damaging both emotionally and physically.
Sometimes care or treatment is more urgently required. If your elderly relative has gone off food or drink, they can become very ill very quickly. This may be due to dysphagia or a swallowing disorder associated with age or another medical condition like Alzheimer’s. You will need to source some nutrition drinks for the elderly to help keep them well. You may also want to seek help from a specialist in swallowing to provide physical therapy and support with this condition.
If your elderly relative chooses to stay in their own home, it could be necessary to help them facilitate a complete lifestyle change. This is so that life can be as independent and safe as possible. Mobility may be reduced, and memory may be impaired. Conditions like dementia can be difficult to live with alone because of the reduced ability to remember what you have just done or what you were going to do. If your elderly relative is incontinent, this can also be incredibly problematic if you are living alone. Loneliness and isolation are both common problems for elderly people. Even if you don’t take on their personal care yourself, a friendly face a few times a week makes the world of difference.
Fortunately, there is lots of specialist care available that can come to your relative’s own home. This ensures there is a support network in place to look after your relative. Problems can be reported so your relative’s wellbeing can be continually assessed and monitored. Most importantly, the burden and worry of caring for your elderly relative alone is lifted, meaning you can both enjoy each other’s company to the max. Old age is inevitable, but it needn’t be lonely, undignified or frightening. There are plenty of options open to you. Sit down and discuss them all with your relative to decide what works best for you all.
