How to Keep Your Aging Loved One Safe, Healthy & Happy

Watching loved ones grow old can be challenging.  The people who taught us everything we know, from how to play catch to how to save money and raise our own kids now need us more than ever as everyday tasks challenge them, memories fade, and health declines cause concern. Yet, our loved ones often want more than anything to remain independent as they age. Luckily, the tips below allow you to respect their wishes to remain independent and carefree while making their lives smoother and easier. We encourage you to incorporate these tips to boost your loved ones mental health, build better bonds, and give you peace of mind surrounding their well-being.

Give Loved Ones a Safe Space

Aging adults may require small changes in their homes to keep the space safe. First and most importantly, maintain a clutter-free space. It’s the perfect time to sort through boxes and totes and discard or give away items that aren’t used.

Consider simple home modifications as well, such as:

● Stairlifts

● Grab bars in the bathroom

● Non-slip bath rugs/mats

● Walk-in bath/shower in the bathroom

● Seats and benches for use in tub/shower

● Motion-detection lighting

● Remove rugs that can cause slip-and-fall accidents

Embrace Technology

Many older people shy away from user-friendly technology like smartphones, apps, social media, and video calls. Their reasons for avoiding technology include fear and inadequate knowledge about using the various products to help them connect with friends and family, socialize, and find fun ways to fill their free time. 

Show your loved ones how they can use various technology products, how to stay safe, and the features offered, and perhaps provide a few fun tutorial sessions to get them started. By helping your loved ones embrace technology, you can help relieve some of their tension and fear while encouraging them to embrace beneficial technology.

Consider In-Home Caregiver Service

Home is where the heart is and no one understands that more than an elderly person who has called a house their home for decades. Aging adults want to stay in their homes, and thanks to caregivers and home health aide services like those available at amazinghomecare.com,  people of all ages can maintain their independence in the comfort of their homes, with a bit of a helping hand.

We all could use a helping hand now and again, and that’s exactly what caregivers offer. Non-medical services available include:

● Light housekeeping

● Meal preparation

● Running errands

● Medication reminders

● Hygiene/grooming

● Companionship

Choose the services your loved one needs, the days and hours for services, and enjoy the peace of mind you gain knowing that your loved one is at home where they want to be with support when needed.

Encourage a Social Life

Aging adults often find a quiet evening at home the most enjoyable and relaxing way to spend their days. Such a lifestyle, however, can adversely impact their mental health and social well-being and may lead to depression, loneliness, and loss of interest in their favorite activities. 

Encourage your loved ones to enjoy an active social life that includes time with friends and family doing things that make them smile. Help them find activities in the community that may interest them, such as social events, or local clubs. You can even arrange coffee dates with their friends, set up family game nights, and take other steps to help them maintain social activity.

Encourage a Healthy Lifestyle

As children, our parents ensured we ate our vegetables, brushed our teeth, exercised and played, and were in bed in time to get a good night’s rest. Now, it is your turn to promote a healthy lifestyle to your parents or aging loved ones. 

A recent study determined that 16% of aging adults over 65 consume fewer than 1,000 calories per day.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say that women need a minimum of 1,600 calories per day to stay healthy.

Take time to check in on your aging loved ones and their routines. Are they eating healthy, well-balanced meals?  Your loved one may forget to eat, don’t feel like preparing food, or avoid the kitchen for other reasons that can negatively impact their weight, health, and overall well-being. Intervening can nip this in the bud before it becomes a problem.

Do they exercise regularly? You want your loved one to move around and exercise to prevent arthritic conditions and other aches and pains that can occur with an immobile life.  Does your loved one sleep well at night? Many aging adults find sleeping harder due to aches and pains, health conditions, and other concerns. 

A few ways to get involved:

● Cook meals with your loved ones. This is a great bonding experience and ensures their menu includes healthy, nutritious food items.

● Set up a ‘mini-gym’ at their home, including a few pieces of exercise equipment. Visit a couple of times per week and exercise with them.

● Discuss sleep habits and patterns, and help them address any problems they experience.

Show Your Loved Ones Love

Spend time with your aging loved ones. We can tell a person we love them all day, but do our actions stand behind our words? Be present in their lives and make time for them. Ask about their day, ask how they are doing, and listen to their stories. Express genuine interest in them and their well-being. When we know people truly care about and love us, life is much easier since we gain a sense of belonging. You can certainly uplift the spirits of your aging loved one simply by being genuine and present in their life.

Take Care of The People You Love

Aging is part of life. Ensure it’s an enjoyable part of life for the people who matter most to you using the tips above. A little effort goes a long way and can make a tremendous difference in the overall well-being of your loved ones life.