The brain is an incredibly powerful organ that can adapt to routine changes and support new habits. This is done by creating new neural connections that are strengthened every time. As a result, the aging process can have unpredictable consequences on the brain. 

 

Taking care of older adults can be challenging because putting their health and wellbeing first is essential. Because there is a range of cognitive conditions that are more prevalent in elderly individuals or wheelchair bound patients,  careful consideration must be taken to get them the best possible care. This includes how well the older adult in your life can meet their basic needs and take care of themselves. 

 

Being unable to live independently can be a difficult issue, which is why several resources are available for helping older adults. This is a complete guide to caring for older adults and the approaches that should be taken when discussing the care and creating a plan of action. 

 

Whether you have an older relative living with you that is losing their ability to care for themselves and are in need of a walking aid, or if you are caring for an older adult in a retirement home, this is a complete guide that can help you provide the best possible care for an older adult. 

 

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Caring For Older Adults

In general, aging can be defined by the physical and mental changes which alter someone’s vitality, appearance, emotional well-being, and standard of life. Because of the complex range of issues that can happen when someone ages, careful consideration needs to be taken regarding how care can help them meet their physical and mental requirements. 

 

The aim of care for older adults is to achieve the best quality of life possible, and to make the elderly population more comfortable. Being aware of the diverse healthcare needs of older individuals is crucial when it comes to choosing the best option for an older person’s care. This can also make the process of getting the necessary care much easier in the long run. 

 

Consider planning and being aware of the options suitable for your older family members if possible. It is estimated that there will be more people aged 65 and older than anyone under the age of five by 2030, so it’s even more pressing to get them the best possible care that allows them to be treated with dignity and respect while meeting their basic needs. 

What Care Do They Need?

Cognitive degenerative conditions and certain diseases are more prevalent in older adults. This can impact their ability to care for themselves and maintain personal hygiene. Because of this, care providers and specialists need to have a well-rounded understanding of each condition and the impact each of these can have on someone’s everyday life. 

 

However, each condition is slightly different. This means that each person needs special attention and consideration to get the best possible care available. Here are some of the different ways in which older people may need help caring for themselves. 

 

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Dressing

Something that older adults can find challenging to come to terms with is if they struggle with dressing themselves, which might require a daily living aid. For many, this represents more than simply putting clothes on or changing their clothes. Needing assistance with dressing themselves can represent losing their independence and control over their appearance. 

 

Because of this, there is a great deal of care and attention needed when helping an older adult to dress. Some people like to be presented with outfit options, while others can attempt dressing themselves knowing that someone is there to help when they need it. 

 

Bathing And Showering

Another stage that many find difficult to acknowledge is when someone is no longer able to wash safely and is in need for bathroom safety equipment. Accommodations will need to be made because they must be maintaining correct hygiene. Keeping yourself clean is a critical part of someone’s routine. When they can no longer do this, it is time to intervene and ensure they are correctly cared for. 

 

For many people, admitting that they need help with this can be embarrassing. Because of this, it is important to handle the situation with compassion and understanding to get them the best possible care that is right for them. 

 

Nutrition

Likewise, being unable to maintain a good amount of nutrition can impact someone’s energy levels and ability to live independently. Consider the different options in terms of promoting a healthy diet and ensuring that the older adult is eating consistent meals. 

 

If an older adult can no longer take care of their own eating habits, and they cannot keep their bodies fueled, it could be a sign that it is time to consider getting additional support. 

 

Daily Activities 

Supporting daily activities is something that is prioritized by many retirement homes and communities. This ensures that older individuals can socialize, create their own routines, and interact with others who are experiencing similar challenges relating to aging. 

 

Everybody leads different lifestyles, but it could be time to intervene once they can no longer do the things they love. This includes physical activities, socializing, routine public transportation visits, and more. 

 

Hygiene

Both personal and toilet habits will need careful attention when addressing the needs of an older adult. Each person will have slightly different abilities in terms of mobility and monitoring the urge to use the bathroom. 

 

Bladder control can be more difficult when someone is experiencing cognitive impairment. Because of this, certain preparations need to be made by those who are caring for older adults. 

 

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Types Of Care

There are numerous types of care that can help older individuals in the best way. Because each person has different needs, it is worth being aware of each type of care. This can allow family members and caregivers to make the most informed decisions in terms of the most appropriate care. 

 

Family Provided In-Home Care

Taking care of your loved one or an older adult can make them feel at ease when they are able to stay in their homes. A caregiver can visit them as frequently as twice a day. This provides minimal disruption to their routine and allows them to feel more independent. 

 

In some cases, a relative or loved one will become the care provider. While others prefer to pay for a nurse or specialist to visit, it can be rewarding to provide the care of an older relative. There is financial support available for those that are giving full-time assistance, and it is worth seeking the necessary support available for at-home caregivers. 

 

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Independent Living

Retirement communities are another option for promoting social interactions with other older adults. Apartments that have been adapted to allow individuals to live as independently as possible are kept separate from the public and made exclusive to older individuals. 

 

Security and plenty of social opportunities are available within these communities. Consider independent living in this way if the older adult in question does not require medical attention or monitoring. 

 

Independent living is usually the most appropriate option for someone who does not require medical intervention. Unlike other options, this tends to have the most flexibility because a higher level of independence is required. Older adults can choose to live in a retirement community consisting of a block of apartments, a neighborhood, or even a house on their own. 

 

Whatever method of independent living is preferred, it is recommended that you communicate with the older adult you are caring for about the possible risks of each living arrangement. This should not be done to put them off, but more as a precautionary measure to make them more aware of the process. 

 

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Respite Stay

Another form of care that is typically provided to older adults is respite stay. This is used as temporary relief for those who need a short break. A respite stay can ensure that they look after themselves and that their mental health is being met. 

 

Organizing a respite stay can allow the older adult in your life to have their needs met, providing their care with peace of mind. While most respite care is organized beforehand to give a little break, some centers for respite care need to provide temporary homes for children or anyone in urgent need of assistance. 

 

Palliative Care

This is assistance provided to individuals who have been diagnosed with a serious illness or disease that is not currently life-threatening. Palliative care uses holistic methods and is not seen as a replacement for traditional medicines. Still, it can help ease pain and make life easier for an older adult and their family. 

 

Certain conditions like AIDS, kidney disease, and cancer that can slowly deteriorate someone’s health are seen in palliative care units. These centers aim to make the pain and other symptoms of someone’s condition easier. In turn, this can improve someone’s quality of life and make it easier for them to enjoy their lives as much as possible. 

 

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Hospice Care

Palliative care is usually integrated into hospice care. This is because hospices are centers for people who have been informed that their condition will get worse, and that they do not have much time left. The attention falls on doctors, nurses, and specialists to ease pain and make the process easier. 

 

Typically, people who are in hospice care can live at home with specialists visiting them frequently. However, there are hospice centers that people can stay in when they have been given six months or less to live. 

 

Hospice care can be done compassionately so that family members and loved ones are able to prepare themselves. They also ensure that any discomfort or pain is reduced to make the process easier. Hospices will also work with the patient in order to make appropriate end of life plans if they are willing to talk about that. 

 

Assisted Living

This is one of the most popular forms of living among older people who are more independent but need assistance with certain activities. Similar to independent living, assisted living allows people the flexibility to live independently while accessing help when they need it. 

 

Staff can be accessed within assisted living by pressing a button within an apartment. Most forms of assisted living are within apartment complexes that allow residents to interact with each other, participate in activities, and more. 

 

For many, knowing that they can access help when they need it can be reassuring. This allows them to rest easy knowing that their healthcare needs are being met with high quality assisted living community. 

 

Assisted living can be seen as a compromise between independent living and nursing homes. This is due to the level of care that can be accessed and the freedom that has still been provided. Not only that, but being able to interact with others who are in a similar situation can play a huge role in preventing social isolation. 

 

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Nursing Homes

Many people are familiar with nursing homes because they tend to be the traditional option to ensure that older adults are being cared for and that their basic needs are being met. They provide long-term accommodation and care for individuals with degenerative conditions or anything impacting their independence. 

 

Medical attention is provided, and individuals can choose from private or public nursing homes. Make sure you read the reviews and additional information regarding certain institutions because some nursing homes have a much better reputation than others. 

10 Tips For Caring For Older Adults

If you have an older adult in your life who you are concerned about, or if you want to make sure that a loved one is getting the best possible care, then it is worth considering the following tips. Likewise, these should be used when caregivers work in any care institution. 

 

Talk To The Older Adult And Ask What Type Of Care They Would Prefer

Communication is crucial. You should always ensure that you are speaking with the older adult whose care you are trying to figure out. Include them in the conversation so they can voice any concerns or questions they may have. Ultimately, it is worth reminding them that you have their best interest at heart and that you are trying to figure out the best way that you can care for them. 

 

Simple things like being open about the requirements of the older adult in terms of regular care without adding any judgment can allow them to feel highly valued in the planning. However, certain conditions will need to be addressed if the person is aware enough to understand what is happening. 

 

Consider giving them a choice, even if it is a small one. For example, if you are limited to the type of care facility you can take them to, then you could ask them if they want their room to be on the first floor or higher up. This depends on the building and the amount of options available. Still, you could also show them the types of activities that they can do within a particular facility and talk about the visiting options. 

 

Educate Yourself

As well as telling the older adult about the options in terms of care, it is worth looking into the different conditions they could be diagnosed with. This can give you a better idea of the symptoms that can be expected and the types of treatment options available which can reduce pain and make the condition easier to manage. 

 

By educating yourself, you can think realistically about the care that should be provided to the older adult in question. They may become less independent rapidly, which is why careful consideration needs to be made to prevent significant damage or pain from potential accidents. 

 

Check Your Insurance Options

It is also essential to consider your insurance options. There are several policies in place to protect your older relative that can entitle them to the healthcare that they need. Consider the different types of requirements they have, and compare the policies they are paying for. 

 

Likewise, it is worth getting insurance to protect yourself. This can include getting the right healthcare insurance that allows you to take regular breaks while caring for an older adult. Other options include safeguarding your finances and getting access to a union if you work as somebody’s full-time caregiver. 

 

By comparing different insurance options, you can check that everybody is getting the necessary healthcare. Older adults are more vulnerable to fraud and having their money taken from bank accounts. Because of this, they must be protected with the right insurance policy while assessing their primary care needs. 

 

Communication Is Key

As we’ve covered before, communication is essential in caring for an older adult. Make sure you are regularly informing them of your daily schedule and anything that you are doing to the older adult. 

 

You may even find it useful to commentate what you are doing as you are doing it. This means saying that you are coming into their room and getting them ready for the day. Another approach to promoting positive communication is to tell the older adult that you are caring for the things you need to do. 

 

Some processes can be slightly invasive, especially if the individual is unprepared. This can make them feel uncomfortable and embarrassed, which could be avoided by discussing which order they would like to do things in—for example, giving them the choice of getting dressed or having breakfast first. 

 

Simple decisions such as the ones above are a great way to communicate with them and make sure that the older adult you are caring for is aware of what you need them to do. For example, this can make it much easier to wash and dress them when required. 

 

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Create A Safe Environment

Make sure that the older person you are caring for is comfortable within your home or where they are staying. This can be done by promoting a safe amount of independence without straining their condition. For example, consider installing safety equipment such as a chair lift, bath lift, and handles on particular walls and in the bathroom. 

 

Likewise, it is essential to remove any potential hazards and risks from your living space. This can allow the older adult who you are caring for to move through the home freely. It can also help you to have some time outside the home without worrying too much about them falling, slipping, or becoming injured.  

 

Coordinate Your Care

You do not have to be the sole provider of care for your relative or the older adult in your life. It can be beneficial to set up several care providers within your immediate circle. This can include siblings that live nearby and who are independent adults, other family members that are willing to share the duties of care with you, a close friend, or even someone who you do not know. 

 

There are multiple ways of accessing another care provider that you can share the duties with. This can allow you to get several hours off without worrying too much. Consider the different resources available for caregivers within your area, and ensure that you are accessing help if necessary. 

 

By coordinating your care with someone else, you can protect your mental health and wellbeing by resting, catching up on your social life, or even maintaining another job part-time if money is tight. 

 

Another approach to coordinating your care can include scheduling routine visits so that they do not clash too much. This means using a weekly cleaning service that will go around your home for one hour while you take your older adult somewhere for regular socializing or another checkup. 

 

In this way, you can minimize the impact of additional services. Consider integrating certain activities into your schedule when things like cleaning or other services are needed. Likewise, it could be worth planning personal events such as a doctor’s checkup when the older adult you care for is at another appointment or doing a social activity. 

 

Create Daily Activities

Routine is an essential part of caring for someone who has any kind of cognitive impairment or illness. This can allow them to look forward to specific events within the day and keep them from focusing on any discomfort or underlying pain. 

 

Not only that but communicating a routine to the older adult you are caring for can give them plenty of time to prepare and anticipate any changes to their routine when they arise. 

 

Make Changes In Your Home If Necessary

Supporting an elderly relative is much easier for many individuals living in your home. This is because they will be more comfortable within your home instead of a place they are less familiar with, such as a nursing home or hospital. 

 

Even if you need to make changes to your home, it can be useful to make the care process as easy and seamless as possible. Consider assessing your home by a care home to decide where potential hazards and risks lie. This can allow you to create as safe of a space as possible within your home and promote as much independence for the older adult as possible too. 

 

Of course, everybody’s situation is different. Because of this, it is not always possible to move your older adult into your home. There is little point stressing about this if they are not able to live in your home or if you simply lack the space. However, it could be worth looking into the different resources available within your area to secure a high-quality care option that is appropriate for your situation. 

 

Enable Social Interaction

Just as social interaction is essential for you as the older adult’s caregiver, it is necessary to get them in touch with other older adults within the area. This can be done by reaching out to a nursing home, looking for individuals in your neighborhood who are also supporting an older person or looking at local community resources. 

 

It is also essential to promote a positive attitude amongst the family and encourage the older adult to play a role in certain events. This could be anything from sitting at the table during a family meal, bringing them with you to your children’s extracurricular activities, or planning weekly activities with other older adults. 

 

As it is with everybody, social isolation is a massive contributor to emotional distress. This can lead to a limited ability to monitor emotions and even has the potential to make someone’s condition worse. So make sure that you are avoiding this by scheduling plenty of social time for the older adult in your care and yourself. 

 

Communicate with other caregivers for older adults to share complaints and compare different coping mechanisms for stress and other issues. This can be a powerful method of making you feel less alone and isolated. 

 

Take Care Of The Caregivers

Respite stays are there for a reason. Being someone’s full-time caregiver is incredibly challenging, regardless of their relationship with you. So take care of your well-being by scheduling some breaks and ensuring that any caregivers are doing the same. 

 

Caring for someone requires you to be on alert 24 hours of the day, with minimal breaks in between. Consider additional help if possible, and ensure that you are allowing yourself to rest. 

 

There is no reason why you should not access the help that is available to you. This includes connecting with other caregivers locally, getting another caregiver to provide relief, and making time for yourself. 

 

Being a full-time caregiver for anybody can be incredibly challenging, and it is worth taking regular breaks to provide the best care possible to the older adult who you are supporting. 

 

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Summary

Caring for older adults who are family members or loved ones can be incredibly challenging. This is due to the numerous illnesses, conditions, and diseases more common among older individuals. In addition, because of the different amount of awareness and independence that each individual can experience, caregivers need to address each instance separately and ensure that they are getting the best care possible. 

 

Different types of living environments should be considered when supporting an older adult. Most people choose to have their older loved ones live in their homes with them so they can monitor them. It is important to put their preferences first. 

 

When it comes to caring for an older adult in your life, it can be highly demanding. Because of this, it is worth getting assistance where possible. This can provide some much-needed relief and allow you to provide the best quality of care possible. 

 

Consider factors such as doctor recommendations and their overall level of independence, as well as the type of care that is needed. Make sure you are also communicating with the older adult to make them aware of the possible outcomes of a decision. 

 

It is also crucial that you treat them with as much respect and dignity as possible to avoid feelings of embarrassment and shame. Socializing should also be considered when creating a routine for yourself and the older adult you care for.