If you have an elderly loved who is dependent on a wheelchair for mobility, it’s likely that your family has considered having him or her stay in an elderly care facility. Although this seems like a good plan, caring for your loved one at home will enable you to give them the kind of care they deserve from their family.
Below are some important tips a professional home care nurse may give you so you can provide quality care for your sick elderly:
- Take note of routines.
Following your loved one’s daily routine will help keep them in a good mood. For those elderly experiencing multiple chronic diseases like dementia, hypertension or Parkinson’s disease, a morning ritual will get them started with the right attitude. Allowing them to do what they do every morning will trigger their mind that it’s morning time and that they are about to start another beautiful day. That way, they won’t easily get agitated even if they have to wear an adult diaper the entire day.
- Mind the subtle clues.
Your loved one won’t always express their needs verbally. As a carer, you need to be observant of their needs and their entire condition by paying attention to some subtle clues such as their gestures, body language, tone of voice, mood, facial expressions, and so on. Even if they are using an egg mattress, remember that it’s still possible for them to feel pain or discomfort in their backs or legs when lying in bed.
- Keep everything clean and organized.
When taking care of an elderly at home, it’s important that you have everything you need to deliver proper and quality care. Always keep your tools clean or you may even have to use a sterilizer for them. Also, check your supplies of materials like gloves, adult diapers, or paper towels from time to time to avoid running out of them. Doing these things will not only keep everything arranged, but will help ensure you always have what you need.
- Always stay connected.
It’s not enough that you’re feeding your elderly loved one, or turning him or her on their anti bedsore mattress. You need to communicate and interact with them as well. Part of your task as a carer is to make them feel that they’re still part of the family. Thus, it’s important that despite their condition, you still treat them like everyone else.
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