As your relatives get older, they will become less able and they may start to struggle with day-to-day life. Witnessing this can be very upsetting and you will understandably be concerned about their health and wellbeing, especially if they are still living independently in their own home. It can be difficult to know what to do when you’re worried about an elderly relative and you might not know how to approach the situation in a way that’s best for everyone.
To help anyone concerned about an elderly relative or friend, below we have put together some information about different steps you can take to ensure your loved one is getting any support they may need at home, putting your mind at ease.
Speak openly about your concerns
Although it can be a hard conversation to have, it’s always beneficial to speak to your loved one about your concerns. You may find that your elderly relative is worried about things themselves, but they don’t want to be a burden or lose control of their life, so they haven’t mentioned anything to you. Simply speaking openly about your thoughts is more often than not the best thing to do and ultimately, things won’t get better unless you discuss them.
When speaking to your elderly loved one about your worries, make sure you allow them to voice their opinions too. Understandably, they might be defensive or dismissive at first, but it’s important not to talk over them or get angry at the situation. It’s key to remember that this conversation isn’t about you, it’s about your elderly relative and their best interests. So, be sure to make this clear and be as sensitive as possible throughout.
Look for simple solutions to the problems
Depending on the concerns you have, there may be a straightforward solution that can keep your loved one safe and give you peace of mind. For example, if your elderly relative is missing doctors’ appointments because they no longer feel confident going out by themselves, you could simply arrange all important appointments for a time and date when you can accompany them. You don’t have to attend the doctors’ appointments if your loved one doesn’t want you to, you can simply pick them up and drop them off to ensure they’re not missing them.
Taking some time to think about what the problems are and what solutions are available can help to prevent unnecessary upset and worrying. Just be sure to discuss both the problems and the solutions with your loved one. You may find that there is another reason for them missing their appointments, for example, and this is something that you will need to address.
Do some research into social care options
Lots of people who still live independently in their later years will receive some form of care and support at home, and there are lots of social care options available to explore. After you’ve discussed your concerns, if your loved one is willing to accept some help, it’s beneficial to do some research together into the different services available. Try to include your elderly relative as much as possible in this research, it will help to ensure they still feel in control.
If you and your loved one both agree that they would benefit from home care services, for example, you can then start looking for local care agencies. It’s key to remember that if your elderly relative still has mental capacity, they have the right to make choices about their care, regardless of what you think. So, try to be encouraging of any steps they take towards getting care at home even if you don’t necessarily agree with all of their decisions.
Arrange a care assessment
So many professionals can assist you when you’re exploring social care options, from your GP to your local council, and they can give you some useful advice and guidance. They can also provide your elderly relative with a needs assessment that will determine how much care and support they need whilst living in their own home.
You can book a care assessment with a local care agency too and they can give you some more information about the different home care services. Once a care agency has a better understanding of your loved one’s needs and wishes, they will create a bespoke care plan for them. This care plan will then be followed by any care assistants visiting your elderly relative and providing the care and support they need to continue living independently.
Looking into home help for the elderly
Hopefully, the information above will be useful if you’re worried about an elderly loved one and it can help you to ensure they’re taken care of as they get older. If you would like to find out more about home help for the elderly, don’t hesitate to contact our team at Beloved Homecare. We provide a range of services to elderly people in the Trafford area and we can help your loved one maintain the highest quality of life possible. Our care team will be happy to discuss home care with you in more detail and answer any questions that you may have.