My grandfather has dementia and is finding it hard to live by himself, particularly since my grandmother has passed away. It looks like she had been doing a lot of the care for him in the house, and since she's passed away, the house is getting messier and less safe. We want to know that he is safe and being looked after all the time, so we are placing him in a nursing home. I think the process can be quite hard for families, but seeing your grandparents happy and healthy in the right environment is a good feeling. This blog is about choosing a nursing home.
Helping my grandfather find a new home
Aged Care Tips
Carrie Peters
Taking care of your aged loved one can be a daunting task. In most cases, home caregivers do not have the experience and skill needed to cater to the needs of their loved ones. If this is your case, read the information below for a few tips.
You must assess your loved one's medical and non-medical needs to determine whether home care is a viable intervention. The best approach would be to consult health professionals to establish what care they need. For instance, people who have arthritis could need regular physiotherapy. On the other hand, people suffering from chronic illness could need regular medication, surgery, and medical interventions such as dialysis and chemotherapy. You should consider specialised facilities if you are not well-equipped to care for your loved one. For example, nursing homes provide all-around medical care, while assisted living facilities provide medical care as residents enjoy their independence. If your loved one is currently hospitalised, you could opt for a respite care arrangement to help them recuperate before they can move in with you.
How do you prepare to provide home care? Your immediate task would be establishing how to care for your loved one. They could need the following:
- Medical care such as administering drugs, physio and speech therapy.
- Grooming care. For example, they could need help showering or dressing. They could also need help with their meals and laundry.
- Social welfare help. For instance, your loved one might need you to take them to the movies, visit friends or attend social events.
Is your home well-equipped to host your loved one? For instance, your loved one could experience challenges when bathing or walking around the house. If this is the case, install rails and ramps to ease mobility. Shower mats and bathing aids can also guarantee comfort and dignity when using the bathroom. You could also lower the shelves to ensure they can easily access items in the bedroom, kitchen and living room. A panic alarm will also come in handy if the patient spends several hours alone at home. If they suffer a medical emergency, they can press the alarm to alert you.
You should also consider seeking part or full-time professional help. Home caregivers have the expertise to draft caregiving plans. They are also best suited to identify deteriorating health. When hiring a caregiver, assess their experience and availability. As a rule, they should have excellent interpersonal skills to win the trust of their patients. For more information on aged care, contact a professional near you.
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