Basic Needs To Prepare For Elderly When They Are Alone At Home

Basic Needs To Prepare For Elderly When They Are Alone At Home – It’s no secret that aging parents, especially those living alone, are at risk for neglect and abuse. But what can you do to protect the elderly? Our experts share their top tips. Read on!

1) Keep the lines of communication open

As parents age, it’s natural for them to become less communicative about their feelings or personal life. They may resist entreaties to move closer to family members or refuse offers of help. If they’ve always prided themselves on being independent, they probably won’t welcome this kind of attention from the outside world.

2)Visit often

Even if your parent seems fine today, check-in regularly with a phone call or visit just so you know everything is all right something is reassuring about seeing a problem firsthand and being able to reassure others. Just knowing you’re watching can have a profound effect on your parent’s peace of mind and yours.

3) Be on the lookout for signs of trouble

At least once a day, look in on your parents while they’re home alone. If they live far away, talk with them several times a week, or consider asking if they’d like to move closer or get help from adult daycare or in-home care service. Be alert for changes in behavior that might signal a need for more frequent contact: forgetfulness about errands, new prescriptions or appointments, missed bills, new medications.

4) Help her make a list

Keep it simple only the most important phone numbers. Get them together now, and update them periodically. It should list the numbers of family members, friends, doctors, lawyers, neighbors (especially those willing to help), an out-of-town relative or friend who can be called in an emergency, your parent’s financial adviser (for example, a representative of her bank), and other people she will depend on.

5) Take action If you suspect neglect or abuse

Isolation may make it difficult for seniors to communicate problems or reach out for help. You could check in with unexpected visits. If there is no answer at the door when you arrive, are windows broken? are the gutters obstructed’? have mail or newspapers piled up’? Are there shy dogs that haven’t been walked lately’?

6) Have a frank talk about safety

Be honest and direct; she should feel comfortable confiding in you. Talk about how to avoid falls and other accidents at home, and what should be done if they happen. Do you think she might like assistance with daily chores like cooking or housekeeping? How should help be requested? Discussing these issues now may make it easier to broach them later when she needs assistance.

7) Know where your parent is at all times

Older people are easy prey for con artists who phone pretending to be family members or friends. If grandma refuses to give out her number or address (or seems evasive), ask yourself why. Better yet, have her call you from a payphone once in a while so you know she’s safe and sound.

8) But don’t interfere

If your parent insists on living alone and seems content with her independence, respect her wishes and stay out of her affairs. You may reassure yourself by keeping a low profile but remember: Shunning contact with your parent could be misinterpreted as neglect or abuse-it is not always the best thing to do.

9) Make sure she has helped if needed

Sometimes seniors can live independently as long as they’re willing to adapt to their homes; Isolation might be the only problem. So address what needs addressing: Get rid of clutter that could cause falls or other accidents, install non-slip surfaces in bathrooms and kitchens, make rooms brighter with better lighting.

10) Know what your parent is eating

If they are living alone, you need to have them check in regularly with an in-home care service. It will help make sure that they are eating well and getting the proper nutrition.

11) Help her stay connected

People who don’t see their families often tend to withdraw socially, which leads to even more isolation. This can be dangerous for elderly people who are alone at home most of the time. They need contact with others, even if it’s only a friendly phone call or daily visit from someone checking upon them.

12) Beware of scams

Seniors are sometimes conned into paying large sums of money after being persuaded that they’re entitled to winnings or prizes that never arrive. For example, a sure investment that never pans out or a lottery they’ve supposedly won. Scammers use the age-old ploy of “You must act quickly!” to pressure their victims into forking over the money.

13) Teach them healthy eating habits

People who cook for themselves tend to eat better than those who rely on restaurant meals and convenience foods. Plus, home cooking is generally less expensive than eating out or buying prepared dishes.

14) Check prescriptions

It’s not unusual for older people to take several prescription drugs daily. Sometimes they forget which pills are which, so it’s important to help your loved ones keep track of what medications they’re supposed to be taken at specific times of the day.

15) Provide transportation if needed

Elderly people who want to stay in their homes may need transportation for doctor appointments, shopping, and social activities.

16) Encourage friends and family to watch for signs that a person needs help.

If your loved one doesn’t feel comfortable asking for help, encourage others to offer it. Watch out for changes in behavior or physical appearance that may indicate a problem. The following are some other potential signs of trouble:

• Confusion about day and time

• Problems with memory and/or thinking (for example, repeating yourself constantly because your parent can’t remember what you’re saying, or asking questions over and over again even though they were answered).

• Not eating properly or regularly; not bathing or changing clothes as often as usual; looking like their normal routine has been disrupted (for instance, they’re not dressed for the weather or are using a cane when they never needed one before)

• Not being able to pay bills or manage their financial affairs

Basic Needs To Prepare For Elderly When They Are Alone At Home – Conclusion

in conclusion, the elderly need to be taken care of so that they can live well and appreciate the aspect of life. It’s good to maintain the culture of taking care of elderly parents because they are a blessing to those who take care of them.