If you’re taking care of your parents in their old age, or if you’re a new caregiver for senior citizens, you may benefit from reading this article. It is extremely important to make sure that you’re giving the right kind of care to the elderly people you’re caring for or assisting.
Medication
It seems obvious that you have to ensure medication is given on time in the correct doses. However, you also need to take care to refill prescriptions before you run out, store medicines safely, and track usage and any changes in condition.
Nutrition
Depending on the needs and conditions of the patient, you will have to tailor their diet. Many people require blended food, and it can be easy for caregivers to miss out on important dietary needs in the process. Make sure you get a detailed account of dietary needs from the doctor, and purchase and prepare food accordingly.
Equipment
Your parents or clients will need various aids equipment such a transport chair for mobility, or various assistive devices, especially those who are only in part-time care. Some of the equipment you might need will often require checks and maintenance, so be sure that you know how to handle this, and how to recognize when something needs replacing.
Bathing and Grooming
If you don’t have a transport chair that can be wheeled into the shower, you will need special shower seating installed. If the person has cognitive impairment in particular, you need to follow the right safety procedures to ensure proper care.
Bedding
In some cases, people will be confined to their beds, and you will need to know how to change the bedding. You will have to procure the necessary disposable and learn procedures for changing bedding while there’s someone still in the bed. In addition, you have to treat bedsores and follow preventative measures for bedsores and muscular atrophy as well. You will also need to know about different kinds of incontinence, the products you will need, and how to manage incontinence.
Dental Care
Make sure that you do not neglect dental hygiene. You will have to brush and floss teeth, and learn the necessary procedures in cases of partial or full dentures. You may also need to have a dentist who makes house calls, if there are any dental concerns.
Safety
Whether you’re working part time or full time for the patients, you must make sure the home environment is safe. Bathrooms, for example, should be equipped to prevent slippage. Safety equipment such as handrails should be installed around the house if the patient has even partial mobility. Make sure there is always proper lighting, no clutter, and padding for sharp and hard areas.
Address these main areas thoroughly and frequently, and you should have little trouble taking care of the elderly at home.
