Your loved ones will have different health needs as they get older to people half their age, especially in terms of diet and activity. It is important that you are able to support the senior in your life to achieve optimum health, even if they struggle to reach this independently. Then, here are some of the top steps that you should take to ensure that they have a great quality of life into their final decades.
Get Them Mobility Aids
As your family members age, it is unlikely that they will have the easy mobility that they used to enjoy, especially if they start to develop conditions like arthritis. To make sure that they are still able to get around and stay active, you should consider searching for the best mobility aids for them, such as walking sticks or a wheelchair. This can help them to go on days out, socialize, and participate in nature walks. Finding the right mobility aid can then boost their mental and physical health and can prevent injuries in the future from slip and fall accidents.
Find the Perfect Care Home
As your loved one reaches their 70s, 80s, and 90s, you may find that they are unable to stay healthy by themselves and that they need extra support to do this, In some cases, it may reach the point that they need a care home, such as ivybankhouse.co.uk. A care home can give them the round-the-clock care that they deserve, with the experience and knowledge that is required to give them the correct diet and activities. You might consider looking at a care home for respite care, or simply for 24/7 residential care. Whatever the case, it is important that you do not feel guilty about this option, and many elderly people thrive in these settings.
Invite Them Places
You might want to get out and about without worrying about an older relative tagging along. However, inviting your older family member out at least once a week can help them to get in the exercise they need and can prevent the detrimental effects of loneliness, especially if they no longer have a partner or many friends. Having new experiences and staying occupied can also be important to prevent memory issues.
Keep an Eye on Their Medication
It is likely that your loved one will have an array of pills to take each day to care for health issues both minor and huge. To ensure that your loved one does not find themselves ailing or in hospital, you should check that they are taking the right medication, and even put these into a pill box for them. This will help them to remember to take the tablets each day. You should also encourage them to get all the vaccinations they are offered to stave off illnesses such as the flu and shingles. It is also important to remind them of any doctor’s appointments that are approaching, as well as regular check-ups that they need to go to.