Caring for elderly parents at home can be both rewarding and challenging. As our loved ones age, they may require more support with day-to-day tasks and activities, whether it be cooking dinner or making their way up and down the stairs.
Whether due to medical conditions or simply the natural ageing process, it requires careful planning and consideration to provide care for ageing parents.
We are here to help. Here are our top tips on how you can care for the elderly at home while ensuring their comfort, safety and overall well-being.
1 – Seek Professional Support
First of all, supporting your elderly parents at home can be challenging, and there is no shame in seeking additional support. In fact, this support can be invaluable. It could be worth requesting the support of a live-in carer or home care service provider. These professionals are trained to assist with nursing care such as personal care, medication management, household tasks, and companionship.
It may also help to reach out to your local council or social services department for guidance and assistance. They may offer helpful resources to help you provide efficient care for your parents.
They can also provide information about available elderly care services, financial support options, and resources in your community. Organisations such as the Care Quality Commission can offer insights into the quality of care providers in your area.
2 – Create a Care Plan
Secondly, take time to research and create a care plan. This is essential for ensuring that your elderly parents receive the support they need.
Start by assessing their individual needs, including any medical conditions or mobility limitations. Be sure to speak with their healthcare providers to understand their specific requirements and recommendations.
Next, outline a plan for addressing their day-to-day needs, such as meal preparation, medication management, and personal care. Be sure to involve your parents in the planning process, taking their preferences and wishes into account.
A care plan should also include provisions for emergencies and unforeseen circumstances. For example, what happens if one of your parents has an accident and ends up requiring hospital care?
Discuss this with other family members and create a communication protocol to ensure that others in the care team are informed and prepared.
3 – Involve Your Parents In Decisions
It’s important to remember that your care decisions directly impact your parents, so be sure to include them in the decision-making process.
Although it’s important your elderly parents receive the care they need, it’s equally important to involve them. Respect their autonomy as adults and involve them in discussions about their care preferences, living arrangements, and medical treatment.
For example, if you are creating a meal plan, invite them – ask them about their favourite meals, and even involve them in the cooking process if possible. Likewise, if you need to make home adaptations such as handrails or stairlifts, ask which they’d prefer, and ask for their opinions when choosing.
Encourage open communication and listen to their concerns and preferences. When you involve them in decisions about their care, you can help promote their sense of independence and dignity.
4 – Consider Your Own Well-Being
Caring for elderly parents at home can be emotionally and physically demanding, so it’s important to prioritise your own well-being. Take time to assess your own needs and limitations, and don’t worry about asking for help when you need it.
Consider enlisting the support of other family members, friends, or professional caregivers to share the caregiving responsibilities. After all, caring for loved ones is a difficult job, and sometimes you need a helping hand.
Be sure to take breaks when needed and make time for self-care activities that help you recharge and rejuvenate. Activities such as meditation, going for walks and exercising, or simply taking a relaxing bath can all do wonders in relieving stress.
If you are caring for your parents at home with your family, whether it be your spouse or children, be sure to spend time with your other family members too. Be careful not to isolate yourself, and to make time for yourself and other loved ones too.
If you find yourself getting overwhelmed or struggling with mental health, be sure to reach out to your doctor.
5 – Make Your Home More Accessible
As we age, we may require additional support around the home to complete day-to-day tasks. Your elderly parents may struggle to take a bath, take a shower, climb the stairs, or even walk around the home.
Thankfully, there are ways you can make it easier for your parents to do so. You can make certain modifications to improve accessibility in your home – and some of these can be completed in a matter of hours. For example:
- Removing potential tripping hazards
- Adding sufficient lighting
- Installing handrails near stairs or steps
- Installing grab bars in the bathroom
- Installing a stairlifts
If your parents have difficulty navigating stairs, investing in a stairlift can provide them with the freedom to move around their home safely and independently.
Stairlifts are easy to install and can accommodate various staircase configurations, making them an excellent solution for elderly individuals with mobility issues.
6 – Purchase a Stairlift Today
When it comes to ensuring the safety and independence of elderly parents living at home, a stairlift can be a game-changer.
Stairlifts provide a safe and convenient way for those with mobility limitations to get up and down the stairs, reducing the risk of falls and injuries. After all, it can take months or even longer for an elderly person to recover from a fall.
At Halton Stairlifts, we offer a range of high-quality stairlifts designed to meet the unique needs of our customers. Our stairlifts are easy to operate, reliable, and backed by exceptional customer service.
With a stairlift from Halton Stairlifts, you can rest assured that your elderly parents can continue living independently in the comfort of your home.
If you have a curved or multi-level staircase, don’t worry! You can opt for a curved stairlift tailored to fit your stairs. We understand that staircases can be unique, which is why we offer a range of different options.
When it comes to improving mobility and safety in the home, a stairlift from Halton Stairlifts is an excellent investment in your parents’ well-being and independence. Contact us today on 0800 644 7766 if you have any questions. We can offer you a free, no-obligation quotation.
Neil is the founder of Halton Stairlifts. He has years of experience installing stairlifts across the UK. With an eagerness to help those with mobility issues get up the stairs, Neil understands how important it is for a seamless and straightforward approach to installing stairlifts to help those in need quickly.