As our aging parents or grandparents become older, we may find that their physical and mental abilities start to decline. Maybe they are not able to do things the way they used to. They may also become more forgetful or confused, which can be frustrating for you. It can be difficult for them and us, as we try to care for them while maintaining our own lives.
If you find yourself in this situation, you can do a few things to help make the situation easier for your older relatives and yourself.
Personal Emergency Response Systems
A PERS, or personal emergency response system, is a common and affordable product for older adults living alone if you're worried about falling and needing help.
Your parents or grandparents may contact the system's base station receiver by pressing a button, which functions like a loud speakerphone. The operator will discover what's wrong and notify family members, neighbors, friends, or emergency services as required.
Sensor Monitoring
A sensor monitoring system can help you keep a closer eye on them. These systems use small wireless sensors placed around your dad's home to detect changes in his activity patterns. You'll get a text message or email notification if something is out of the ordinary. For example, if your relative goes to the bathroom and doesn't leave that room, it could mean that he or she has fallen or had another emergency.
You can monitor their patterns and whereabouts via the system's Web site at any time. For extra protection, most services also provide PERS call buttons that can be strategically placed around their home or worn on a garment.
A Nursing Home
A nursing home is where people can go to receive skilled nursing care. Nursing homes are also sometimes called skilled nursing facilities or SNFs.
Nursing homes provide care for people who need constant medical attention and cannot be cared for at home. Most nursing homes have both short-term and long-term residents. Short-term residents are typically people who need to recover from an illness or injury before they can return home. Long-term residents generally require more care than short-term residents, who often suffer from chronic health conditions.
There are many different nursing homes, each with a unique set of services and amenities. Some nursing homes focus on providing care for people with specific needs, such as Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia. Other nursing homes may cater to a more general population. In addition, nursing homes use a particular application or care plan software to manage multiple things.
The federal government regulates nursing homes, and each state has its own rules and regulations. In general, nursing homes must provide 24-hour supervision and personal care for residents by Registered Nurses (RNs), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), or certified nurse assistants (CNAs). They must also have a doctor on staff who sees residents regularly and is available to provide care when needed.
You can opt for this option for your loved one, but there are a few things you should keep in mind. It's also essential to visit the nursing home before deciding. Take a tour and talk to staff and residents to get a feel for the place. When you are touring a nursing home, pay attention to the facility's cleanliness and the staff's friendliness. Also, be sure to ask about the staff-to-patient ratio and what training the staff has. And finally, be sure to ask lots of questions. The more you know, the better equipped you'll be to make the best decision for your loved one.
Older Adult Help Line
If you're worried about your aging parent or grandparent living alone, a helpline could give you peace of mind. You can sign them up for a daily check-in call or set up the service to automatically contact you if something's wrong, such as if they don't answer the phone. The system will also provide an immediate connection to live support 24/7 if they need it. Some companies even offer GPS location tracking if they wander off and get lost.
Home Monitoring
A "home monitoring system" is another more costly option for keeping tabs on your mother. These systems include sensors positioned in key locations throughout your loved one’s home that alert you if anything unexpected happens.
For example, if your parent or grandparent falls or has another emergency, you will be notified no matter where you are. This system is password-protected so that only those with permission can access it.
Medication Management
If you're concerned about your loved one not keeping up with their medications, a wide variety of pill organizers and alarm systems can help dispense and remind her to take them
Communication
Videophones, with a built-in camera and video screen that allows you to see the person you're talking to in real-time, have become an increasingly popular tool for keeping in touch with older loved ones from afar.
Stay Positive
Staying positive is important when caring for our older relatives. They may become frustrated with their declining abilities, and we must remain patient and understanding. We should create a family and friends support system who can help with caregiving duties and explore all available resources to help us better care for our aging parents or grandparents.It can be difficult to see them struggle, but remember that they are still the same people they have always been – just a little bit older.
Explore the Optimum Options
Creating a support system is also crucial. Family and friends can help with things like grocery shopping, transportation, and even just providing companionship. It's important to involve as many people as possible so that no one feels overwhelmed.
There are many resources available to caregivers of elderly parents or grandparents. These include Meals on Wheels, home health aides, and adult day care centers. Explore all options and find what works best for you and your family.
Caring for our aging parents or grandparents can be a rewarding experience. It's an opportunity to show them how much we love and appreciate them. But, with a little patience and planning, we can make it a positive experience for everyone involved.
Use Latest Gadgets for Older Adults
If you are looking for ways to help an older adult stay connected, consider using the latest gadgets. Many devices on the market can make staying in touch easier. Many gadgets can make our life easier as we get older. Some gadgets can help us stay connected with our family and friends, while others can help us keep track of our health. With these watches, they can connect their phone, so they can easily track all of their health records by themselves and share them with you.
Theora Care’s Connect Smart Wearable:
Theora Care’s Connect is a smart wearable that helps elderly people stay connected to their loved ones and caregivers. It includes features such as GPS tracking, two-way calling, and fall detection. The device can be worn as a pendant or clipped to clothing.
Theora Care’s Connect is easy to set up and use. It comes with clear instructions and a user-friendly interface. The device is also lightweight and comfortable to wear.
UnaliWear’s Kanega watch:
If you're looking for a unique way to keep your loved ones close by, consider the UnaliWear Kanega watch. This special watch is designed for seniors and others with memory impairments. It includes GPS tracking, so you can always know where your loved one is. Plus, it has an SOS button that can be used to contact family or friends in an emergency.
(c) Owlytics Healthcare’s smartwatch:
Owlytics Healthcare’s smartwatch is one of the most innovative and feature-rich products on the market. It allows users to track their fitness and health data, as well as monitor their stress levels and sleep patterns. The watch is equipped with a heart rate monitor, so you can keep an eye on your heart health. The smartwatch is also waterproof, so you can wear it in the shower or pool without worry. Owlytics Healthcare’s smartwatch is one of the most affordable options on the market, making it a great choice for budget-conscious consumers.
(d) Buddi’s clip and wristband:
Buddi is a wearable device that uses sensors to track an elder's daily activity level and provides feedback to help you stay active. The device consists of two parts: a clip that attaches to your clothing and a wristband that you wear. The clip contains an accelerometer, which measures your movement, and a heart rate monitor. The wristband has a display that shows your activity level and heart rate. It also has a button that you can press to get feedback about your activity level and heart rate.
To recap: as our loved ones age, it is important to keep tabs on their well-being to ensure they are safe and healthy. Here are some tips on how to do this:
1. Make regular phone calls or video calls to check-in. It will help you stay up-to-date on their health and any changes in their abilities.
2. If possible, visit them regularly. It will allow you to see firsthand how they are doing and if they need assistance.
3. Set up a network of friends or family members who can check in on your older relatives. This way, you will have multiple people keeping an eye on them.
4. Stay in touch with their doctor(s) to ensure they are receiving the care they need.
5. Be prepared to help with their finances, medications, and other needs as their abilities decline.
6. Encourage them to stay active and engaged in activities they enjoy. It will help maintain their mental and physical health for as long as possible.
7. Talk to them about their wishes for end-of-life care so you can be prepared to carry out their wishes when the time comes.
8. Most importantly, show them love and support through any setbacks they may be going through whether physical or emotional. They will appreciate it more than you know.
Conclusion:
Looking after aging relatives can be a source of stress because you want to make sure they are ok, but you also don't want to make them feel as if you are hovering over them and make them feel uncomfortable. It can be a tough balance, but all the tips mentioned above can help to ease your mind. Using technology and specialized resources to maintain regular contact, get to know their routines and habits, and be aware of warning signs are good ways to keep tabs on an aging relative's wellbeing. Taking these measures can help ensure that your loved ones stay safe and healthy as they age.
Writer’s Bio: Tom Peterson
My name is Tom and I currently reside in the United Kingdom. My greatest assets are my words and I enjoy using them to make the lives of others easier. I have been writing professionally for about three years and they have been the most beautiful years of my life. Second, hot chocolate is my greatest addiction.
