7 Health Tips for Those Living With Seniors at Home
Living with an elderly loved one means more than just sharing a home with them. It's about honoring their journey and giving back the care they once gave you. For many Filipino families, it's a beautiful act of love and respect. Sure, it comes with challenges, but with a little planning and a lot of heart, you can make your home a safe, comforting space where your senior family member can truly feel at ease.
To that end, let’s talk about some practical, easy-to-follow health tips to help you in this journey.
1. Start with Home Safety
One of the most important things you need to do when living with the elderly is to make your home safe. Doing this will help protect your loved ones, especially if they have trouble getting around. For example, clutter, loose rugs, and tangled cords may seem harmless to able-bodied individuals, but they’re serious tripping hazards for seniors. So, keep walkways open and furniture arranged so they can move around easily.
Installing grab bars in the bathroom is also a great idea. These give seniors something solid to hold on to. Also, lay down non-slip mats in the bathroom and kitchen. Wet surfaces are sneaky and often the cause of falls.
2. Stay on Top of Medications and Medical Care
Keeping track of meds and doctor’s appointments can feel like a full-time job, but it’s one of the most important tasks when living with seniors. Fortunately, there are plenty of tools to help you manage this efficiently. For example, you can use a pill organizer and a reminder app to make sure they’re taking the right meds at the right time. You can also simplify refill management by subscribing to medicine delivery services Philippines drug stores offer. This helps ensure your loved ones never run out of medicines, without having to travel to the pharmacy to do it. Not only does this save you money, but also gives you more time to spend with your elderly loved one.
Moreover, chronic health issues like arthritis, heart disease, or dementia are common as people age, so make it a point to know more about what your loved ones are going through. When you understand their condition, you can spot warning signs early and manage their needs better. For example, someone with dementia might benefit from simple routines or gentle reminders. Likewise, someone with heart problems might need extra help managing stress or diet.
Finally, have a go-to folder for emergency contacts and medical records. When things get urgent, you’ll be glad it’s all in one place.
3. Assist with Personal Care Thoughtfully
Over time, tasks such as bathing, getting dressed, or even just brushing their hair can become challenges for seniors. But that doesn’t mean they have to give up their independence. While you might be tempted to help, it may be better to take a step back and see how much help they really need. Maybe they just need a steadying hand when dressing, but can handle brushing their teeth. Letting them do what they can boosts their confidence and keeps their dignity intact.
And when it’s time to step in, be gentle and patient. Equally important is to respect their privacy. Keep them covered with a towel or robe and close doors or curtains as needed. These small things go a long way in helping them feel comfortable.
4. Provide Nutritious and Enjoyable Meals
As your loved ones age, eating well becomes even more important. So, provide meals that are balanced and colorful. Think whole grains, vegetables, fruits, lean meats, and healthy fats. If your senior has health conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes, tweak the menu based on the doctor’s advice. Moreover, if chewing or swallowing is a problem, go for softer foods or try blending meals.
Hydration is also important. Older adults don’t always feel thirsty even when they need water, so keep water nearby. You can also mix things up while sneaking in more liquids by giving them soups, milk, or herbal teas.
5. Keep their Body Moving
Movement keeps seniors’ muscles strong, joints flexible, and spirits lifted. Simple stretches, walking, or even gentle chair exercises can already do wonders. But before starting any exercise routine, check in with their doctor to find out what’s safe. Perhaps short walks around the house or outside are already enough. Helping with chores, tending plants, or playing with grandkids counts, too!
6. Stimulate their Mind and Offer Companionship
Mental and emotional health are just as important as physical wellness. Spend time with your loved ones more intentionally. Try to make each interaction memorable by chatting about their younger days, looking through old family photos, or watching a favorite show together.
You can also encourage them to take up hobbies like reading, listening to music, or crafting. Games and puzzles, in particular, are great for keeping the brain sharp. Another tip is to keep them socially connected. Visits from family and friends, even via video calls, helps a lot. If possible, help them join community or church events so they have something to look forward to.
7. Don’t Forget Yourself
Taking care of someone else can be exhausting, physically and emotionally. If you’re not okay, it’s harder to care for anyone else. So, make time for yourself. Sleep well, eat well, and take little breaks when you can. Also, add vitamins and supplements to your medicine delivery orders for yourself. This way, you don’t have to go to a drug store for your own self-care items.
Additionally, talk to someone or join a support group. You don’t have to do everything alone. Share the load with other family members or hire a caregiver if the responsibility becomes too much for you to bear solo.
Live Well with Seniors at Home
Living with a senior at home goes way beyond cooking meals and handing out medicine. It’s about building a safe, loving environment where they and you can enjoy life. With some planning, a lot of patience, and support from others, you can make a real difference in your loved one’s life and your own. Together, you can make sure your loved one’s senior years are truly golden.