4 Ways to Look Out for an Older Loved One

Good quality of life is important for older adults, especially when they cannot do the things they once enjoyed or managed with ease.

00:16 26 January 2023

When there is an elderly loved one in your family, it’s natural to feel protective about their well-being and want to do everything possible to ensure they remain healthy and happy. Good quality of life is important for older adults, especially when they cannot do the things they once enjoyed or managed with ease. In this respect, there is an element of responsibility for their friend or relative to ensure they have everything they need to remain satisfied, fulfilled, and in good health. 

If you’re wondering how you can look after an elderly loved one, here are some top tips to take on board:

Encourage exercise

As we get older and our muscles and joints start to weaken, we will unlikely partake in much physical activity. However, it is essential to do so as we age, as it keeps our body and mind stable and strong. Moreover, research shows that it can also have many additional benefits, including boosting the immune system, lowering blood pressure, and even improving heart health, all of which could prevent illness later on. 

The physical movement doesn’t have to be anything too strenuous – it could be as simple as a casual stroll in the park, a session of chair yoga, or even encouraging the use of the stairs instead of the elevator whenever possible. 

Consider home care

While you may wish to keep your elderly loved one in their own home for as long as possible, they may be unable to look after themselves independently and need specialist care. This is especially true if they struggle with mobility issues or have mental diseases such as Alzheimer’s and dementia. Without a team of carers around them throughout the day, your loved one could be putting themselves at severe risk. Therefore, it would be worth looking into moving your loved one into a care home where they will receive 24-hour care and assistance, such as signature at Reigate Grange. 

Help them stay connected with friends and family

Seniors are the age categorythat drastically suffers from isolation and loneliness, which can lead to depression and even dementia. 

If you believe that your loved one is lonely, you should try to do everything in your power to help them have regular social communication. This may include encouraging them to attend special occasions such as family parties, volunteering for an organization, or adding a quick-dial option on their phone to call friends and relatives without difficulty.

Communicate with their doctor

Naturally, many of us are stubborn when it comes to medical check-ups out of the fear of bad news. As we age, health problems become a larger concern, so it’s a good idea to stay in regular communication with your loved one’s doctor to understand their medical needs and determine whether there are any changes in their health and well-being. It’s also wise to voice any concerns you may have that need to be addressed to rule out potential health complications.