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Home Care Tips for Elderly Loved
Ones
By Jennifer B. Buckley
If you are caring for an elderly
loved one at home, you should make them as comfortable
and safe as possible. This can reduce stress for you, as
well as, your loved-one. The more secure your loved-one
feels, the less the likelihood of them becoming
confused, aggressive, or agitated. There are simple,
little changes you can make to ensure a heightened level
of contentment for your loved-one.
Buy a small, lightweight pitcher. Keep it filled with
water at all times in a convenient place for your
loved-one to get at. Remind them periodically about
drinking plenty of water and where the pitcher of water
is located. Staying adequately hydrated can ward off a
number of different ailments like headaches,
sleeplessness, and appetite suppression. It’s great for
overall health and well being.
Avoid placing a lot of mirrors around your home.
Mirrors
can seem confusing for elderly people because they may
not recognize their own reflection. Also, walking up to
a mirror can startle or confuse them. If you like to
have mirrors in your home, buy smaller mirrors and hang
them relatively high on the walls. This is to prevent
your loved one from seeing their reflection.
Use large dials and number pads. If your loved one
enjoys watching television, buy a remote with large
numbers. If your loved one can still use the phone, make
sure the keypad has oversized numbers. Also, place
digital clocks around your home because they are easier
for your loved one to read. This will keep them from
getting frustrated with trying to read the traditional
three-hand clocks.
Buy your loved-one’s clothing in basic colors like
black, tan, white, cream and green. This will make it
easier for them to pick out their own outfit. In
addition, place all their shirts on one side of the
closet and shorts, pants and skirts on the other side.
Take any clothes they haven’t chosen to wear in a while
out of their closet and keep them in another closet or
box.
It is better for your loved one to make as many
decisions as possible. This helps them to feel in
control and a sense of importance. The main thing is to
limit choices, too many can be confusing and
overwhelming
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