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My husband’s parents spent the last few years of their lives living in our home. It was a difficult time, but it was a good one. Taking care of elderly relatives is a challenge and a constant balancing act because you are responsible for them. You want them to be happy, healthy, and living life to the best of their ability, and they want to be as independent as possible, too. It can sometimes be tricky striking the balance between looking out for them and enabling them to be independent. How can you do both?
Communicate openly and listen to how they feel
One of the biggest complaints elderly people tend to have is that they feel they aren’t listened to, and communication falls flat. Ensure you speak to your relative and listen to how they feel about things. Get their input on how they are feeling and if there are things that they would like to do. For example, they might want to go to a certain activity or order certain food or do their own shopping. Activities like these can give them a better sense of purpose and independence, even though they might seem like small choices to you.
Give them a say in their living situation
There might come a time when your relative just can’t live at home anymore. Ours simply couldn’t because of health issues they were having. Perhaps they are no longer able to do things like cook for themselves, or perhaps the housework is just piling up and is unmanageable. No matter what the reason is, if it is time for them to move somewhere a bit more manageable, listen to what they say and what they want. You could look into something like a retirement community for seniors where they can live in an independent senior living facility with help if they need it. They could also look into things like retirement or nursing homes if their needs require it, but make sure they have a say in what is happening to them.
Ensure you visit them regularly just to catch up
Sometimes, all it takes is a friendly visit to help perk up your relative and improve their mental health. While you might help take care of them, just going over to their house for a cup of tea and a catch-up can be really appreciated and help foster a sense of normalcy.
These are just a few things you can do that can help you take care of an elderly relative while helping them retain their independence. Growing older isn’t easy, particularly when your body doesn’t work as well as it once did and you’re not as capable as you might like to be. One of the best ways to keep your elderly relative happy and in a better state of mental health is to communicate openly and help them to be as independent as they can, while also supporting them. What are some top tips you have for taking care of an elderly relative?
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