Tips for Starting to Help Your Elderly Loved One with Certain Tasks or Activities

Watching your elderly loved one try to complete some tasks can be stressful. You might even get the urge to step in and take over to ensure things are getting done. However, did you know that taking over might actually be hindering and not helping your elderly loved one? It is important to do your best in allowing your elderly loved one to stay independent? With this being said, you should make sure they are safe at the same time. There can be a fine line between these two things. Keep reading for tips on how you can help your elderly loved one with certain tasks and activities, without just taking over.

Have Patience

 Elder Care Hudsonville, MI: Assistance With Tasks and Activities

The best thing you can do is to have patience. You can start by planning enough time for your elderly loved one to complete tasks at their own pace. Some elderly people get frustrated and upset when someone is looking over their shoulder and rushing them. If you stand back, your elderly loved one might actually get things done quicker and better.

Focus on the Positives

There are times when a task is too hard for an elderly person to achieve. In these cases, try involving your elderly loved one in the task anyway. You might be able to find one or two small parts of the task that your elderly loved one can handle. For instance, you or an elder care provider might need to put your loved one’s dirty clothes in the washer and dryer. Your elderly loved one might be able to fold the clothes after they have been washed and dried.

Ask for Input

As a family caregiver, you should also sit down to have a talk with your elderly loved one. You should let them express themselves and encourage them to ask questions. You should let them know that their opinion matters to you. You might even want to ask your own questions. Some of these could include the following:

• What troubles them about their daily life?
• Do they feel their needs aren’t being met?
• Are they missing companionship?
• Do they need help with anything?

Just remember, some elderly people don’t like to admit that they can’t do a task. In these cases, let your loved one know that there is nothing wrong with asking for a little help. Everyone needs help from time to time.

Conclusion

Many elderly people have trouble completing certain tasks. As a family caregiver, you can help them by using the tips above. If you can’t be around to help much, you can hire elder care providers to help instead.

If you or someone you know needs help with Elder Care in Hudsonville, MI, contact Gauthier Family Home Care. We provide quality and affordable home care services in our community. Call us at (616) 258-2300 for more information.

Sources

https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/aging-place-growing-older-home

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Gauthier Family Home Care

Owner at Gauthier Family Home Care

Call (616) 258-2300. Gauthier Family Home Care exists to provide options for our clients to retain their independence in their own homes, improve their quality of life and support their extended families. We will accomplish that by providing compassionate, professional caregivers who will nurture, stimulate, and cater to each client’s specific needs without fail.

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