Many who are vulnerable or elderly desire to stay in their own home for as long as possible, and it is especially important for them to be under a watchful eye if they are living alone or mainly unassisted. There are some measures that can be taken to support your elderly family member or friend to ensure they are as relaxed and comfortable as possible. We recommend implementing as much of this information as possible in conjunction with the Smart Home Care System, which allows you to monitor movement and activity taking place within the home, so you can be notified if and when something unusual outside of set parameters is detected or requires your attention. Whether a friend, parent, grandparent or other relative, here are some things you can do and implement to support their daily living and allow yourself some extra reassurance.
- Home Organisation and Adaptations
In order for elderly people to continue enjoying living at home, their living space needs to be suitable for their needs, as well as safe and comfortable. When possible, you should consider arranging for any necessary or precautionary adaptations to be made to the living environment, such as grab bars, ramps, stair lifts and non-slip flooring. Some minor adaptations under £1,000 may be funded by the council, and major adaptations such as wider doorways may require your own financial support but funding may still be available. Find your local council and discuss with them what options are available. - Support with Chores
Cooking and eating is a part of everyday life for everyone but can be more difficult and less safe for elderly or vulnerable people with decreasing strength and mobility. Consider implementing lightweight and easy to use tools such as a slow cooker or food processor to make meal preparations easier and less of a challenge. Consider if you could also help out with doing the food shopping or other errands. Find ways that you can make day-to-day living easier and offer to step in if you can! - Stay In Touch
It goes without saying that living alone can get lonely for anyone, and can often lead to more serious mental health issues like depression and anxiety if ignored. To stay on top of this, make sure the person that you are caring for is still getting some interaction whether from yourself, other family members, or friends. Make daily or weekly check-ins a routine, so that your loved one stays feeling connected. - Medication Lists
Any conditions requiring medication or special care should be noted and kept in a visible place, such as on the fridge or inside a purse or wallet. This ensures that in the event of an emergency where assistance is required by an unaware member or emergency personnel, information is readily and easily available which could potentially be life-saving. - Install a Home Monitoring Alert System
A highly convenient and affordable way to monitor your loved one at home is with a Smart Home Care System. This works via discreet wireless sensors which monitor activity throughout the home, allowing you to stay connected to those who need a careful eye whilst allowing them to retain their independence. Perfect for when you can’t always be on hand or constantly checking up. Find out more here.
Please consider this information or pass it onto someone you know who could benefit from it.
