When those we love get older, it’s important to look out for them. This is because despite how brilliant and capable they’ve been their entire life, age often brings with it mobility, lifestyle and health changes that can sometimes limit our capacity. There’s no shame in this. It’s just a fact of life.

For this reason, it can be nice to look out for them when they need our help. But there’s a line to walk here. Just because a relative has gotten older, it doesn’t mean they’re totally incapable or that their desire for autonomy has been reduced. So, it’s important not to treat them like children, because they’re not stupid.

This means looking out for our relative’s best interests. Sometimes, that means making hard decisions with our family. Other times, it means providing small acts of love, such as driving them to their medical appointment, helping them walk their dog in the mornings twice a week. Ultimately, providing care is a great idea, but if it erodes our relative’s dignity to do so, an alternative arrangement may be needed. Let’s consider how to achieve that, and what steps to take when we think we may not be fully up to the task:

Help Them Plan Their Medical Affairs

It can be tough to be an older person and in need of medical attention. However, regular checkups, medications, and lifestyle changes can be key. For instance, helping our relative become more active by inviting them to your home, going on walks, and attending local shows with them can be a lovely idea. 

You may also help organize meal delivery or mail services. Looking for specialist services, such as caregiving residential programs or the best gynecologist for seniors can help them get the direct, necessary help they may need. When they feel less alone in managing their medical requirements, they are given that supportive and respectful aid they need; and are more likely to keep up with treatments.

Home Aids

It’s nice to help our relative stay within their homes to the degree that they can, of course, if they need direct help or if they’re alone for long stretches of time, a residential program may be the best place for it. 

However, worthwhile home aids such as rails to support their balance as they cimb their front step, stairlifts, and open installed showers for sitting can make a huge difference. Home aids like this help your loved one cater for their home without risk of harm, and if they do experience issues, alarm pulley systems can help them gain the direct assistance they need.

Assisted Living

It may just be that your relative needs to live elsewhere, as they may not be able to keep up with the maintenance of their home. But we should provide them a home, not a clinical environment. Finding the best residential care facility to help attend to certain medical conditions can be a fantastic new chapter, or even taking your elderly relatives into your home can make a profound difference also. Assisted living does not erode dignity, sometimes talking through this openly and honestly can help your relative understand this.

With this advice, you’re certain to help your elderly relative retain their dignity in the best manner possible.