The Silver Life - Online community and resource for active Silver Surfers

Online Community & Resource for Active Silver Surfers

The Silver Life

Online Community & Resource for Active Silver Surfers

Giving Loved Ones The Comfort Of Your Care

Making Changes In Challenging Times
Vacation Homes Need Careful Planning

It’s only natural to feel concerned when a loved one has difficulties carrying out simple daily tasks, especially if you live some distance away.

Several signs may indicate your elderly relative requires additional support. It doesn’t have to be stressful for you or your loved one if you decide to move closer to them.

If you have to apply for a mortgage, it’s advisable to get pre-approved. You’ll have the advantage of knowing just how much you can borrow to save disappointment further down the line. This will enable you to move closer to your loved one a lot faster. The Silver Life presents some important information and resources to help you navigate this decision.

It’s Time to Move

Have the phone calls from your loved one become fewer and fewer? Maybe their mood has changed recently, or they’ve become aggressive or verbally abusive.
Visiting friends and neighbors may have voiced their concerns about the state of your loved one’s home or their unkempt appearance.

What You Can Do to Help

  • Encourage them to remain physically active. There are many exercises seniors can do to help improve their balance and mobility. Encourage your loved one to do them each day.
  • Keep their mind active. Get your loved one involved with activities that interest them. Play games that stimulate the mind, such as chess and Scrabble.
  • Pet therapy. If you have a dog or other suitable pet, take it with you to visit your elderly relative. Interaction with a pet can lower the stress hormone cortisol, helping them ease their worries.
  • Get them a cell phone. Even if your loved one has dementia, ensure they have a cell phone. There are several dementia-friendly phones available. Having access to a phone will allow them to enjoy their independence while having the means to access help should they need it.

Maintenance

Certain jobs around your loved one’s house you can do yourself. Others, such as gutter cleaning, are best left to a professional. They’ll have the tools and know-how to carry out the job safely and efficiently and can alert you to any replacements you might need.

The longer you ignore blocked gutters, the more you increase the risk of damage to both the exterior and interior of your home due to rainwater not being able to drain correctly. Ideally, you should have your gutters cleaned twice a year, although this is dependent on where you live. Search online for “roof and gutter cleaning near me” and read reviews on sites like Angi.com to find a local contractor you know you can trust.

When Your Loved One’s Home Is No Longer Suitable

There may come a time when your loved one’s deteriorating health means their current home is no longer suitable. You have several options if this becomes the case. Assisted living facilities will allow them to maintain their independence while receiving support with activities of daily living.

Memory care facilities and nursing homes provide additional support for anyone suffering from long- or short-term memory loss who requires around-the-clock care.

Lift Your Loved One’s Spirits

You can do more for your loved ones if you live closer to them. Not only will they benefit from you doing the things they no longer can, but your presence alone will lift their spirits.

Share This Article

About the Author: Hazel Bridges

Hazel Bridges is the creator of AgingWellness.org, a website that aims to provide health and wellness resources for aging seniors. She’s a breast cancer survivor. She challenges herself to live life to the fullest and inspire others to do so as well.

Leave A Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Go to Top