When we care for our loved ones, we are often asking the questions: What do you need? How can I help? To meet those needs and help requires some preparedness. As part of that preparation, I keep a list of what has to happen and as much as possible try to put a good routine of care in place. Having been a teacher for more than half my life, in many ways I approach the care as I would the classroom including reflection, planning, preparation, the give-and-take of implementation, and assessment. As much as possible, I try to stay ahead of the needs to create a sense of comfort, calm, and predictability in what is often an unpredictable situation. There are many facets to this care including the following:
Food
While we've tried local food programs, what seems to work best is a good weekly shop at the local grocery store. Grocery stores have many healthy and easy-to-prepare foods. Finding what your loved ones enjoy eating and are able to prepare independently and with others is important. Then set up a day in the week to do the shopping.
Housekeeping
Creating a good schedule for housekeeping on your own or with the help of others is also a good idea. Generally a good daily routine of clean-up and laundry helps a lot.
Medicines
With many elderly persons, there are medicines to obtain, organize, prepare, and update regularly. Weekly attention to medications is a good idea.
Seasonal changes
As the seasons change, so do the caregiving routines. The house and yard needs to be updated for each season as do individual's clothing and supplies.
Recreation and socialization
Putting chores aside on a regular basis to spend some time in recreational and/or social activities is vital to a good quality of life. Also everyone likes something to look forward to, so planning a few special events now and then adds positivity too.
Healthy daily routine
As much as possible it is good to foster a healthy daily routine that matches the health and interest needs of individuals.
Caregiving team
It is essential to work with a team when it comes to caregiving. Sometimes that may be a family team and other times you may have to find ways to access either paid or public supports as a way to build a team. The work is too lonely and all consuming to do alone.
Bills and finances
It's good to have a point person in charge of this area if individuals are no longer able to do this on their own.
Access available supports
Thanks to this tech age there are many supports available to make the care easier. For example supplies and groceries can be ordered online and delivered right to your home. When confusion or questions arise, answers are usually available via a quick Internet search. Online medical record systems can help you to review an individual's health care and also make appointments and order medicines. Senior activities and program lists are often available online too.
In American society today, people are caring for their elderly loved ones in a great variety of ways. There's no one way which can make it difficult to figure out and access what's right for the senior citizens you love and care for. Considering the main categories of care is a first step to piecing together a positive and help plan.