Tips for caring for elderly

The number of people aged 65 and over in North Somerset is projected to be more than 67,900 by 2040. 

When it comes to looking after the elderly, our CareGivers are the experts and we pride ourselves on the award-winning care services we provide.

We recently had a chat with some of our CareGivers and asked them to share some of their top tips for caring for the elderly, so we could share them here with you if you have elderly relatives, neighbours or friends you are helping to look after.

Encourage independence

It might seem easier to do everything for your older loved-one, but encouraging independence is extremely important for their mental and emotional health. Allowing them to complete tasks they are capable of gives them a great boost of self esteem and helps them to maintain their cognitive abilities.

Of course, we always need to be careful and want to limit any trips or falls, so ensure you’re always on hand to assist when or if needed.

Ensure good communication

Lots of elderly people struggle with hearing loss or memory issues, so it’s important to speak slowly and clearly without shouting. 

• Maintain eye contact to let the other person know you’re interested and engaged with them
• Try to avoid overcomplicating the language you use. 
• Most importantly, you should try to be patient and give the person you’re caring for time to respond.

Make nutrition a priority

Whatever age we are, nutrition is crucial in maintaining our health. 

• Plan balanced meals that are rich in essential nutrients, such as calcium, fibre, protein and vitamins
• Monitor fluid intake in order to prevent dehydration
• Make mealtimes social if you can by sitting with them to eat, creating a pleasant environment, which encourages eating if they sometimes struggle.

Create a safe living environment

Elderly people are more likely to suffer from trips and falls, so it’s important to create a safe living environment. This helps them feel more comfortable in their own home.

• Remove potential trip hazards such as leads, rugs or clutter from pathways
• Install grab handles in rooms such as bathrooms, where they may need extra help
• Ensure good lighting throughout the house, especially in dangerous areas such as stairways.

How care from Right at Home North Somerset can help

Needing a little help is inevitable as we grow older, and unfortunately, not everyone has friends, family or neighbours nearby to help them out, which is where we can step in.

We offer a variety of care services, which are customised to each individual through a Personal Care Plan, and are provided by our highly-experienced CareGivers, who are the best in the business, if we do say so ourselves.

So, why choose us to help?

• Regular welfare checks on your loved-ones, give you and your family peace of mind
• Having professionals visit your loved-one can lighten the load and give carers in the family some respite
• CareGivers are closely matched with their Clients
• We offer companionship, which is often invaluable in elderly people
• We treat all our Clients as part of our extended family
• We offer reliable and reassuring support for elderly people living at home
• The level of care we provide can be tailored to your preferences and needs.

All of our CareGivers participate in a thorough induction training programme before becoming personal care providers. 

Every member of our team benefits from regular refresher training and quality checks. That’s how we ensure a consistently high standard of care. 

Head to our Contact Us page to find out more.