How to Care & Provide for the Elderly

If you are faced suddenly with the care of your elderly mother or father, it can be quite a challenge. You have to be fully aware of the person's health status and any medications they need. You also must adjust your own lifestyle to accommodate them. Care for an elderly person can be demanding and stressful, but with some basic knowledge about what to do and by staying relaxed and calm, you can get the job done.

Instructions

• 1

  Collect and write down as much information about the elderly person as you can. Write down her Social Security number and birth date because they are requested by many service providers. Copy her health insurance policy and get the contact information for her dentist, doctor and pharmacy.

• 2

  Create a list with all the vitamins and prescription and over-the-counter medications the elderly person takes. Take the list with you to doctor's appointments for the elderly person for the doctor's review when prescribing new medications. This will prevent dangerous interactions that certain drugs may have.

• 3

  Talk to the senior's doctor about medical conditions that you will have to deal with, whether it's Alzheimer's disease, loss of hearing or sight, dementia or the inability to walk. Learn as much as you can about the medical conditions that you will be faced with.

• 4

  Ask family members to take on some responsibility so that you are not burdened with all the tasks of the elderly person's care. Give everyone a task for which they are responsible so you have less to worry about.

• 5

  Allow the senior as much independence as possible so he doesn't feel like you are trying to control his life. Talk to the senior, consult with him, acknowledge his feelings and respect his wishes.

• 6

  Look into senior day care programs outside of the home or care facility in which your elderly person can get involved. Encourage the senior to make friends. Plan activities to motivate the senior to be active and feel like she has a life outside of the home. The website GrandTimes.com states that activities to keep seniors busy can help prevent depression.

• 7

  Take care of the senior's legal issues such as his will. Ensure the proper paperwork has been completed to establish and appoint power of attorney for decisions regarding the elderly person's finances and health care.