How to Help the Elderly at Home

Seniors can meet most of their basic needs at home with a minimum of assistance. However, they often need the help of family and friends to guide and suggest changes to their lives that can make growing old easier. The U.S. Administration on Aging encourages older adults to live in their homes until it becomes necessary for them to move to a care facility. If you have an elderly person in your life, you can take positive steps to help them remain safe and comfortable.

Instructions

• 1

  Discuss the elderly person's needs with him. Ask for his input, and respect his autonomy. Some seniors are reluctant to admit they need help. Assure him that the main goal is to help him stay in his home.

• 2

  Help her organize all of her documents in a file. Put reminders on the refrigerator. Hang a calendar in a prominent place and label important dates. Put pens and pads close to telephones, so she can take notes easily. Make a list of often-used phone numbers, including doctors, family, friends, transportation and emergency contacts. Write large and legibly, or type the list into a computer for easy printouts.

• 3

  Ensure his home is safe. Remove cords and rugs that could cause accidents. Clear clutter and widen spaces between furniture. Move most-used kitchen items to lower shelves. Replace cookware with lighter versions. Buy a kitchen gadget that opens jars safely. Put a rubber mat in the bathtub to help avoid slipping. Install a bathing chair in the tub or shower, if needed. Connect night lights. Ensure that carbon monoxide and smoke detectors are functioning and change batteries regularly. Ensure that window and door locks operate properly.

• 4

  Help her get into and out of the bathtub if necessary. Wash her hair and feet, trim nails. Help someone to help when she leaves the house.

• 5

  Help him organize medications in monthly or weekly pill containers. Print a chart of medications, refills and dosages where he can record taking the pills at the proper times. The National Caregivers Library offers a sample chart. Ensure he is taking his medication by checking the containers and chart regularly.

• 6

  Prepare several meals and freeze them so she can simply reheat them in the microwave. Encourage her to keep microwavable food on hand and to avoid using the stove and oven, which can be dangerous.

• 7

  Clean his home weekly, especially in areas that require bending, such as bathrooms. Watch for maintenance that needs to be done and arrange for repairs. Take out the garbage.

• 8

  Talk to her regularly to see if she sounds healthy, sad or worried. Remind her of appointments. Ask her how her week is. Visit her in person as often as possible.