Are you looking for a few tips to help you care for the aging seniors in your life this month, and throughout the year? Do you also want to honor and celebrate the senior adults in your life? If your answer is yes, were you aware that every May is National Older Americans Month? Across the country, families of older adults and communities are raising awareness about the many challenges our seniors face. It is also an opportunity for adult children of aging parents to give back. The year, 1963, was the first year that National Older Americans Month occurred. In 1963, Medicare had yet to be created and few government programs provided assistance to seniors in need. In fact, at the time, more than one-third of all older Americans lived in poverty.
Fortunately, there has been great progress over the past half-century. Much of the credit for this progress should go to family caregivers. Family caregivers provide more than 80 percent of day-to-day support for aging adults. Let us share five tips with you in regard to caring for senior loved ones right here in our blog.
1. Caring through food. Grocery shopping and meal planning are big tasks. Taking on those two tasks would be monumental. It would also relieve stress for senior loved ones with mobility issues, and provide nutritious food choices. In addition, preparing easy-access finger-foods and pre-cooked multi-serving dishes can be helpful. If your senior wants to reduce clean-up you can provide plastic cups, plates and straws.
2. Caring through clothing. Adult children and family caregivers can help aging parents by keeping their laundry clean, and by laying out loose-fitting, comfortable clothes. Also, buying comfortable shoes and clothes with Velcro and large zippers can help senior adults adapt to temperature changes and varying weather.
3. Caring through hygiene. Good hygiene is a must! However, bathing may need to require caregiver supervision, as bathtubs and showers can be slippery and dangerous. Throw rugs, bath mats and other such obstacles need to be removed to reduce the risk of tripping and falling. Adaptive bathing equipment, such as shower chairs and hand-held showerheads, can be helpful.
4. Caring through dental maintenance. Be careful, a lapse in dental care could lead to complicated, and painful, health issues. Make sure elder loved ones are rinsing their teeth after every meal, and help them brush or keep their dentures clean if they need assistance. You should consult their dentist for more specific advice.
5. Caring through toileting. There is adaptive safety equipment that can help seniors use the toilet safely. Equipment, such as raised toilet seats and grab bars, could be made available. If possible, have them work on a daily routine of bathroom visits to avoid accidents.
We know this blog may raise more questions than it answers. We want you not to wait to learn more about this critical issue facing all of us, but most importantly Connecticut seniors. Remember, being prepared is the best defense you can have in place. The Northeast Law Center practices law in many Connecticut counties including Hartford, New London, Tolland and Windham. We encourage you to contact us and schedule a meeting.