When your main goal is to take care of your aging loved one, the last thing you want to think about is what could happen to you. Family caregivers may be full of strength and compassion, but you’re also vulnerable to the same illnesses and injuries as everyone else. Having an up-to-date emergency plan means you don’t have to worry if something happens that requires someone else to step in and care for your loved one.
Keep a List of the Medication Schedule
One of the most important parts of senior care is making sure your loved one takes the right medications at the appropriate times. Make a list of each medication your loved one takes regularly, and include information about the dosage and time when each one needs to be taken. You’ll also want to include information about medications your loved one takes less often in a second section of the list. Remember to include all over-the-counter medications and natural supplements.
If you have the help of a professional caregiver, make sure he or she has current copies of the list as well. Many older adults are choosing to age in place, and some need a helping hand to continue living at home safely and comfortably. Luckily, there is professional senior home care seniors can trust and rely on.
Create a File with Essential Documents
Other caregivers may need access to important documents as they carry out your duties. A living will, power of attorney, and insurance information are all important papers to add to the file. Try to think of every scenario your loved one could face if you’re hurt or sick. You may also find it handy to have these documents all in one place when you’re well enough to resume your caregiving duties.
Include Information about Medical Conditions
Someone who steps into your role temporarily may not have all the information needed to give to doctors if he or she needs to take your loved one to medical appointments. Jot down a list of any diagnosed conditions your loved one has along with the contact information for the medical team that treats him or her. This information may also need to include symptoms you’ve been tracking that haven’t led to a diagnosis yet.
Make Notes about the Daily Routine
Seniors do best when they have predictable routines to follow, and your loved one may respond better to a new caregiver when the individual does things like you would. You can use a calendar, a daily schedule, or some other type of organizational tool to give caregivers an idea of what needs to be done every day. This is also a good place to include notes on things that soothe your loved one or help him or her remain happier. For instance, you might want to note if your loved one enjoys special rituals, such as having a cup of tea at a certain time of day.
Many seniors prefer aging in place over moving to assisted living facilities. If your senior loved one needs assistance to remain safe and comfortable while living at home, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading Rhode Island homecare services agency. Our dedicated in-home caregivers can assist with meal prep, bathing and grooming, exercise, medication reminders, and many other important tasks.
Know Who to Call for Emergency Help
You should have at least three people you can call in an emergency. These people should all be committed to stepping in and performing your duties. Ideally, at least one should take on the primary caregiver role and make sure to follow your outlined routine. Professional caregivers can drop in at a moment’s notice to help you out until you return after the emergency.
Certain age-related conditions can make it more challenging for seniors to age in place safely and comfortably, but Rhode Island live-in care experts are available around the clock to help seniors manage their health. Whether your loved one is living with dementia or is recovering from a stroke, you can trust the professional live-in caregivers from Home Care Assistance to enhance his or her quality of life. For reliable in-home care services, contact us at (401) 284-0979 today.