Many people have elderly grandparents who need help with their daily lives. The best possible care for them includes providing them with adequate nutrition, hydration, exercise, social interaction, and mental stimulation. Here are some tips on how to get the best possible care for your elderly grandparents.
Nutrition
Make sure they are getting enough to eat and drink. As we age, our appetites tend to decrease. It’s important to make sure that your grandparents are eating enough and drinking enough fluids throughout the day. Depending on their level of mobility, they may need help preparing meals or getting to the kitchen. If they are unable to eat solid foods, ensure that they are getting proper nutrition through Ensure or another type of liquid meal replacement.
Get Them Moving
Exercise is important for everyone, but it’s especially important for the elderly. It helps improve balance, flexibility, and muscular strength. It can also help reduce the risk of falls. There are many ways to get your grandparents moving, even if they are not able to go outside for a walk. Indoor exercises like chair yoga or light weight lifting can be done from the comfort of their own home.
Stimulate Their Minds
Mental stimulation is just as important as physical activity when it comes to keeping your grandparents healthy and happy. Engage them in conversations, play games with them, or have them do puzzles or other activities that require mental focus. This will help keep their minds sharp and prevent boredom or depression.
Socialize
Humans are social creatures, and we all need social interaction to live happy and fulfilling lives. This is especially true for the elderly, who may be isolated if they live alone or are not able to get out much. Spend time talking with your grandparents on the phone or visiting them in person when you can. If you live far away, Facetime or Skype can be just as effective in staying connected with them.
Change Their Living Space
Making small changes to their living space can also improve their quality of life by making it more comfortable and inviting for them. Add some fresh flowers or green plants, repaint a dull room in a brighter color, or put up some new photos or artwork that they will enjoy looking at each day. Some companies, like Good Heart Hospice, know that these simple changes can make a big difference in how much they enjoy being at home.
Caring for elderly grandparents can be a challenge, but it is also a rewarding experience. By following these tips on how to get the best possible care for your grandparents, you can help them live long, happy, and healthy lives.
