How to Care for a Senior in Your Own Home

Welcoming a senior citizen into your home can be rewarding for both of you.

Many factors may lead you to open your doors and take care of a senior citizen in your home. The senior may not be able to stay in her current home because of financial or structural reasons. Her health may have begun to deteriorate and she can no longer take care of herself alone. You may have decided the family member or friend lives too far away and invited her to live with you to be closer to loved ones. Whatever the reason, there are a few things to take into consideration when caring for a senior citizen in your home.

Instructions

1. Respect his independence. If he still possess the ability to take care of himself and do small chores, do not insist on treating him like a guest. Instead, encourage activities such as helping with dinner or playing with children in the yard. Allow the senior to feel like a part of the family instead of a burden.

2. Make a medical emergency list. Keep this list in a location known by everyone in the home. Even if the senior citizen is not in poor health, the list will be valuable she suddenly becomes incapacitated. Copy insurance and pharmacy cards. List all doctors she sees, including names, phone numbers and specialties. Medication lists should include the name of the medication, dosage and how often the medication is taken. Include medical and food allergies and maintain a list of any medical procedures such as surgeries or ongoing treatments.

3. Identify any areas of the home that may need modifications, if necessary. Install support bars and slip pads in showers to prevent falls. Grippers for doorknobs and drawer handles will help the senior citizen move from one room to the other and navigate the kitchen. Rearrange furniture to provide wider paths for seniors with canes, walkers or wheelchairs. Install permanent or temporary ramps to allow easier access in and out of the home.

4. Discuss additional help with the senior and your family. If the senior living in your home has severe medical issues such as dementia or has become bedridden, consider hiring a full- or part-time nurse. The nurse can help with daily tasks such as bathing, feeding and monitoring the health of the patient, allowing you to focus on work, taking care of the home and spending quality time with the senior citizen.

5. Consider converting a portion of your home to or building on separate living quarters for the senior citizen. This space does not have to be a full apartment; it can just be a suite with a sitting area and a bedroom. This allows the senior citizen to maintain his independence while still feeling a part of the family.

References

• Aging Parents and Elder Care: Elder Care -- First Steps
• Aging Parents and Elder Care: Elder Care Checklists
• National Institute on Aging: Caregiver Guide