Special Care Tips for Aged Relatives

It is very interesting to note that, much like babies, our elderly loved ones require special care and attention. Because they have become advanced in years, concerns regarding their health and safety become even more significant if they insist on a certain level of independence and decide to live on their own. Living not more than three blocks from my parents' house, I often worry about their well-being. However, I find that there are many steps family members like me can take to alleviate anxiety and assist aged relatives in their daily lives. 

Here are some worth sharing:

Keep communication constant

Maintain regular contact with your elderly relatives. I give my parents a call at least once every week to check on health issues, whether they've been having any problems, or simply to find out what's been keeping them busy. They always seem so pleased hearing from me and the kids. I believe this adds a certain amount of joy and comfort to their lives.

Invest in reliable security devices

I heard about medical security devices from a friend who lives with her 85 year-old grandmother. She said that these clever gadgets give her peace of mind even when she's at work and her granny stays at home alone during the day. These devices typically come with a portable panic button that will send an alert when pressed in cases of medical emergencies and accidents. In some units, pressing the panic button activates the speakerphone integrated into the base unit. Other units make use of a built-in automatic phone dialer that places a call to the emergency contact center.

I went online and checked out several types before finally settling on one that automatically dials a specified list of numbers when the distress button is pressed. The medical alarms I bought for my parents sport a fashionable-looking panic button that could be worn as a necklace or as a bracelet – I had to take this into account because I knew my mom would never wear something too obvious or gaudy.

Ever since I got these devices for them, I have felt as if an incredible load has been taken off my back. I no longer have to worry so much about their welfare because I know that in case of an emergency, I was simply a phone call away.

In addition to the medical alarm, I  also installed a security alarm in my parents' home. I got a hold of one that has motion sensors, surveillance cameras, and audible alarms that would surely fend off burglars and intruders.

Granny-proofing for home safety

This is pretty much like baby-proofing the home... except babies do not really use the oven and other potentially dangerous household appliances. As such, take the effort to put in large-sized legible labels on the switches and knobs of electrical devices. Also, try to get rid of tripping or slipping hazards such as small rugs and 'loose' furniture. In addition, make sure that most areas in the house are well-lit- particularly the toilet and the kitchen where accidents commonly occur.