Elderly Care And Safety
Aug 24, 2011 in Older Health Care
When parents grow old their safety becomes a real concern. Here are a few things you can do to make sure they are safe and sound.
Introduce Them to Exercise A Few Times A Week
Regular exercise is good for everyone, even the elderly. Regular exercise not only protects against disease but it also allows your parents to function a whole lot better. As a matter of fact, it is said that they will be able to function on a level that is 10 to 15 years younger then their current age. This is a huge difference. So make sure you get out and walk with your parents a few times a week.
Get To Know The Medication Your Parents Use
According to the AARP guide, not properly taking medication is one of the reasons why tne elderly have to go into residential care. They need supervised care to make sure they are taking their meds when they are suppose to.
Try and understand what is on your parents prescription form and how the medications are to be taken. Some pharmacies will even repackage the medication and put the pills that should be taken together in monthly dairy card. This makes it easy for your parents to take all the meds they need at the correct order and time.
Stop Them From Driving If Its Time
Doing this is going to be the hardest thing you will have to do. For many elderly people driving is the last form of independence they have. So when you try to take the keys they will give you a big fight. They will be very stubborn and flat out refuse.Once you are sure that they are no longer able to drive in a safe manner, you absolutely must take the keys. Its for their own safety and the society at large.
Draw Up A Living Will
It is very important that you get with your parents and have them draw up a living will. Have them designate someone to be their healthcare decision maker. This is extremely important because there will need to be someone who is responsibly for making any healthcare decisions if your elderly parents are no longer in a position to make decisions.
If there are multiple siblings make sure there is a primary proxy and then alternate proxies. This way if the primary can’t make the decision the alternate will be able to. Once the this will has been filed, make sure you make copies and give it to the important people in your family. It is important that you give a copy to any healthcare providers. This way everyone can be on the same page.
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