Providing Comfort to Aging Adults: Building a Support System
As we age, it's understandable that what may have once been an easy task to complete may now take a bit more time or prove to be a bit more difficult. Although aging is simply part of life, it can be hard to see a loved one struggling, which is why having a strong support system in place can make a big difference in their life. Being there for your aging loved one can help in more ways than one, and knowing that they have you in their life can mean the world to them. When it comes to providing comfort to aging adults, building a support system is key. Here are some ways that you can build that support system for your aging loved one.
Assistance with Daily Activities
Depending on how independent your loved one is, you may want to consider helping out with some daily chores and activities around the home to help ease stress and make your loved one more comfortable. They may need help with daily chores, such as:
Doing the dishes
Cleaning
Laundry
Cooking
Running errands
Paying bills
Taking medications
They may also start to need assistance with personal hygiene tasks, depending on their situation. These may include:
Getting dressed
Bathing
Feeding
Getting in and out of bed
No two situations are alike and your loved one may be fully capable of performing these functions on their own. The thing to remember here is that helping with some small tasks at the start, even running a small errand, can really help out. If you're unsure, just ask. They may be waiting for someone to offer a helping hand.
Creating a Comfortable (and Safe) Space
Your loved one's home needs to be able to work for them. If they choose to remain in their home without feeling as though they need to downsize into a smaller space, there are ways to increase safety in the home. Non-slip items, like rugs and bath mats are crucial to preventing falls, so investing in these can really help. Shower bars may also help those who need a little extra assistance to maintain their safety in this dangerous area of the home.
Our tip here is to take notice of your loved one's surroundings. Often times, they don't believe that they need to downsize or simply don't want to leave their home. If their space is proving to be too much for them, you may want to sit down and have a conversation about downsizing to a more manageable space.
Spending Time Together
Spending time with your loved one can really help lift their spirits and give them things to look forward to in the day. Activities as simple as going for a short walk, seeing a movie or just enjoying a glass of iced tea on the porch on a warm summer day can mean the world to your loved one.
At the end of the day, even the smallest gestures can mean so much to your loved one. We all age, and as we age, we all need a support system so that we can get the most out of life and enjoy every moment that comes our way.