Age In Place In Ottawa
Having to take on the elderly caregiver role for your aging loved one can be overwhelming. While being an elderly caregiver can be equally rewarding it is important to set yourself up for success when taking on this caregiver role.
5 Tips Below to Help Your Senior Age in Place in Ottawa
ASSESS THE NEEDS
As soon as you begin your role as the elderly caregiver, the first and most important step is to assess the needs of the senior you are caring for. Does this include home support; assistance with household chores and tasks. Perhaps, medication reminders are necessary or accompaniment to appointments. Is your senior at the stage where they need assistance with personal care; dressing, bathing, toileting? In Ottawa specifically, this can include outside maintenance especially during the changing seasons. Once you have established all the needs you will have to fill as the elderly caregiver you can begin to take action.
CREATE A TEAM
It is very evident that being an elderly caregiver can put a lot on your plate. It is important to create a team to help execute all the needs without putting everything on your shoulders. If you do not take precautions to prioritize your health and wellbeing you will not be the best elderly caregiver you would like. Enlist any family members who are willing and able to help and find a team or professionals who can help as well. Ottawa has many options for home care for the elderly as well as activities, seniors groups, funding and more!
KEEP THEM CONNECTED AND ACTIVE
Getting outside in Ottawa during the cold winter months can be challenging, but it is important to keep your senior active! As the elderly caregiver you may need to find programs and resources that can help keep them active and you may have to be the source of motivation to keep them moving. As memory continues to decline as your senior ages you as the elderly caregiver will need to help stimulate their mind with activities such as puzzles, riddles, reading, word searches, etc.. to keep their brains healthy.
PROVIDE CONNECTION & AFFECTION
Showing love through small gestures is one of the most important jobs in your role as the elderly caregiver. Having patience, making their favorite meal, taking them to an appointment or simply just a hug can have a huge impact on a senior. Setting your senior up with social media if possible can be a great way to keep them connected and engaged with family, seeing pictures of grandchildren and even older memories will create more treasured memories and benefit not only their mental health, but the mental health of the elderly caregiver.
BE PREPARED
As an elderly caregiver another important role, while unpleasant, is to ensure your senior is protected. This can include protection from a lot of factors; having their home assessed for safety – ensuring rugs are secured or removed, safety devices for stoves and other appliances, adequate lighting and grab bars in the bathroom. Ensuring there is adequate and nutritious food available – scheduling grocery delivery, meal prep or delivery. Talking about their wishes as they enter the final stage of life – is the paperwork completed for their will and final wishes? Is it time to take over on your seniors decision making?
OTTAWA RESOURCES
There are so many aspects of becoming the elderly caregiver and while you don’t have to figure it all out at once it is important to be on top of things. Ottawa has a wide variety of guides and resources available to help you every step of the way and we can help! Speak to one of our home care experts for advice on transitioning into your role of the elderly caregiver.
City of Ottawa Caregiver Support Program 613.580.6744
City of Ottawa – Support services Call 311
The Council on Aging of Ottawa
613.789.3577