Helpful Tips for Caregivers

We know it can be difficult at times taking care of your elder loved one. You will need all the help and advice you can get along the way. That’s why we are providing the following tips for caregivers:

• Keep an updated printout of your senior’s medications and directions. If you don’t have a complete list, ask their doctors to help you generate the list. Take the list to all doctors’ appointments and ER visits.
• Purchase a medical alert bracelet for your loved one. Include any drug allergies or diseases and names and phone numbers of you and your family members on it.
• Apply child-proof devices over the door knobs for seniors that wander or try to leave the house in a panic.
• Keep track of your senior’s daily symptoms, blood pressure readings, temperatures, moods, blood sugar readings, eating habits, activities, behaviors, etc.
• Take the knobs off the stove to make sure your loved one does not attempt to cook without supervision.
• If your loved one has memory impairment issues and problems with wandering, stop by the local police department and introduce your senior to the staff. Leave them your contact information.
• Allow your senior to be as independent and active physically and mentally as possible.
• Stick your business card in your loved one’s cell phone in case they wander off and get lost or they lose their phone.
• Establish a good relationship with your senior’s doctors. Communication is key to ensuring your senior gets the help and care they need.
• Join a caregivers’ support group to receive the help and support you will need when taking care of an elderly loved one. For information on groups/networks in the greater Houston area, click on links below:

o   Assisted Living by Unlimited Care Cottages – we can provide you with additional information and advice, please call us anytime. 

• Tell trusted neighbors when your loved one is alone and give them your contact information.
• Establish a routine with your senior. Keep to a set schedule as much as possible.

We hope these tips help you and your family. If you need more information, please contact us today.