How to Handle Changing Needs in Your Senior Loved One's Care

Every stage in life comes with its changes and adjustments to our bodies, our minds, and sometimes our environment. Shifts like these can happen gradually over time (such as the natural process of aging) or suddenly (due to illness or injury). Adapting to those changes is how we maintain overall well-being. 

As your senior loved one grows older, you have likely found yourself assisting them a bit more in life as they change. Their needs are likely to continue changing as they age, so it’s crucial to have a plan in place for how to handle these shifts to ensure they live comfortably and safely while receiving the support they need.

Tips for Managing Your Family Member’s Evolving Needs

Managing your loved one’s care as it evolves takes proactive planning. Whether you live nearby or are long-distance caregiving, remember that it takes a village to provide care for another person. Lean on family, friends, and community resources wherever you can. It might be difficult for you alone to identify your loved one’s changing needs, so have other trustworthy and reliable individuals help you. Additionally, the following strategies will help you both navigate their life changes and determine the best plan of care for them. 

Hold a Family Meeting

Everyone responsible for decision-making regarding your loved one should sit down for a conversation to discuss any changes your senior loved one has been experiencing and how to handle them. For example, the senior may be struggling with mobility and require assistance with bathing, dressing, and other tasks. Maybe they had a recent fall or perhaps they are just struggling to keep up with housekeeping tasks. Make a list of everyone’s observations so you know what areas of concern need to be addressed.

Make Safety Modifications

For many seniors, falling becomes a major risk as they age due to reduced strength and balance. Help them make home safety modifications that can make daily living easier and safer to navigate. Many modifications can be done with some helpful family and friends and some basic tools or equipment. Several ideas for home safety modifications include installing adequate lighting both inside and outside the home for maximum visibility, clearing areas of clutter or unstable furniture, securing area rugs to the floor or replacing them with anti-slip floor coverings, installing grab bars in the bathroom, and organizing storage spaces so most-used items are within easy reach.

Talk with Their Doctor

The next time your senior loved one has a doctor’s appointment, tag along with them. Together, you can discuss any potential challenges and changes the senior is facing, as well as get their input on what should be updated in their care plan. 

Talk Openly to Your Senior Loved One

It’s not always easy for seniors to admit, or even recognize, when they need help. This is understandable, and a situation that really requires empathy and patience. Have an open discussion with them to explain your concerns and open the door to their thoughts. Listen intently and help them feel respected and heard. They most likely just want to regain a sense of control over their own life. Ultimately, the goal is to improve their quality of life while keeping them safe and comfortable. The odds are, you both actually want the same thing.

Adjust the Care Plan 

Once you have a better idea of the senior’s needs, you can move forward with adjusting their care plan. If the senior wishes to continue aging in place, hiring a professional caregiver with an agency like Visiting Angels Crystal Lake can be incredibly helpful and remove some of the burden of care from busy family members. 

Visiting Angels Can Help Support Your Senior Loved One 

Visiting Angels Crystal Lake is here for you and your family member as their needs change over time. Our caregivers are experienced in providing personalized, non-medical care for seniors’ unique circumstances. Whether they require companionship, mobility assistance, or more specialized care for a memory-related condition, we’ll work with you to create a care plan that fits their requirements.

For more information about our flexible in-home care options for seniors in Crystal Lake, fill out our contact form or call us at 815-479-0312.