How to Provide the Best Care for Loved Ones at Home

According to research by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, around 2.65 million Australians provide informal care for an elderly relative or person living with a disability. 

While this can be a very difficult undertaking, there are some ways you can make the process a little bit easier. 

In this post, we’ll outline some helpful tips and guidance on how to provide the best care for your loved ones at home. 

If you take what we highlight on board, you should start to find your responsibilities less challenging overall. 

1. Seek Support 

Even though you might be the primary caregiver, it is important to realise that you don’t have to do it alone. 

There are several community services and resources you can call upon to help you look after your loved one. So, you should not hesitate to utilise them as and when required. 

They include aged care assistance for elderly people and in-home care from companies like United For Care, who can help with specialist activities related to living with a disability. 

Typically, they may offer home health aides, transportation services, meal delivery programmes, and respite care options. All of which can significantly reduce the burden on you. 

2. Understand what kind of care is required 

As a caregiver to a friend or family member, it is only natural that you will want to give them the best level care you possibly can. 

However, before you can do this, it is crucial that you recognise exactly what this entails. Because if you don’t, you might be doing more harm than good to them. 

The best way to appreciate what level of care and assistance you need to provide them with is to consult with a healthcare or medical professional. They can present you with an extensive overview of your loved one’s condition and what they need to enable them to live their best lives. 

3. Create a safe home environment 

Whether they are elderly or living with a disability, your loved one deserves to live in a safe home environment. Subsequently, you, as their carer, should do whatever you can to create this for them. 

Often, this can be achieved through some minor tweaks or modifications to your home. In particular, by determining and eradicating any potential hazards and making the necessary adjustments to enhance the accessibility and safety of your property. 

For instance, for older people, this could involve installing grab bars in the toilet or shower, while for disabled people it might require you to add ramps. It could also mean ensuring pathways are cleared of clutter. 

4. Establish a routine 

One of the best ways to provide an excellent level of care for your loved one at home is to put in place a consistent daily routine. 

Take the time to draw up a schedule that maps out what medications they need and when, as well as regular meal times and sufficient periods for rest and exercise. 

Establishing a routine in this way will go a long way towards reducing confusion and anxiety that can otherwise occur. However, it is crucial to involve your loved one in the planning of this routine to enable them to retain a sense of independence and control. 

Ultimately, a well-thought-out and structured day can promote normalcy, which in turn, can enhance their overall well-being. Just make sure you add enjoyable activities such as watching TV, reading or doing their hobbies. Otherwise, it might seem more of a millstone around your loved one’s neck. 

5. Maintain high health and hygiene levels. 

One of the most important aspects of any type of caregiving is to maintain the personal hygiene and health of the loved one you are looking after. 

If they require it, you should help your loved one with personal care activities like washing, dressing and grooming because regular hygiene care will reduce the chances of them suffering from infection or illness. 

While doing this, you should also make sure you respect their wishes and dignity to make them feel respected and comfortable. 

Additionally, keep a proper record of what medications they need to administer and when. This will help them to keep on top of their health. 

6. Make sure they are well-fed and hydrated  

In a hot country like Australia, it is important that your loved one drinks plenty of water and consumes foods with proper nutritional value. Doing this will maintain their energy and health levels and assist them to stay healthy. 

Where possible, plan and prepare meals that satisfy their dietary preferences and needs with their input. It is also worth consulting with a dietician to ensure your loved one receives personalised guidance on what they should eat and when. 

Try to prepare them meals that incorporate a balanced selection of items from within the major food groups and contain lots of superfoods. Also, encourage them to reduce the amount of alcohol they drink and not consume processed foods that are high in sugar and unhealthy fats.