The option for seniors to live at home for longer has never been more accessible. Thanks to quality CAREGiving services, nowadays many seniors choose to continue living in the comfort of their own home, rather than moving into a residential care facility.

While CAREGivers are able to provide seniors with the physical and emotional requirements to remain living a high-quality life at home, we understand you want to do your bit to support your loved one too. Here is a list of things you can do to ensure the life of a senior living at home is as fulfilled as it can possibly be.

Deliver daily essentials

As we age, everyday duties we take for granted, such as grocery shopping, can become a lot harder to accomplish. You can assist by offering to bring fresh milk right to their front door, or by picking up an extra loaf of bread during your weekly shop. You could also offer to cook them a delicious, nutritious dinner, and put any leftovers into freezer safe containers. This way they don’t have to worry about preparing meals for a few nights. Assisting a senior with everyday essentials could save them a lot of extra hassle and strain.

Make regular visits

Growing older doesn’t have to be, and shouldn’t be, an isolating experience. But the sad reality is seniors are more prone to feeling lonely that any other age group. Make your loved one feel appreciated by paying them a visit for a few hours. They will be extremely grateful for any quality time you make for them – the small things go a long way.

Assist with ‘techy’ tasks

It’s the twenty first century, and although computers and phones may be second nature to us, it’s not often grasped so easily by seniors. While they probably don’t want to know how to set up an Instagram account, they may require assistance with simple tasks such as checking and responding to their emails. You could also offer to give them a lesson on how to skype family members or friends who live far away, or how to order groceries online so they don’t have to carry heavy shopping bags. 

Fix small DIY jobs

While small domestic labour chores may seem insignificant to us, such as changing a light bulb or fixing a loose door hinge, it can be extremely challenging for a senior. Take the pressure off your loved one and assist with DIY jobs around the home where you can. While you’re there, why not also offer to unload their dishwasher, or see if they need any mail collected from the post office? Every little bit helps to increase their quality of life at home.

Bring fun activities to the home

We know you can’t always be there. And while a CAREGiver can be, seniors don’t always need or want 24-hour assistance. In fact, many seniors only require two to three hours of support per week. For the times your loved one is home alone, it’s a good idea to have engaging activities in place to keep them busy and help reduce any feelings of loneliness, another common feeling amongst seniors. Novels, puzzles, adult colouring books and crochet kits are all easy, enjoyable activities seniors can do on their own.

Remember, like everyone else, seniors need physical, emotional and social stimulation for a healthy mind and general wellness. If you or a loved one could benefit from the help of a CAREGiver, please enquire today.