As our loved ones age, there may come a time when they require additional care and support beyond what can be provided for them at home. While waiting for a long term care home placement, it is essential to ensure their well-being and safety. This time and transition can be challenging for both you and your loved one, but with the right tips and strategies, you can provide excellent care for them. Follow along as we explore some practical tips to help you navigate this waiting period with compassion and efficiency.
Establish a Support Network
Establishing a support network at home is vital to ensure your loved one has more than one person they can rely on when you are not available. If there are other family members that have the ability to care for your loved one, consider creating a schedule for everyone to contribute time to. Family members put in a great amount of time into caring for their loved ones and sometimes neglect themselves; therefore, it is important to consider bringing in others as well. Other friends of your loved one can provide entertainment and enjoyment whether it be them meeting in person or chatting to each other over the phone or video call. If you or your loved one are affiliated with any religious organizations, many offer support, activities, food, and transportation services for aging adults as well.
Prioritize Safety at Home
While your loved one is still spending time at home, it is important that their living spaces are arranged in a way that promotes safety for them. A few ideas to add or alter to your loved one’s living space are:
- Keeping emergency numbers listed in a handy area
- Remove hazardous furniture that could contribute to trips or falls
- Install grab bars in the shower and near the toilet, to make getting around easier
- Replace appliances that have frayed or damaged electrical cords
- Make sure hallways, stairs, and pathways are free of clutter and are well lit at night
Explore Home Care Options
While waiting for a spot in a long term care home, consider getting your loved one some extra support at home. There are a few different types of caregivers that can come to your home to help bridge the transition into living at home to later living in a long term care home. Some of these options include nonmedical caregivers, physical therapists, and nurses. They can help with many different tasks like mobilization, nutrition, lifts and transfers, bathing, and grooming. There are many indirect tasks that can be taken care of as well such as general clean-up, laundry, and meal preparation.
Maintain Open Communication
It is sometimes difficult to start the discussion of long-term care with your loved one, but it is important to not be afraid of tough conversations. Keeping an open line of communication allows for understanding of your loved one’s wishes and worries, which will aid in your planning process for what type of care they should receive. Before having the big conversation, take some time to look up different care options that you can recommend to your loved one. If the conversation still seems to be difficult to bring up, consider bringing in a member of the care team into your conversation. At Park Place we have free personalized tours that can be booked online where we guide you for two hours and are available to answer any questions you or your loved one may have.
Focus on Self Care
We know you want the best for your loved one and sometimes the search for care can be tiring and stressful, that is why it is important that you take time to care for yourself. Finding ways to nourish your mind, body, and spirit is important when you are taking on the role as a caregiver. Consider meditation or deep breathing for ten minutes a day, eating healthy and exercising, and remaining socially connected and spending quality time with your own friends and family. After all, you cannot take care of others if you do not take care of yourself first.
Caring for aging parents while waiting for a spot at a long term care home can be a challenging and sometimes frustrating process. By establishing a support network, prioritizing safety, exploring home care options, maintaining open communication, and focusing on your own self-care, you can navigate this time more effectively. Remember that seeking help from others when necessary and taking care of yourself is crucial in this process so that you can provide the best care for your loved ones.
If you’re looking for a long-term care home in the Lower Mainland, Shaughnessy Seniors Community offers personalized and high-quality nursing care to support your parent or loved one. Located in Port Coquitlam, our boutique-style residence is warm, inviting, and can provide the resources required to keep your loved one comfortable and happy despite age-related health problems. If you’d like to learn more about our facilities and care plans, you can always visit our website or reach out to a member of our team and we’d be happy to help.