We know caregiving is hard (if it wasn’t, we wouldn’t be in business). But what if we told you we could help make your life a bit simpler – without even being there?? That’s because over the years we’ve learned the best and most useful caregiver hacks out there!
Here are our top favorite tips for managing yours and your loved one’s day!
- Organize Closets by Outfit
Help loved ones be more independent by organizing their closet by outfit. It will be easy and less stressful for them to choose clothes that match.
- Automate the Bill Payments
Automation of regularly occurring expenses can help keep financials under control. Online bill paying through a reputable bank and server is safe and secure. Because you can set it and forget it, that’s one less thing you have to worry about.
- Remove Rugs and Runners
Falls are a leading call of injury to the elderly. Removing loose rugs and runners can help minimize fall hazards.
- Use New Technology to Your Advantage
The wealth of technological devices may help in a variety of ways from dimming the lights on command, to calling 911 in an emergency.
- Label Everything
Combat confusion with clear labels on things like remote controls, light switches, reminders in the car, or other helpful tags.
- Create a Caregiver Command Central
By creating a “command central” and streamlining basic daily routines you’re also making it easier to bring in additional team members to the house — both family members and professionals.
- Keep a Go-Bag at the Ready
Everything you need in a moment’s notice. In one place. Ready to go. Include papers, change of clothes, important meds and more.
- Mark the Medications
If you have multiple pill bottles that all look the same, grab a Sharpie and write “M” for Monday, or “D” for daily on the caps. For more advanced sorting and administration help, turn to any number of apps, devices, and medication monitoring tools available to caregivers, like PillPack or MedCoach.
- Fall-Proof the House
Do a walk-through of the home using a cane or walker to determine where the problem areas are. You may need to widen door frames, eliminate raised thresholds or step-downs, or make other accommodations to reduce the risk of falling.
- Use a Video Monitor
Position a video monitor in a prominent place (many can now be paired with an app that sends alerts to your smartphone) for an extra pair of eyes on your loved one, day or night, in any place of the home when/where wandering occurs.
- Change Your Dinnerware
Empower proper nutrition with different tableware that’s easy to see (use high-contrast colors), easy to grab (try curved silverware or a cup with a handle) and easy to maneuver (place items on a non-skid place mat). Try cups with lids and handles, divided plates with rubber bottoms, spoons and forks that are larger in size.
- Find Reprieve with Respite Care
Caring for a parent or senior loved one is an exhausting task. It requires the honing of skills you may not yet have, and family members who unexpectedly become family caregivers for their parent or loved one risk burning out, which carries significant risks for both loved ones and their caregivers.
Caregivers deserve special recognition and to enjoy the journey wherever possible. You don’t have to go on the journey alone. Call us today to learn more. We are there to help. Our staff has a combined 32 years of experience and we specialize in the evaluation of care of those with dementia or Alzheimer’s.
Give us a call at 269-204-6537 with any questions or click here to arrange a free consultation with our care manager.
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