Family caregivers often worry so much about their aging loved ones’ safety that they overlook their own. Senior care often involves doing many tasks that put you at risk for injury. For instance, you might suddenly pop your back out of place as you bend over or experience a major fall. These strategies can help you stay free from injuries so you can take care of your loved one.
1. Wear Sensible Shoes
Many people wear ill-fitting shoes, or you might be tempted to pop in to care for your loved one while you’re wearing your heels from work. However, slick soles or poorly fitting shoes can increase your risk of falling. If necessary, store a pair of shoes with non-skid soles in your car or at your loved one’s home so you’re always ready to help out.
2. Create Clear Walking Paths
You might occasionally find yourself needing to hurry. For instance, you might be rushing to your loved one’s bathroom to attend to his or her needs or investigate a noise that makes you think he or she could be in danger. Ideally, you should try to move through the house as calmly as possible, but having a clear path will help you avoid tripping and falling if you have to hurry.
3. Get Enough Sleep at Night
Accidents tend to happen most often when people are tired. You might accidentally cut yourself while chopping your loved one’s vegetables, or you could be involved in a traffic accident while driving your parent to the doctor.
If your loved one’s care needs have reached the point where he or she keeps you up at night, arrange for overnight care so you’ll be more alert and better able to care for your loved one during the day. You can also arrange for transportation services on days when you don’t fully trust your driving ability due to being up for most of the night.
Caring for a loved one can take a physical toll on even the strongest caregivers, so it’s important to practice preventive measures to keep yourself as healthy as possible. You may also want to consider seeking the help of a professional caregiver. The type of Home Care Milwaukee seniors need can vary. Some need assistance a few hours a day, while others require more extensive around-the-clock assistance. At Assisting Hands Home Care, we tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual care needs, and the plans can be adjusted at any time. We are a trusted provider of respite and 24-hour care, and we also offer specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s, and stroke care for seniors.
4. Learn How to Lift Properly
Back injuries are common among caregivers who have to transfer their loved ones from one place to another. Spend some time learning how to use the different parts of your body to support someone else’s body weight. You can also look into assistive devices that aid with transfers, such as grab rails that hang over the bed.
Team lifting is another option to consider if you find it difficult to support your loved one’s weight. Working with another caregiver splits the burden in half so you protect your back.
It’s important for caregivers to look out for their health, too. Seniors can face a variety of age-related challenges. Though some families choose to take on the caregiving duties, there may come a time when they need a trusted home care provider. Families sometimes need respite from their duties so they can focus on their other responsibilities, and some seniors need around-the-clock assistance that their families are not able to provide. Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help.
5. Take Care of Minor Injuries
Ignoring a minor issue can sometimes cause it to turn into a more serious problem that takes you out of your role. Even a small cut on your finger can get infected and make it difficult to perform your duties. If you feel a twinge of pain in your back or think you’ve sprained your ankle, get it checked out. A respite caregiver can keep your loved one safe and let you make sure a small injury doesn’t slow you down for too long.Family caregivers need to care for their own wellbeing. If you’re caring for an aging loved one and are feeling overwhelmed, consider hiring a professional caregiver to provide Respite Care. Milwaukee families who want to prevent burnout can turn to Assisting Hands Home Care. One of our professional caregivers can assist your loved one at home while you take a nap, go to work, run errands, or go on vacation. To create a customized care plan for your loved one, call us today.
