Top tips for elderly home care

• Treat them the way you would like to be treated yourself, show kindness and be caring at all times.
• Have a positive attitude and empower them; this can help to uplift their mood. 
• Motivate and praise them, to let them know that you have their best interests in mind. 
• Give them time to speak, so that you know what they would like from you. 
• Stay calm and listen; this helps them feel valued, and they are more inclined to open up to you. 
• Chat with them and let them know what you are doing and why, as a good explanation often helps them to realise that you are acting in their best interests and they will be more inclined to let you help them. 
• Make your time together fun and enjoyable by finding out what they enjoy doing, such as singing, watching TV, playing games. 
• Involve them in daily tasks, as even the smallest of things empowers them to feel valued and included.

• Supporting proper nutrition through sufficient hydration and healthy meals or snacks will help your loved one to maintain the right balance of energy and nutrients. Our guide to nutrition for the elderly will help you to understand why protein and Vitamin D are so important as we get older. 
• Promoting regular activity that is suitable for your loved one’s abilities and health condition will have physical and mental health benefits. Encourage them to engage in gentle exercises, such as walking or stretching, to improve mobility, strength, and balance. Here are some ideas on days out with your elderly loved ones.
• Mental stimulation can help delay cognitive decline, so provide activities that increase cerebral function and keep the mind active. Engage your loved one in conversation, play memory games, solve puzzles, read together, or explore hobbies and interests. 
• Our team knows that caring for the whole person means more than just meeting their physical needs. When caring for the elderly, emotional needs are just as important. For those in their later years, one negative emotional need that is important to address is loneliness. Take the time to ask your loved one how they are, this makes them feel valued. Showing patience and kindness reassures them that they are worthy of your time. Listening attentively to their needs, concerns, and preferences, will ensure that they feel heard and respected.
• Promote independence as much as possible. Allow your loved one to perform tasks they are capable of doing on their own, while providing assistance when needed. This helps maintain their sense of autonomy and self-worth.

When caring for your loved ones, try to spend quality time with them and support their daily living tasks; a balance of care and companionship can create the perfect environment for them to feel secure and happy.