11 Powerful Tips to Look After Parents At Home

11 Powerful Tips to Look After Parents At Home

1. Dementia Care at Home

• Identify the difference between casual forgetfulness and dementia
• Understand the causes of dementia (curable or non-curable)
• Early diagnosis leads to delayed progression
• Encourage mental & physical activities to slow down progress of dementia
• Create a safe and calm environment
• Use memory recall methods and old routines to enhance daily life

2. Fall Prevention for Elderly Parents

• Remove clutter from rooms and bathrooms
• Ensure good lighting in rooms and bathrooms
• Install anti-skid flooring
• Avoid rushing or hurrying during any activity
• Install grab bars in bathrooms and use bath chair
• Bathroom door must open outward and be wheelchair-accessible

3. Care of Bedridden Parents

• Prevent bedsores by regular repositioning and use air bed
• Maintain skin care and hygiene
• Prevent aspiration pneumonia through careful feeding and positioning
• Prevent contracture and muscle wasting through regular exercise
• Ensure adequate nutrition and hydration

4. Emergencies Management

• Display emergency contact numbers prominently
• Prepare an emergency kit with basic supplies of medicines
• Train family members in basic first-aid and Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
• Have a clear emergency exit plan

5. Emotional Support

• Encourage family and social interaction
• Provide exposure to nature
• Listen without being judgmental
• Respect and value their wisdom
• Ensure participation in hobbies or activities they enjoy
• Promote independence and maintain dignity

6. Anger and Aggression Management

• Identify unmet expectations leading to anger
• Practice empathetic listening and acknowledgement
• Create a calm environment to diffuse conflicting situations
• Set clear boundaries and consistent routines
• Help them learn various relaxation techniques

7. Scheduled Health Checkups

• Schedule regular health checkups (annually, quarterly, monthly, weekly, daily)
• Monitor chronic health conditions
• Schedule a Cognitive Function Assessment to Diagnose Memory-Related Concerns
• Track medication adherence and adjust as necessary

8. Medicine Management at Home

• Use separate boxes for medications as per defined schedule
• Create a checklist for medication management
• Set alarms or reminders for medication times
• Regularly review medications with healthcare providers

9. Schedule Outings

• Plan outings based on condition, need, and available resources
• Ensure outings are manageable and enjoyable for parents
• Keep outings brief to avoid exhaustion
• Be clear that transportation is accessible and comfortable

10. Assignment of Responsibilities

• Delegate tasks based on availability and capability of parents
• Ensure clear and regular communication with parents
• Rotate responsibilities among caretakers to avoid burnout
• Inculcate teamwork among family members

11. Relaxing Body, Mind, and Soul

• Practice gentle yoga for flexibility and stress relief
• Use meditation for mental peace and relaxation
• Play calming music to improve mood and reduce anxiety
• Encourage various exercises for living a stress-free life

Interactive Talk on “11 Powerful Tips to Look After Parents at Home”

The well-being of employees is closely linked to the health and happiness of their families. When a family member, especially a parent, faces challenges, it can significantly impact an employee’s focus, productivity, and overall performance, ultimately affecting the organisation’s profitability.

To support employees in this situation, Dr Ramesh Goyal, Chairman, VataVriksh Parent Care offers a complimentary interactive talk, “11 Powerful Tips to Look After Parents at Home,” providing Caregivers (Family Members) with valuable insights and practical strategies to manage their responsibilities effectively.

Contact us to arrange an interactive talk for you and your colleagues.