Do it Yourself
Your Time, Your Phone, and You
Can you do it yourself? Are you a d.i.y. person? You don't need outside approval to attend to some important aspects of your Aging Loved One's life. Little things mean a lot. You can attend to some medical situations. You can ensure that banking is easy, efficient, and satisfactory. You can put in place many home maintenance resources.
Much can be done by phone.
Time and phone ... your two new best friends.
The topics covered in this section range from "quick and easy" to "I wouldn't have thought of that" to "that will take a while to acccomplish."
Try implementing the "quick and easy" suggestions first. Cross them off your list.
Move on to other suggestions as quickly as is convenient. Not all will apply. Do what you can.
When you come up with something that needs outside help, ask a professional.
A Ponderable
Besides the noble art of getting things done, there is the noble art of leaving things undone.
The wisdom of life consists in the elimination of nonessentials.
~ Lin Yutang
If you liked this article you might also like these:
- Banking
- The bank can flag an account in order to monitor unsuitable activity on the part of your Aging Loved One. You may be able to watch discreetly from afar via the Internet if you think banking affairs are out of control.
- Blister Packs
- Blister packs help keep pills organized and simplify life for your Aging Loved One. They may help prevent over-doses and missed doses.
- Caring for Caregivers
- Tips for avoiding care-giver burnout include scheduling at least 6 weeks each year for you. Re-charge your batteries regularly in order to be a better care-giver. No guilt.
- Deal with Professionals
- Find reputable tradespeople to help maintain the home of your Aging Loved One. Be there to oversee the work and show you care.
- Dehydration
- Your Aging Loved One may suffer from chronic dehydration without knowing it. Here are the symptoms and easy tips on how to avoid it.
- Dental
- Our Aging Loved Ones deserve good oral health which contributes to good overall physical and mental health. Do the dentures fit well? Do you notice bad breath?
- To Drive or not to Drive ...
- Here are signs of impaired driving ability in older drivers and suggestions for a smooth surrender the keys. Independence goes out the window in favour of safety for others.
- Ears
- Hearing loss in our seniors can creep up. I can hear just fine; people should stop mumbling. A visit to an audiologist may be a good idea.
- Eyes
- Eye health and good vision are important to our Aging Loved Ones. Schedule an eye examination if it is overdue.
- Handicapped Parking Permit
- Request a disability/handicapped parking permit if your Aging Loved One has mobility difficulties. Ask the GP about it.
- Living Aids
- A variety of aids are available to assist your Aging Loved One remain independent, safe and happy. A few simple aids can make a world of difference.
- Mail Forward
- Re-direct the mail to your home if your Aging Loved One will be away for a time. You may find some surprises such as mail fraud. Act swiftly to eliminate them.
- Medical Alarm
- In-home medical alarm systems save lives and provide peace of mind, especially to you as the care-giver for your Aging Loved One.
- Physical Safety in the Home
- Practical tips are included here to increase safety in the home for a senior in your care. You can do many yourself; others will require professional help.
- Simple Little Sticker
- Follow the advice from the emergency response team: make this simple little sticker clearly visible to all responders.
- Specific Medical Problems
- Find support groups and learn from others how better to cope with the special needs of your Aging Loved One. Accept suggestions gratefully.
- Spiritual Leader
- Blessed are they who ease, in large and small ways, the journey of an Aging Loved One.
- Valuables
- Safeguard the personal treasures and do not make it easy for others to help themselves. A steel lock box comes in handy.
- The File
- Label the file folder with the name of your Aging Loved One, learn how to use it efficiently, and your headaches (almost) will disappear! It all happens here.