Guide to caring for an elderly relative
General support
There are several things you can do to support a loved one as they age. Most older people want to stay at home for as long as possible to maintain their independence and confidence. Although they may be in good health, it's important to take steps to maintain their good health. Make sure they keep up with their hobbies and interests, and make sure they can contact friends and relatives for social support. Practically, this may mean helping them find a phone number or even setting up a call with a friend they can’t easily see, or taking them on public transport to see a movie they want to see
When they start losing their mobility
Mobility can be a significant issue as people start to age. Many older people become unsteady on their feet, which can often lead to falls and injuries which can be particularly harmful given older people tend to break bones more easily.
To help identify if a loved one has issues with their mobility, observe the speed and manner in which they move. Do they struggle to get up from a chair? Do they shuffle? A more objective way is the ‘get up and go test’. Time how long it takes for you to get up while seated in a chair and walk 3 or 4 meters, turn around and sit back down. Then see how long it.
Often the best way to help an older loved one is prevention of potential falls and injuries. Make sure they stay active, go for walks with them if possibly to maintain their health.
Identify any potential hazards in their home. Are there stairs? Have you ever tripped on a piece of carpet? Identifying and removing these hazards is important in preventing falls. Finally, consult with a doctor to see if a walking aid is required.
If a loved one does have a fall, ensure they remain calm. Assess them and see if they are injured. If they seem ok, slowly and carefully help them up, but stop if at any point they experience pain. If their injury is serious and are bleeding or may have broken a bone, do not attempt to move them. Call an ambulance, and ensure they stay still until it arrives. In the meantime, ensure they are calm and as comfortable as possible.
When is it time to seek professional help?
Knowing when to seek professional help can be difficult. However, it's important to remember that there are many options they can keep a loved one at home and independent without them going to an aged care facility. There are several questions to consider when deciding if further professional help is required.
Have they gained or lost weight
Are they having difficulties with balance or mobility?
Are they excessively tired or fatigued?
Are they experiencing difficulties with their hearing or vision?
Are they complaining about pain?
Do they have mood swings?
Are they becoming forgetful?
Do they seem sad or lonely?
Identifying signs of deterioration:
There are several signs of deterioration to look out for in a loved one
Things such as:
Are they experiencing substantial memory issues such as forgetfulness or losing a sense of where they are? Are they asking the same question repeatedly? Are they failing to recognise family or friends? Memory impairment to this degree is not characteristic of general ageing and may be a sign to seek professional support
Do they have significant vision or hearing impairments? Can they hear you when you speak to them?
Have they stopped taking care of themselves? Has their personal hygiene declined? Failing to do every day takes may be a sign dementia or depression and should be addressed
Are they still social? Becoming withdrawn and isolated is an issue
How is their mobility? Are they confident in moving around? Have they had a fall recently? Significant issues with movement are often a sign of deterioration
Support for carers:
Caring for a loved one can be an exhausting experience, both physically and emotionally. It is incredibly important to make sure you are also prioritising your own health and wellbeing, and creating a balance between your role as a carer and your own life.
Stress and Stress Management
It is normal to experience stress while caring for a relative. Stress can arise from the demanding physical and emotional needs of being a carer, as well as feelings of frustration and a lack of support. It is common to feel as though you did not have a choice in taking on the role, which can result in feelings of resentment, which can worsen the experience of stress.
Stress can take a toll on both physical and emotional wellbeing, your heart rate and blood pressure increase, and you may struggle to relax or get to sleep
Signs that you may be stressed
Insomnia and tiredness
Overeating or a loss of appetite
Forgetfulness and indecision
Racing heart or sweating with no obvious cause
Digestive problems, headaches and muscle tension
What you can do about it
Make sure to prioritise your own health by eating well and exercising
Try to get a good night’s sleep
Talk openly with someone you trust about how you are feeling
Change what you can to make the role of caring more manageable
Seek support from friends and family
Learn as much as you can about the condition of the person you are caring for, to help you best prepare for their needs
Adapting to a busy lifestyle
It can often be hard to find to prioritise your own needs when caring for a relative. It is important to allow time to exercise and eat well as these can actually improve your capacity to handle your role as a carer.
Create a routine such as a daily walk do allow yourself to exercise and get some fresh air Try meal prepping where you cook a large amount of food to be reheated and save time throughout the week
Support groups
https://www.carersvictoria.org.au/carer-support-group-directory Victorian Support for Carers program
https://www.carersvictoria.org.au/carer-benefits/support-for-carers-program
The Support for Carers program can offer support, respite and other services for all carers (including young carers aged under 25 years). The program is available for those caring for someone who:
Is older and has care needs
Has dementia (including younger-onset dementia)
Has a disability
Has a chronic illness
Has a mental illness
The program offers person-centred care and support including
One-off and short-term support in the form of goods and equipment
Support for those in a care relationship, including combined support for both individuals
Wellbeing support
Quality of life
Physical and mental wellbeing
Social activities and connection
To find your local care provider visit:
https://www.carersvictoria.org.au/carer-benefits/support-for-carers-program or call the Carers Victoria Advisory Line on 1800 514 845
