Growing old is inevitable, but growing old gracefully is a dream for many of us. As an adult looking after an elderly relative or loved one, it can feel like a daunting task. After all, there are lots to know about and so much can go wrong. But it’s also one of the greatest acts of love. Read on for 6 tips and tricks for looking after family members in old age.

Enlist the help of family, friends, and the professionals 

Looking after an older person is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s not an easy task — while that’s not to say it’s a chore — so enlisting the help of family and friends is key. Reach out to those you know you can rely on and consider asking for help before you actually need it. The last thing that anyone needs is for you to get burned out. 

Get professional help 

It may be that the person you’re caring for has medical issues they need assistance with, or you need to fix up legal or housing issues. If it’s financially possible, enlisting the help of professionals can help you get things done easily and properly. 

There are multiple benefits to taking this approach. If you plan on considering this, you’ll need to keep a few things in mind.

The difference between home health and hospice care, for example, will be one of the more notable. One could be much more appropriate than the other.

They can both be worth considering, although they do have pros and cons. Regardless of which one you choose, you’ll need to put a lot of research into this.

Finding the right professional or professionals to help your loved one is vital. You’ll need to make sure that they have the skills and equipment needed to help.

While that will take some effort, it can be vital. You’re taking care of a loved one’s health, after all.

Consulting different options before making your decision will be a priority. Involving the person you’re caring for can also be helpful.

They’ve a right to have a say in their care, after all. Though this process could take a while, it will be more than worth it.

Get organized 

Now’s the time to kick into organization overdrive. Make sure everyone is aware of what time medication needs to be given, or doctors need to be called, by using a large whiteboard. You can dedicate family members' tasks using the board, and also use it to write notes or reminders to your elderly relative that you’re looking after. Also, if your loved one does need medication a daily pill box is a great way to keep track.

Choose the right nursing home 

It might not be the ideal choice initially, but a nursing home can be both a brilliant option for you and your family member. There are brilliant facilities out there that can provide careful, round-the-clock care, stimulation, and security for your loved one. While there are some horror stories (you can read more about abuse in nursing homes somewhere else) they can allow you more freedom. You can also feel safe in the knowledge that your loved one is being totally cared for. 

Care for yourself 

The saying goes, you can’t pour from an empty cup. So, while you’re caring for an elderly family member, it’s crucial to take care of yourself. This means ensuring you have enough time to rest and enjoy yourself, as well as caring for a relative. If you find that difficult, it can be helpful to physically pencil it into a diary to ensure that you take time for yourself. You could consider picking up some calming activities such as meditation or yoga - there are even apps that will teach you how to meditate from the comfort of your own. 

Hopefully, this list has provided you with a few tips and thoughts to help you on your caring journey. Looking after an older relative is such a wonderful thing to do, so well done to you.