Curating Comfort - How to Care For An Elderly Loved One After An Accident
When a loved one is involved in an accident, it can be a tough journey to bring them back to health. Elders, in particular, can need much more time to recoup after an incident, both physically and mentally. It is important to have the best plans and processes in place to insure a speedy and stress-free recovery. To make sure that their eventual return to home life is a smooth one, a focus on both your loved one’s independence and quality of of life is important.
Assessing whether all the patient’s needs are being met should also be a high priority. The transition between hospital and home can be an uphill battle; potentially damaging the self esteem and safety of the person injured if handled poorly. One of the best ways to insure that your loved one gets the proper treatment can be with a short stay in respite care.
Often, when we or the people we love are unwell, just knowing that there is someone on hand to help us can be very comforting. Respite can ensure that all elements of rehabilitation and the healing process are being taken care of. From making sure that all meals are nutritious, to guiding any at-home physio, a respite stay can provide all the security and companionship that the injured person may need to heal properly.
Take it slowly.
Understanding that the road to recovery is a journey and not a race can be a tough lesson to learn. Few people realise the realities of rehabilitation in older people, let alone the amount of time the elderly often need to get back on their feet. Understanding your loved one’s needs is important and acknowledging that everyone is different and will heal in different ways is the first step into a healthy future.
Help them gain back their confidence.
Working with the patient to rebuild their confidence can be one of the hardest and most trying parts of any recovery. Investigating ways to get your loved one out of the house and interacting with society is a fantastic way to help care for them emotionally. Why not take them for a drive, or out to lunch? Start with short trips and ease them into it. Many community councils also offer pensioner activity programs that can help to build independence and can cater to most minor handicaps.
Put in failsafes for the future.
Once they have returned home it is important that your loved one has access to support from family and friends. In some cases a specialist, such as a registered nurse may also be required. Hiring a carer or nurse to visit (even just once a week) can change someone's life. Much more than just another person to help around the house or administer medications, a good carer can provide that much needed conversation or even emotional support as the patient adjusts to life after their accident.
Most aged care facilities offer this service, but it is important to find the right people for your loved one. Working with a carer program to rebuild confidence while also assisting in the home is a tough ask, but with a little research you can find the perfect match.
While it can be very worrying for the entire family when an elderly loved one has been injured, there are many options available for rehabilitation and post accident care. By making sure that both their self esteem and physical needs are being met, you are on the right track to getting your loved one back to their former glory.