Elderly Care in Laurens SC

Instead of being confined to the four walls of yours or your loved one’s home, there are times when you both just need to get out of the house. However, that is easier said than done when caring for someone with cognitive or mobile disabilities. Instead of attempting to take an aging adult who is receiving in-home care shopping, to a restaurant, or other favorite locations, most caregivers are not up for the headaches that may come with watching the senior in a public setting. Just thinking about doing this is enough to cause any caregiver a great deal of anxiety and stress. Unless you would like to be stuck in the house forever, use these tips to making your outings much less stressful and even enjoyable.

Have a plan
Before leaving the house, have a plan in place that includes all of the details of your trip. Here are some things that you will need to consider before getting to your destination.

• Where will you park, are there handicapped parking spots available, and will any walking be required?
• Know exactly where the restrooms are, especially if the elder has problems with incontinence.
• Know how long it will take to drive to your destination, giving yourself an additional 30 minutes in case of traffic or other delays.
• Bring any medication the senior will need, making sure to give to them at the right time. One missed or late dose could be detrimental to their health and well-being so it is imperative they get their medicine at their scheduled time.
• Have a backup plan in case there are any glitches in your current one.
• Create a checklist

Once you have a plan in motion, it is time to make a list of everything you and your loved one will need for the trip, such as:

• Sunblock
• Sunglasses
• A hat
• Water and snacks
• Hand sanitizer
• Blankets or sweatshirts if the weather is surprisingly cool
• Cell phones
• Reading materials, especially if a long wait is required
• Tissues

Wherever you plan on taking the elder for the day, think about materials and items they will need for a smooth outing.

Ask for help
If being responsible for a disabled or impaired senior is stressful for you, ask for the help of other family members or friends. Most people would be happy to lend a hand if you ask.

Make any necessary adjustments
If you have one bad experience during an outing, such as a behavioral issue with the aging adult or the location did not have handicapped accommodations, do not let that deter you from future outings. Instead, use it as a learning experience and think about what could have been done to create a better experience for you and the senior. This may mean going to a different location or bringing additional items that the elder may need for an easier outing.

Caregivers who provide senior care may not be comfortable taking their loved one in public for a number of reasons, but by using these tips, you will be much more prepared and comfortable as you and your loved one venture out of the house.

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring elderly care services near Laurens, SC, contact Heart of the Carolinas Home Care at 864-991-3116.

Providing Home Care Services in Greenville, Simpsonville, Greer, Anderson, Spartanburg, Mauldin, Seneca, Laurens,Charleston, Columbia and the surrounding areas.

Source
Goyer, Amy. AARP. “Caregiving on the Move: Tips for Easier Outings.” August 20, 2015.

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Edward Harrison

Founder at Heart of the Carolinas

Edward Harrison founded the Heart of the Carolinas Homecare in 2007 when he saw there was a need for caregivers that provide non-medical home care services, at a price that most people could afford. It was standard in the industry to require hourly minimums and it was common to be assigned a caregiver, not matched with one based on your individual personal needs. Edward understood that to make a successful relationship between caregiver and client, skills were not enough, personality and compatibility plays as much a role as do skills.

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