Caring for loved ones can be challenging, but it can also be rewarding and teach you a great deal about empathy. We all age, and may ourselves be in a position where we rely on caregivers to maintain our independence, or support it within assisted living facilities. Below we’ve compiled some valuable tips and links to relevant resources for providing home care, whether for a loved one or in a professional context as a caregiver.

1. Where possible, keep your loved ones at home

Social isolation among the elderly is a big problem, one that has been compounded by COVID-19, which saw older adults isolated from their families for long periods. While some older adults enjoy the social aspects of retirement communities, others are more determined to maintain their independence and remain at home.

To help your loved ones stay independent and continue living in a familiar environment, it's possible to find providers who can provide care at home. These services are a good option for maintaining health in later years, when your loved ones may have been discharged from the hospital but require some help with day-to-day living. 

2. Consider retirement living for support, with care when needed

While some people may prefer to remain at home, retirement villages, communal villages and co-housing communities can bridge the gap between home and full-time residential care facilities. These are typically gated communities consisting of numerous flat, bungalow or house accommodation options. On-site, residents will usually have access to a broad range of facilities, including GP surgeries, bars and restaurants, recreational facilities, library services, grocery shopping, and more. Home care is still possible within retirement communities, as you or a nominated carer can visit to assist. At the same time, it can alleviate the extra responsibility you may have taken on.

Related reading:

The Key Differences Between Assisted & Independent Living

Frequently Asked Questions About Retirement Villages

3. Focus on person-centred caring and social inclusion

It's important to encourage your loved ones to contribute to decisions about their own care, whether it's their daily routine or their preference for accommodation. In choosing a retirement village or remaining at home, it's important to try and facilitate opportunities for social inclusion too. In a community, it's typically very easy for older adults to meet new people and forge relationships. However, with home care, your loved ones will likely have less social interaction. You or the carer you've arranged could be the only social visit your family member receives, so you should look to other activities.

Related reading: Social Connectedness: Your Prescription to a Healthier, Happier, and Longer Life

4. Remember to look after yourself as a caregiver

You may be caring for your loved ones through a combination of care visits from a professional and your own efforts. During this time, it's important to remember to look after yourself and recognise the challenges of providing care for a family member. Support services for you as a carer can reduce the load and help with the emotional aspects of caring — for example, online support groups and networks and respite services to allow you a break from your responsibilities.

Related reading: Looking After Yourself: Care and Well-being Tips for Non-Professional Carers

5. Look into technology that can help safeguard your loved ones

It would be best if you stayed up to date on the latest technologies in the care industry that can help improve aspects of the experience. This could be as simple as mobile apps that provide video conferencing appointments with their primary physician. There are also personal alarm systems that can offer you and your loved ones greater peace of mind. For example, Tunstall's Connected Care & Monitoring provides connected care solutions that include personal alarms, remote monitoring of vitals, fall detection, and 24/7 response centres.

Related reading: Best 3 Connected Care Devices: How to Make Them Work for You

Caring with compassion

Above all else, it's important to remember that caring should be done with empathy and compassion, putting the person at the centre of decision-making for their own care when possible. This is because you're caring for another person, one in a position that you may eventually find yourself in too. 

At Tunstall we’ve been supporting independent living and ageing in place for over 60 years. Contact our team today to find out more about our Connected Care solutions and how you and your loved ones can benefit.