If you have a loved one who is aging, it can be difficult to determine the level of care they need and how to step in when they may need your help. Many seniors value their independence and may become defensive and uncomfortable if family members try to make any drastic changes to their current lifestyle. We have collected some tips on how to use this quality time to ensure your loved one is cared for properly.

Hire someone to come in strategic hours: Hiring a caregiver to come in a few hours each day/week to help your loved one with tasks around the house, running errands, getting them prepared for the day will help them to accomplish what needs to be done without completely interrupting their lifestyle.

Call your loved one frequently: Calling your loved one to check in on them a few times a day means a lot to them and ensures they’re safe and taken care of. At Home Care owner, Woody Shoemaker, suggests that even just 10-20 minutes each day to check in is better than not checking in at all.

Have a neighbor check in: If you know the neighbors nearby, have them pop in occasionally to check in on your loved one, perhaps if you haven’t been able to get a hold of your loved one, it might be nice to have their contact information on hand just in case.

Keep a camera nearby: If you can’t physically be with your family member, Woody advises to consider setting up a camera, with their permission, of course, to keep an eye on them occasionally to ensure that they’re safe and taken care of if they’re living alone.

If you are concerned for your loved one’s safety, click here to learn more about our services and how to help ensure your family member is cared for during times when you may not be available.