When people age, they need more care and attention. It’s not only because of their health concerns, but also because of their emotional requirements of feeling valued and acknowledged. The same is true when you have to take care of your grandparents.
People often assume that taking care of grandparents in a joint family is easy because there’s always someone available to do that. But one overlooks the fact that often family members are busy with their professional targets and personal chores. There will be a few members who would spend more time at work and others who might not have the correct aptitude for this job.
Hence, there might come a time when you need to step in as a grandchild and take the onus. It can be a challenging task. But once you plan and execute it well, it’s fulfilling, too. Are you wondering how to go about it? Keep reading this article to learn more.
Build a Genuine Connection
Grandparents are naturally inclined toward their grandchildren and want to spend time with them. Fortune shared a survey conducted by Carewell, a company specializing in at-home caregiving, that revealed interesting data. Close to 32% of Americans share a strong and close connection with their grandparents.
However, the percentage varies based on different generations. For Gen Z, only 18% said they have a strong connection with their grandparents. For Gen X, it is 41%, and for millennials, it is 32%.
With age, people feel lonely, and that applies to your grandparents as well. If not addressed on time, it can lead to issues like cognitive decline, depression, and Alzheimer’s. Hence, irrespective of the generation you belong to, you must develop a close and authentic connection with your grandparents. All they seek is quality time from you, and providing them with that is not a herculean task.
You simply need to take some time out from your work, classes, tuition, or any other activities and be with them. Ask them about their day, browse through an old family album together, help them get dressed, or cook for them. It will make them feel counted, loved, and cared for, which will go a long way in making them stay happy and healthy.
Plan a Day Out Often
A joint family saves you from the inconvenience of traveling a distance to meet your grandparents. It’s a smart decision to leverage this. Plan a day out with your grandparents and add activities that you think they would love. Give them choices on where to visit, eat, and even take a stroll or sit quietly for a few hours, such as in a prayer hall.
Your grandparents must have a church, park, museum, or library that they love. You can plan a visit and even a picnic in a garden close to you. Maybe your grandparents loved to play badminton or any other sport when they were young. They would enjoy watching a match if you get the tickets. Ensure that the seating is comfortable, and that the time is apt for them to step out.
If your grandparent has mobility issues and needs a wheelchair to move around, you can plan fun activities around your house. Get movies of their choice, or book a band to come and play their best music at home. These activities will help them cut out the monotony that comes with age and feel energized within.
Hire an ABSN-Qualified Nurse For Medical Care
Addressing the emotional needs of your grandparents is excellent. But you should also focus on their health and medical needs as well. According to the National Council on Aging, close to 95% of people who are 60 years of age and older suffer from at least one chronic health condition. Also, close to 80% of people might have two or more such health conditions. The common ones include:
- Obesity
- Hypertension
- Arthritis
- High Cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Depression
- Heart Disease
- Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
Hence, you need to seek professional medical help for this. It is here that you should rely on the expertise and know-how of a qualified nurse. They have adequate training in managing older adults and providing the correct patient care.
From observing the specific symptoms of health conditions, such as sudden joint pains and anxious behavior, to providing the correct medicines and monitoring the outcome, they execute it precisely.
Many professionals opt for online ABSN programs that provide them with in-depth training in patient monitoring, emergency and critical care, disease diagnosis, and treatment. Such programs train them for a real-world scenario so that they can offer practical solutions that work in the long run. The best part is that they can pursue these programs without taking a career break.
Online ABSN Programs state that leading institutes that specialize in this course ensure that nursing candidates get quality training to have a rewarding career. The courses allow nurses to accomplish meaningful work and add value to the world at large. Also, the course is easy to complete and provides a high-income scope.
Give Proper Attention to Hygiene
Make sure that your grandparents stay in a clean environment. It will help them to stay aware of fungal or bacterial skin infections and nasal irritations.
Grandparents can get into a mode of self-neglect. They might feel that it will not add an extra day to their lives, and hence they tend to miss brushing or not washing their mouth after a meal. What they don’t realize is that it can cause gum diseases like gingivitis, which might take time to heal.
So, ensure that your grandparents stay in clean condition, wear ironed and washed clothes, bathe on time, and maintain proper hygiene.
Undoubtedly, caring for your grandparents can be a bit of a challenge, even when you live in a joint family. You must understand their needs and design a care plan. For grandparents who don’t have physical problems, a little hand-holding does the job. You can certainly think of engaging activities to add to it.
It’s also crucial to prioritize your grandparents’ dental health. Encourage them to brush their teeth twice daily and floss regularly to prevent plaque buildup and gum disease. If they wear dentures, ensure they are cleaned properly to avoid infections. Dentists Leominster adds that regular dental check-ups are important to address any potential issues early, helping to maintain their oral health and overall well-being.
However, for those who have mobility problems and are struggling with dementia, there is a need for added attention. You can go through the guidelines shared and come up with a plan that is appropriate for your grandparents.
