As we’ve said numerous times before, caregivers are very special people. They are among the most selfless and loving individuals living among us. Needless to say, they have pretty challenging jobs. Caring for an elderly loved one is an act of love and responsibility. However, it also requires a lot of effort and can create a lot of strain. We’re talking of both the physical and emotional variety.
Of course, no caregiver is perfect. They can sometimes make mistakes that may unintentionally put seniors at risk. Recognizing and addressing common caregiving errors is essential to ensuring the safety, health and well-being of older adults. Let’s take a look at a few.
Overlooking medication management.
Nearly every caregiver of an older adult is responsible for helping to administer medication. However, errors in managing medicine can lead to dire consequences. It’s vital to avoid such blunders as skipping doses, giving the wrong medication or mixing medications improperly. Needless to say, this can lead to serious health complications. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a medical professional for clarity before giving your elderly loved one any meds.
“For seniors, consider pill organizers to help them manage their medications correctly,” advises Han Hwe Sihono of Canada Cloud Pharmacy, “Read and follow medication labels carefully, and ask the pharmacist for clarification if needed…Schedule regular medication reviews with a pharmacist to assess the effectiveness and safety of the regimen.”
Disregarding emotional needs.
It only stands to reason that a caregiver may be preoccupied with a care recipient’s physical challenges. While helping with various mobility issues is a major part of the job, a caregiver shouldn’t forget to tend to a senior’s emotional needs. Older adults often experience loneliness and isolation. It’s fruitful to encourage regular social interaction through family visits, community programs or virtual calls. Engaging in games or light exercise can also improve an older person’s mental health.
“As many as 1 in 3 older adults living on their own say they have a need for mental health care,” reports the Mental Health Commission of Canada, “12% of those 65 and older have reported feeling social isolated…22% of older adults in one study screened positive for depression.”
Neglecting fall prevention measures.
Falls are one of the leading causes of injury among seniors in Canada. As Parachute confirms, “falls are the No. 1 reason for injury-related death, hospitalization and emergency department visits for older adults in Canada. Falls among older adults cost $5.6 billion in 2018 – nearly 20 per cent of the total cost of injury in Canada.”
It’s important for caregivers to not underestimate the importance of fall prevention. Common mistakes include not removing tripping hazards like loose rugs or clutter. Failing to install grab bars in bathrooms or stair railings and ignoring the need for mobility aids like stair lifts or walkers are other common mistakes. Be sure to conduct regular home safety assessments. As well, install mobility aids like stair lifts, grab bars and non-slip mats to minimize fall risks.
Contact LifeCare Mobility Solutions for help!
Our team prides itself on working closely with caregivers to give their care recipients safe and enjoyable living conditions. Please don’t hesitate to call us at 416-267-9800, email us at info@lifecaremobility.ca or fill out the form on our Contact page with any questions about our mobility solutions!