Watching someone you love slowly lose their independence and energy can be upsetting. Many families also have their own lives, careers and children to take care of, so it can be difficult to be there for everyone 24/7.
However, it’s important that you know how to react to a family member who may be struggling by themselves.
Identifying the signs of struggle can be difficult.
Many elderly people tend to shy away and suffer in silence to avoid being seen as a burden to their family. Although you may not think of them as this, they still may feel guilty about reaching out to you.
So, what can you do when you find your loved one struggling?
- Reach out to them – Letting them know you still think of them and care about how they’re doing can make their day. Just a quick phone call or home visit can brighten up the dullest of days for someone suffering from loneliness. Make time in your week to dedicate to them, so they know that they’re not alone and have support if they need it.
- Help with home improvements – For many elderly people, losing their mobility is inevitable. There isn’t much a person can do to regain this, however there are a few things that can be put in place to improve their home and day to day life. For example, installing a stairlift in their home, to aid them with getting up and down stairs. This will not only build their confidence, but prevent accidents, like falls, from occurring.
- Ensure they have a good support system – This is incredibly important. Finding someone or a group of people who can be there for your loved one when you can’t is crucial. Look for community groups in the local area, care co-ordinators etc. so that they have someone to talk to and spend time with when you’re unable to.
Leodis manufacture and install high-quality, value for money stairlifts across the North, in areas such as Leeds, Manchester, Sheffield and the North East.
For more information on our fantastic products, call a member of our team today on 0800 5426045 or fill out a form here.
