Keeping senior family members safe this Christmas

With Christmas just around the corner and many hoping to return home to spend time with elderly parents or family relatives in the coming weeks, Home Instead Senior Care is advising to keep an eye out for tell-tale signs that our elderly relatives may need more help around the home.

According to Steven Tubbritt, General Manager Home Instead Senior Care Waterford, as we move out of Level 5 of the Government’s Living with COVID-19 plan, many of us will have a long-awaited opportunity to spend quality time with family this season.

“In the past, I think we all tended to take for granted spending time with our families over Christmas. This Christmas, more than ever, that time together will be even more special and cherished. Isolation, uncertainty and anxiety have been particularly prevalent in the elderly population as they faced the challenges brought by COVID-19.”

“However, for anyone spending time with an elderly family member, it is the perfect opportunity to make sure that they are looking after themselves properly, have sufficient food and heat and are safe in their homes.”

“Sometimes changes in health or well-being are particularly noticeable when visiting a relative after a long period of time, and it is advisable to assess these changes.”

The warning signs that indicate an ageing parent or relative may need more help at home include:

• Do they seem to be eating well or is food spoiling in the fridge?
• Have they stopped doing daily grooming rituals like taking a shower or fixing their hair?
• Is the house cold? Is there enough oil / heating fuel?
• Are they taking the right medications in the right doses at the right times?
• Does their car have new scratches or dents?
• Is post or newspapers piling up without being read?
• Are they using furniture, towel bars or shower curtains to pull themselves up to stand?

With evenings drawing in and temperatures falling as winter makes its presence felt, useful practices can be put in place to ensure our family members stay warm and safe over the long winter months.

Make sure the house is well stocked with the essentials, such as batteries for the smoke alarm, medicines, particularly repeat prescriptions and plenty of tinned fruit and veg and non-perishables such as pasta and rice.

Steven also advises that encouraging our senior relatives to wear several thin layers of clothes, instead of one heavy layer and to keep all internal windows and door closed to keep heat in, will keep them warmer longer throughout the day.

If you suspect that you or a loved one have COVID-19 call your local GP on the phone to ask for advice. Do not visit their surgery unannounced. You can also Callsave the HSE Helpline on 1850 24 1850 to seek advice and follow their instructions.

As you go home again over the festive period be aware of the things that may be changing for your senior relatives. Be ready to spot the signs, have those tough conversations and help them get the support they need to remain happy and safe in their own home as long as possible.

Home Instead Senior Care provides services to seniors in their own homes and is approved by the HSE. Its CAREGivers help clients maintain their independence by assisting them with activities of daily living such as personal care, meal preparation, laundry, shopping, and light housekeeping.

To find out more about Home Instead Senior Care Waterford call 051 333966 or 058 75298 or visit www.homeinstead.ie