If you are caring for an elderly parent or a chronically ill loved one following are some simple tips to help you keep them more healthy.
1. Our skin is our biggest organ and the first line of defense for the body. Keeping the skin healthy and intact goes a long way in keeping a person healthy. When you are assisting a disabled person with personal care remember to keep skin clean and smooth. An open sore on someone's skin can lead to an infection or worse.
2. As a rule people generally do not take in enough fluids. When you are caring for a disabled loved one remember to push fluids unless otherwise indicated by the doctor. One should try to drink at least 2 quarts a day. I know, I know, that sounds like a lot! When you take in enough fluids you have better skin integrity, less pain, better digestion, and overall better functioning of the body. Remember, our bodies are made up of 2/3 water.
3. Keep moving as much as you are able even if you don't feel like it. It is not good to allow a loved one to sit or lay in one position for long periods of time. If this happens one can develope pressure sores. Also, the old saying, "if you don't use it you lose it" is very true. If you are taking care of a disabled loved gently persuade them to get up and walk every hour or so. If they are wheelchair bound at least assist them in changing their position often. Pictured above is an elderly gentleman I have cared for. He walks with the assistance of a walker. He loves to go to church with me.
4. People are social creatures. When they are left alone for long periods of time their health usually declines. This is especially true in the elderly and physically disabled. If you are caring for a chronically ill loved one remember they need to engage in some socialization. Everyone is different but I believe that if someone socializes for just 15 to 30 minutes a day you will see a difference in them. There are lots of ways to socialize. A few examples are: Visiting one on one, taking a ride in the community, going to church, family functions, adult day programs and volunteering or getting a pet.
5. Often times when one is chronically ill they do not want to get dressed. They would rather stay in their p.j.s as it takes such an effort to clean up and get dressed for the day. Believe it or not when one cleans up and puts on fresh "street" clothes they usually feel better. Staying in the same clothes and not taking care of yourself daily can lead to depression and greater physical illness. If you are caring for a disabled loved one encourage them to start the day by getting cleaned up an dressed. Pictured on the right is an elderly gentleman I cared for several years ago. He got up every morning and dressed in a jacket and tie.
I have taken care of people for over 35 years and have followed these tips throughout my career. These tips have proven themselves over and over again. Of course there are many other variables that go into caring for people with disabilities but the above 5 simple tips are a sound starting point.
