Helpful ideas for supporting your elderly parents at home in Poole
Discover practical advice for supporting your elderly parents at home in Poole, from how to best stay connected to considering local home care services.
How can I support my elderly parents in Poole?
Supporting our elderly parents and relatives is an act of love and care, and while this is an honour we also recognise that it can come with challenges. It can be difficult to balance other responsibilities and emotional to see our once-capable loved ones finding everyday tasks harder, especially when we live far away.
At Home Instead Poole, we understand, and are here to help you navigate this journey with confidence and compassion. Serving the areas in and around Poole, from Ferndown to Canford Cliffs, we are dedicated to helping older adults live well at home and stay connected to their community. If you would like to talk through how we can help support you and your family, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our wonderful team at our office here in Poole.
Helpful ideas for supporting your elderly parents at home
Based on our experience, here are some practical steps you can take, even from a distance.
1. Establish a routine
A routine can provide structure, familiarity, reduce anxiety, and promote a sense of stability. Help your parents create a daily routine that incorporates regular meals, activities, hobbies, and rest periods. Weekly activities are also helpful, such as shopping, social groups, meeting friends, or even a regular trip to the library.
2. Stay connected
Keep in touch with your parents through phone calls or video chats. Encourage relatives and family to send cards or postcards. Consistent communication can reduce feelings of isolation and provide reassurance. Setting a regular day or time to connect can also help manage any pressure or expectation. Consider a digital photo frame that you can update remotely with new photos for everyone to enjoy!
3. Consider personal alarms and devices
If your parents have mobility issues, do ensure that you have a medical alert system that allows them to quickly get help in case of a fall or emergency. Look for options with automatic fall detection and easy-to-use buttons. For those with memory issues or living with dementia, a dementia clock can be a reassuring investment too, some also allow for reminders too.
4. Arrange home deliveries and meal preparation
Help manage daily tasks by arranging for regular grocery deliveries of their favourite stock items for the cupboard, milk man, prescription deliveries, and local services like home care, house help, or gardening. Home Instead Poole can also assist with meal preparation, ensuring your parents have nutritious meals. These services can reduce the physical and mental load on your parents.
5. Create an emergency contact list
Compile a list of important phone numbers for your parents, including the local GP, a trusted neighbour, and emergency services. Ensure it’s easily visible and accessible in their home for both themselves and any visitors.
6. Encourage community involvement
Encourage participation in local clubs, groups, or activities in and around Poole to help your parents stay socially active. Home Instead Poole can assist some clients in getting to these events if driving is no longer an option. Whether it’s bowls clubs, support groups, or a regular night with friends at a local restaurant, staying engaged with the community can be transformative.
7. Explore professional local home care options
Consider engaging local home care services like Home Instead Poole. Our local professional caregivers provide companionship, assist with daily tasks, and meet your parents’ needs with respect and compassion. We also offer specialist services for those who require more comprehensive support, including live-in care, assistance with complex care needs and specialist dementia care.
8. Utilise technology
Technology can be a great way to stay connected and informed. For many, video calls offer a wonderful way to keep in touch regularly and maintain a sense of closeness. Home Instead Poole also provides an app that keeps you updated on your loved one’s care, including notifications and notes from each visit by our Care Professionals. This tool gives you peace of mind, knowing what’s happening even when you can’t be there in person. Additionally, setting medication reminders on a smartphone can be very helpful, while a dosage box offers a simple and effective solution for everyone, regardless of their tech comfort level.
9. Ask for help and support
Don’t be afraid to reach out for help or advice from family, friends, or professionals such as Age UK. Home Instead Poole is here to support you with tailored advice and local expertise. We work closely with local healthcare providers to ensure your parents receive holistic care. Whether coordinating with GPs or managing prescriptions, we are well-connected within the community, ensuring the best possible support for your loved ones.
Why choose Home Instead Poole?
The latest research by Home Instead UK confirms that older adults overwhelmingly prefer to stay in their own homes, and stay active as they age. By choosing Home Instead Poole, you ensure your parents can remain in the place they love, surrounded by their community, with the care and support they need to thrive.
Get in touch with us today
To learn more about how we can support you and your parents with home care services in Poole, Ferndown and local suburbs including Branksome, Sandbanks, Canford Cliffs, Westbourne and more.
Call us today at our Poole office on 01202 853198.
If you’re interested in joining our exceptional team, apply online at our website to become a Care Professional.