We all have to accept the stark reality that we all end up dead; each of us has an allotted time on this planet and death is as much a part of our existence as life. We tend not to notice ageing with people we see on a daily basis, yet Father Time catches up with all of us eventually; if your parents are approaching their retirement years, this is a time when we can no longer take our good health for granted and in this short article, we offer a few tips to help you take good care of your ageing parents.
- Medical alert pendant – This digital device is worn round the neck and it has a large red help button, which, if pressed, alerts healthcare providers. If you purchase a medical alert pendant, you will have the peace of mind that comes with knowing that your loved one is being monitored 24/7. This is a subscription service that operates 24/7, with professional healthcare providers on call at any time; for more information, search with Google for a leading Australian provider of medical alert pendants.
- VoIP communication – If your mum or dad have a smartphone, show them how to make and receive video calls, then you can call them daily and you won’t have to pay a thing. Programs like Zoom and Skype enable you to keep in touch, regardless of how far away your parents live and your parents won’t feel so lonely. If you are interested in learning more about dental implants, click here.
- Visit regularly – It is important that your elderly parents have frequent contact with their children; a weekly visit would be ideal, or more frequently if you live nearby. They might not say anything, but people get lonely when they live alone and regular contact is the best solution.
- Mobility aids – You could install handrails and rubber mats in the bathroom and if your parents live in a two-storey home, you could install a stairlift for added safety. If your dad is getting on in years, why not get him a walking frame that he can use to steady himself when moving around; they are height adjustable and have non-slip feet for added safety.
- Telehealth – We have the technology to provide remote healthcare and if you teach an elderly person how to use a digital device, they can contact a medical professional at any time, should they feel the need. Indeed, many Australian GPs now offer remote consultations, which saves both parties time.
Our parents deserve our undivided attention and thanks to digital technology, we now have ways to monitor elderly people in real time. Of course, your parents are probably proud people and they won’t wish to lose their independence; the medical alert pendant is one way to ensure that help is readily at hand, should it ever be needed. You may have to be tactful, as some elderly people do not like being fussed over, which is perfectly understandable; no one likes it when they are patronised.
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