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You might not expect to be helping care for your grandparents yet, especially if you’re juggling college, uni, work, or your own social life. But more and more young adults are finding themselves in that position, often without much warning.
Below are some simple ways you can help your grandparents stay independent and safe, without taking on more than you can handle.
Why this matters
Helping your grandparents stay independent doesn’t mean giving up your life. It often means small, thoughtful actions that prevent bigger problems later.
Use your social media powers
Socialising has changed dramatically in the last 20 years and your grandparents will be used to socialising mostly face-to-face. But that doesn't mean that you can make use of social media and mobile phones, especially if you’re the most tech-savvy one:
- Use WhatsApp check-ins
- Set reminders to stay in touch
- Introduce shopping and delivery apps
- Help with smart tech (without overwhelming them)
A quick message to say Good Morning can go a long way, and open up a conversation. Always be prepared to do a voice call as not everybody likes to type.
Drop in for a cuppa
You can't beat a good chinwag with your granny and grandad, and they would love the company. So if you live nearby make an effort to drop in when you can - build it into your weekly routine.
Get to know their support system
An essential part of helping your grandparents live safely and independently is understanding who their support system is.
Whether that’s family members, religious leaders or community organisations, make sure you know and are in contact with those who help support your loved ones.
Furthermore, you could consider reaching out to resources within their local area, such as neighbours, delivery services and even medical centres to help your grandparents live independently yet safely.
You can also provide simple support, such as:
- Help with shopping
- Pick up prescriptions if needed
- Help to book appointments or manage reminders
- Be the point of contact if something doesn’t seem right
Once you know who’s involved day-to-day, it’s also worth thinking about what happens in an emergency.
Set up an emergency plan
Of course, when it comes to the caregiving of a loved one, safety is your number one priority and planning for the unexpected is essential in order to allow your grandparents to live independently.
Setting up an emergency plan can not only help you prepare for unexpected accidents or sudden health scares, but it can also give both you and your loved one some peace of mind.
For example, by having your grandparents’ medical history and contact information for their doctor can be useful if a situation was to ever arise. In addition, researching first aid instructions and knowing how to respond during medical emergencies, such as a stroke or cardiac arrest, can significantly help as well.
Actions:
- Save emergency contacts in your phone
- Arrange to carry a spare key
With a good understanding of the potential risks, you can make sure your grandparents are living healthy and independently whilst ensuring they are taken care of in urgent situations.
Check in on them regularly
When your grandparents are living independently, making sure they are safe is extremely important. One of the best ways to ensure this is by regularly checking in on them- even just a quick phone call can go a long way.
It’s always wise to ask if they ever need any help with household tasks, such as shopping. Checking in on your grandparents can help show how you care as well as helping them remain safe and independent for as long as possible.
Make sure they’re staying active and social
Keeping active and socially engaged is hugely important to everyone, regardless of their age. However, when it comes to the elderly, these activities are essential for both their physical and mental health.
Encouraging opportunities for your grandparents to get out and about can help them maintain their independence and quality of life.
An example of this is suggesting for your grandparents to join a local club or group as this is a way for them to connect with peers and have access to social networks. Other ideas and examples include walking with friends as this incorporates physical and mental wellbeing. There are many organisations that can really help, such as:
- Women's Institute
- Ramblers Association
- u3a (University of the Third Age)
- Re-engage
- Men’s Sheds Association
- Age UK Social Groups
Other clubs and societies to consider looking for are local scrabble and other board games, art groups, reading circles and local social groups.
Ensuring your loved ones are engaging with peers as well as keeping physically active helps to give them a sense of independence as well as maintaining their quality of life.
Help them declutter their home
One of the most helpful steps you can take to ensure your grandparents are comfortable is to help them declutter their home. This can improve their living environment as it makes their space less cluttered leading to easier navigation around the house.
By including your loved ones as you are decluttering can help reduce any emotional attachment that they may feel to each item. This also leads to them throwing away items that are no longer useful or necessary.
Furthermore, knowing which items serve no use to your grandparents and which items are being kept due to memories or sentimental reasons is essential in helping your grandparents live independently.
Read up on mobility and independent living products
Learn about the mobility aids and gadgets available to make your grandparents lives easier so you can bring them up in conversation, or help them with making improvements around the home. Read our articles such as Things to Consider if You Live Alone with Limited Mobility, How To Support Elderly People in Isolation, and How I Adapt My Non-Adaptive Kitchen.
Listen to what they want and respect their independence
As our grandparents grow older, their well-being should be one of the top priorities. Whilst ensuring they remain independent yet safe, it is essential that you also show respect and consideration when providing this support.
This begins with listening to their needs and wishes. A vital aspect of maintaining your grandparents independence is communicating openly with them about what support is needed as many older adults feel overwhelmed at the changes that come with aging.
If you have grandparents you help care for, following these tips will allow you to do so while respecting their independence and allowing them to live safely on their own. By doing these things, you can help your grandparents safely live on their own, while also respecting their wishes.
