Caring For a Disabled Senior: Tips You Need to Know

Caring For a Disabled Senior: Tips You Need to Know 

If there’s a disabled senior in your life—whether a grandparent, parent, or another loved one—caring for them can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when they depend on you for daily support. Getting older often comes with physical limitations, making it challenging to manage everyday tasks independently. This might mean your loved one needs help with activities of daily living like meal preparation, light housekeeping, feeding, and personal hygiene. 

With a thoughtful approach and the tips provided below, you can create a care plan that will make both their life and yours as carefree as possible.     

9 Tips for Providing Care to Disabled Adults  

It takes time for caregivers to learn and acclimate to providing the in-home care services loved one may need. Whether you’re new to caregiving or looking for extra support with personal care services, here are some helpful tips to keep you on track.  

Understand Their Specific Needs 

Understand that many seniors face both physical and cognitive challenges. Yet each of their care needs is unique to the individual. It may be helpful to set up an appointment with their healthcare provider to better understand their limitations and needs.   Establishing a calendar with medical appointments and medication refill reminders is helpful. Breaking tasks into smaller ones and creating a practical to-do list can help you not feel so overwhelmed!   

Create a Safe Environment  

A safe home environment is an essential step in the caregiving process. Parentgiving has created a list of 50 tips for seniors to stay safe; see them here. To make sure your senior is well taken care of in their own home, consider the following home modifications: 

Help Them Maintain Independence 

Preserving independence is so important for someone's well-being and sense of self. Some ways we can help them stay in control and live a fulfilling life include: 

Technology 

Consider providing technology to promote independence and engagement. These include smart home devices, medical alert buttons/bracelets, smart phone, or tablet. These devices can provide peace of mind while allowing your loved one to continue functioning autonomously. Apps like Grandpad or Lifeloop keep them connected to their younger family members.     

Activity/Exercise 

Maintaining regular exercise or movement practice will keep your loved one more mobile, improve mood, and maintain cognition. Help them to develop a routine that works for them. Check out this resource for tips on how to do that! 

Furniture 

Your loved one may benefit from assistive furniture to allow them to move around their space easier and more safely. Consider adding a seat lift or a lift chair to their living space. 

Address Incontinence Issues 

According to the CDC, about 50% of adults over 65 have some form of incontinence (urinary or bowel or both).  To avoid accidents, leaks, and/or skin breakdown, research incontinence products to determine the best products for your loved one. You may need to try a few different products to determine the best fit (for both comfort and leak protection). Fortunately, Parentgiving offers a sample program that allows you to try different products.   

You can also explore bladder training programs, toilet scheduling, and dietary adjustments to decrease the risk for incontinence related issues.   

Prioritize Healthy Meals and Nutrition  

It is easy to let healthy nutrition fall through the cracks when caring for family members or people with disabilities, after all, there is much to be managed! Make sure your loved one (and you) receive proper nutrition by eating whole, balanced meals with plenty of protein, fiber, fruits, and vegetables. Ensure adequate hydration; encourage water intake which helps to prevent constipation, dehydration, and urinary tract infections.  

Adaptive eating 

For some individuals, you may consider feeding aids, such as bibs, adaptive utensils, or adaptive dishes. These can help individuals with fine motor skill deficits to eat more independently.

Meal Planning 

If you provide groceries for them to prepare their own meals, it may be helpful to provide them with a meal plan. Make sure to take your loved one’s preferences into account when choosing meals.    

Communicate Clearly  

Many seniors are hard of hearing. You may need to adjust your communication when speaking with them. Speak clearly and face them directly. Enunciate your words, slow down your speech, and ask your loved one if they understand you. Utilize writing tools when needed.  Pay attention to body language, use cue cards to communicate, and, most of all, be patient.  

Don’t Forget to Care for Yourself 

There are many physical and emotional struggles that you are going to face during this process of in-home care. Devote some time just for you. 

Support resources 

Support groups provide connection to others experiencing similar challenges which can decrease your feelings of being overwhelmed.   

Below you will find resources to guide you: 

Know When to Consider Professional Help  

As someone who provides support services, you want to do your best to give excellent care. However, some things are best left to medical professionals. Here are some signs that you may need to make a medical appointment or that you may need an increased level of assistance for your loved one:  

Remain an Advocate  

By being up to date on the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Family Medical Leave Act, you are able to be a well prepared and knowledgeable advocate for your loved one. 

Gaining access to or keeping copies of your loved one's medical records is another way to be an advocate. Should additional caregivers come into their lives (full-time or as respite care) you will be able to accurately inform them of the type of care your disabled senior needs, saving any guesswork.  

Providing information to alternate caregivers will give you peace of mind that they are being taken care of appropriately.   

Resources for Caregivers of Disabled Adults  

Many government agencies have programs designed to promote the well-being of seniors and individuals with disabilities. Here is a list of these programs: 

How Parentgiving Can Help You as a Care Provider  

Whatever unique and special needs your senior may have, as a caregiver, you are not alone! The resources at Parentgiving provide education and support for families navigating this stage of life. 

Discover a broad range of high-quality products at Parentgiving, from incontinence and hygiene essentials to so much more—all designed to enhance comfort and well-being.  

Visit parentgiving.com to learn more and find the proper support for your loved one.