Caregiving Across Generations: Advice For Grandchildren

If you’re one of the lucky grandkids who gets to spend time with your grandparents, you’re probably a little worried about how to help them out as they grow older. Although it can seem tricky, the good news is that helping grandma or grandpa isn’t all that different from helping anyone else in your life. Whether you’re taking care of a grandparent because they need help with their day-to-day needs or because you simply love them and want to spend as much time with them as possible, here are some tips that can guide you along.

Get to know them

Grandparents often have fascinating lives and they likely have experiences far different from what we know. Take the time to get to know your grandparents on a deeper level, and you'll find that there's a lot more there than you might realise. If you're not sure where to start, one good first step is simply asking questions about their childhood and younger years and listening attentively to their responses. This way, not only will they feel like they're being heard and understood, but they will also feel encouraged to tell you things that are important to them. At the same time, there are many activities you can do together that can help your grandparents feel better and more engaged in life!

Identify their needs

It isn’t always easy to tell your grandparents that they need some extra assistance, especially if they just want to keep things the way they are. First, you need to figure out what kind of care your grandparent needs. Is it just for help around the house? Do they need nursing assistance, or someone to accompany them to appointments or run errands for them?  Knowing when it is time to offer a helping hand and when it is time to respect their wishes can make a big difference. These different levels of care are also important because they affect the amount of responsibility that you will take on. Be sure to consider your own responsibilities and needs as well should you take on the role of a full-time caregiver.

Look out for their safety

Grandparents are often more physically frail than other family members, so they require a different kind of support. Take steps to ensure that your grandparents get regular check-ups with their doctor and dentist. This way, if any health issues arise that affect their daily lives or limit their mobility, you will be aware of them before they become emergencies. And if they need a little extra help around their homes, you’ll want to think about elder-proofing their home and improving their safety. Modifications such as bathroom and shower safety grab bars can go a long way to reduce the risk of falls, and if stairs are an issue, things like ramps, handrails and lift chairs for elderly can help as well.

Ask for help when you need it

It can be hard to ask others for help, but it is something you're going to have to do as a caregiver. When juggling a lot of things at once, it is easy to fall into the trap of trying to take on everything yourself. Make sure you're keeping an eye on your own health and well-being too. It’s important to remember that each situation is unique, so there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to taking care of a grandparent. Know your limits and ask other family members for support when needed. 

Conclusion

Grandparents are especially dear to us, so it is natural to want to help them enjoy their golden years as much as possible. Learn to listen and consistently work towards building a healthy relationship so that they always feel comfortable sharing their thoughts with you. The Golden Concepts is a trusted provider of a wide variety of eldercare medical equipment and hospital beds for sale. All our products are created with quality, comfort, and value in mind so that seniors can enjoy and maintain their quality of life. Feel free to reach out to us should you have any questions; we are happy to help.