What To Do During A Senior Check In

Doctors, nurses, physical therapists, in-home caregivers, assisted living personnel, family, friends, and so many others are all involved in your older adult’s care. It’s critical to have a thorough picture of their present health and any concerns as their primary caregiver and health advocate for any senior check in.

To do so, you’ll need to hear from the care team on a frequent basis. Unfortunately, with so many individuals on so many different schedules, it can be very difficult to get everyone on the same page in order to assess the multitude of information that needs to stay organized to ensure the proper safety and care of the senior in your life.

Here, we will be sharing what needs to take place during a senior check in, and how you can implement a rotating schedule to successfully fit the needs of the senior in your life, while also working into the schedule of those who assist in providing care for your loved one as well.

Seniors Living At Home

If the elderly adult is living at home with the assistance of a drop-in care provider, schedule in time at the end of their shift to meet with them, either in person or via a phone call in order to inquire about their observations of the elder’s overall health and cognition, particularly if they have noticed any significant changes. Inquire if there is anything you can do to assist them in providing care or if they have any concerns with what they have experienced on their shift.

If the elderly individual is still living at home, but does not have an in-home care provider or one who comes to call, form a team of trusted neighbors and/or family members who can drop in to check on the elderly individual on a regular basis. Hear their observations and get input on any further care that may be required or difficulties that they may have noticed during their visits in order to properly assess the situation.

When you conduct regular check-ins with the senior in your life, be sure that you take the time to ensure they are staying on top of any medications and vitamins they need to be taking. If you have not already purchased a pill organizer, you may want to do so in order to avoid the stress associated with a confused individual who simply isn’t sure if they have already taken everything they need to.

Check their refrigerator as well to make sure they are stocked up with healthy foods and beverages they enjoy to make sure they are staying well nourished. Quick easy snacks and pre-prepared meals are simply ways that you can ensure they are staying adequately sustained.

Meal trains and delivery sources are excellent ways to make sure they are receiving foods they need in a convenient manner in the event that your schedule hinders your getting to the elderly adult.

Seniors Living In A Care Facility

Make an appointment with the nursing staff person in charge of your elder’s care if he or she resides in a facility or senior residence. Make a list of questions and/or issues you want to discuss before the meeting. A few pointers for making the meeting productive: say something positive, ask for their thoughts, listen intently, take notes, and see if there is anything to be done that you can handle.

Check with the dining staff at the facility where your elderly relative lives. Inquire about your elder’s attendance at meals. Is there anything specific your elder desires that you could assist him or her in obtaining? Inquire if the culinary staff can meet any particular needs.

Drop by to determine if you can make an appointment to see your older adult’s therapist or if you can attend their next therapy session if there is a space where physical therapy is provided. You could check in on your elder’s progress if they have a moment after the session.

Check in with the activities director at your elderly relative’s home or at a nearby senior center. Find out what kinds of activities your older adult enjoys and what types of activities are available. Ask the director for assistance in engaging your elder if there is something he or she could enjoy but is hesitant to join.

You should also be sure that you introduce yourself to the front desk receptionist, the housekeeping crew, the facility director, and anybody else who is involved in your elder’s care. They’ll recognize you if you need their assistance in the future.

Work With The Shephers Center Of Northern Virginia

Regardless of if the elder you care for is residing at home or in a care facility, one of the best things you can do is stay in contact via phone calls. If your elder is unable to handle dealing with answering a phone, you may want to invest in a home camera system so that you can keep your eyes on them throughout the day and make contact with someone in your care circle or an emergency service in the event that you see any sort of issue arise.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the process of a senior check in, reach out to the staff at Shepherd’s Center of Northern Virginia. We understand that this process can be difficult and overwhelming, and we are here to address any needs that you and your loved one are dealing with.