There are both rewards and challenges to living with an elderly person.We need to respect the needs of older people to feel self-sufficient and independent, while also offering assistance where needed.Both parties need to be patient and understand their situation in order to make it work.Everyone will face unique challenges as all people are different.The living situation will be a happy one if both parties are willing to communicate with each other.
Step 1: You should communicate with your roommate.
Communication is the most important thing in a relationship.You will not know each other's problems if you don't communicate.You won't be able to form a relationship that respects both of your unique qualities.
Step 2: The boundaries should be defined.
Both parties need to agree on their space, independence, and autonomy.It's important to understand what your elderly person is comfortable with when it comes to being assisted or monitored.Discuss your expectations with them.What are they expecting from you in terms of assistance and interaction?Discuss use of shared space in the bathroom, kitchen, or living room.Under what circumstances family or friends will visit, come to an agreement.Discuss use of personal belongings, like dishes, appliances, and even food.
Step 3: Take a look at finances.
It's a good idea to figure out who pays ahead of time.Having finances decided and agreed upon ahead of time could save you a lot of headaches in the future.You are ahead of the game if you know who pays for what and have it written down.Relatives should be included in discussions about money.If you are going to be living with an elderly family member, make sure to speak with your other relatives about your financial agreement.If they will be contributing to the cost, be open to their feedback.Problems and resentment will be avoided by this.Take into account the cost.You should be aware of the costs of your elderly relative.A recent study found that caregivers spend a lot of money on elderly relatives.A study found that caregivers spent over $15,000 a year caring for an elderly relative.
Step 4: The person should be respected as an individual.
Don't treat the person like a child.Older people have many more life experiences than we do.Ask your elderly person questions about their life and what they care about.
Step 5: The person should be given privacy.
If possible, they should have as much privacy and personal space as possible.Don't turn yourself into a nurse or a caregivers without an invitation or need.If you are worried about your roommate, communicate first.
Step 6: The older person's independence should be supported.
Allow him or her to make their own decisions, and don't substitute your own judgement for theirs.Every adult has the ability to make at least some of his or her own decisions, so help enhance the person's capacity to do and choose as much as possible for himself or herself.Even if you don't agree with them, they can manage their own affairs.
Step 7: They have wisdom and life experiences.
You are the younger person with less experience.Your elderly roommate is probably smarter than you are.Ask them for help with issues that are related to you.
Step 8: The house needs to be accessible.
You will need to consider several things in order to make your home accessible for the older person.If the person needs mobility aids, install them.Grab bars can be used at the toilet and bath tub.Consider a seat in the shower.An electric wheelchair lift or a wheelchair ramp can be considered.The person should be protected from the stairs.If the older person needs to access areas that are not on the main level of a home, think about this.You can add handicap accessible features to your home.Is the bathroom large enough to handle a wheelchair or walker?The doorway for a wheelchair needs to be at least 32 inches wide.
Step 9: Keep the house clean and organized.
In a situation where the person has limited mobility, uses a walker, wheelchair or other mobility assistance, or their eyesight is poor, your house should be organized and uncluttered.You want your elderly roommate to be able to move around without tripping or bumping into things.If your elderly housemate has a problem with hoarding, you may need to encourage them to seek help.
Step 10: The house should have an emergency panic system.
Older people with chronic conditions or who are more sensitive to the elements need a heating, ventilating, and a cooling system.If there is an accident, your roommate should be able to call for help from the panic system you have.
Step 11: Understand their limitations and abilities.
As people get older, you need to quickly determine what kind of help they need.What is the person's physical and mental condition and what chronic illness do they have?Prepare for them and take these into account.The person has a sound mind.If your elderly roommate is developing dementia or Alzheimer's, you need to seriously consider what you are going to do to keep them safe.For more information, visit the Alzheimer's Association website at http://www.alz.org.Is the person able to take care of themselves?Make sure the elderly person has someone looking after them.If you work outside the home, you may have to hire in- home help to care for an older person.
Step 12: Consider how much assistance you and your family can give.
You need to know how much time you can commit to helping the elderly person that you live with.This may cause stress in your life if you have to provide a lot of help.Be aware of the level of help your roommate might need.This may increase over time.You can help the person with basic things like dressing, bathing, and going to the bathroom if you know your limits.Think about your schedule.If you have a full-time career and children, consider this.
Step 13: If they can, keep records for them.
If the person is not a family member, you should have their contact information.If the person is comfortable with this, you should have their emergency medical information and their important documents.In the event of an emergency, you'll have all the information you need.
Step 14: They should know what they are taking.
If the person needs help, make sure you know what they take in case of an accident or medical emergency.Drug interaction warnings and instructions for taking medicine with food are things to be aware of.
Step 15: Help the person keep their grooming presentable.
Elderly people can't trim their toenails, comb or brush their hair, or tie their shoes.It's important that someone is confident and ready to interact with others.If they consent, you can help them if they have trouble.
Step 16: You should watch out for frauds.
There are people who prey on older people, including con-men, salespeople, and people claiming to represent religious organizations.Such people will use their good nature to get older people to give them money.Asking your elderly roommate about their daily interactions over dinner could prevent this.It will protect your elderly roommate from financial disaster, but it will also save you headaches in dealing with the repercussions.
Step 17: Understand their salt and sugar needs.
Older people are more likely to be on a restricted diet than the rest of us.If your elderly roommate has memory problems, they might forget about their diet.Don't be overly aggressive when it comes to this.While watching out for their welfare, respect their choices.