Tips for caring for someone, with dementia, who lives alone
Summary:
Regular check-ins
As became especially apparent during the coronavirus pandemic, we all need to be checked in on from time to time – particularly those of us who live alone.
Regularly visiting is the best way that you can see how the person is coping at home. While phone calls are great, we get a lot of clues as to how someone is doing when we see them in person.
Setting up or helping with automated systems
These days there are lots of apps and automated systems to make our lives easier – for instance, smart plugs that can detect activity (or lack of) and alert you to a potential issue in your loved one’s home. Home Care recipients can also use their package to include assistive technology such as computers and iPads.
Assisting with home care and food
You might be bringing food over, but there are also other options such as setting up regular deliveries from Coles or Woolworths or utilising a meals delivery service. Talk to the person you’re caring for about what they would prefer. They might be surprised to hear that the days of Meals on Wheels being the only door-to-door food provider are gone.
