Preparing for Spring in East Grand Rapids, MI: What to Consider when a Loved One Relies on Elder Care
If you live in a part of the country that is dealing with one of the toughest winters in recent memory, then you may be wondering if spring will ever arrive. Rest assured that spring will be here, eventually, and that means that you should start thinking about some of the things to consider when it comes to elder care.
Spring is the time of year when the sun grows higher in the sky, the temperatures begin to warm up, and many people are inspired to get out and enjoy the lovely weather. It’s also time to think about spring lawn cleanup, if your elderly loved one has a house or is responsible for any outdoor property. It’s also a good time to begin going through some of the things that have been stored away in the garage or basement, to get rid of things that aren’t needed, and to become more organized.
Springtime is also a great time to look at going for walks around the block, in the park, or even cruising through the countryside for a nice, relaxing time away from home. When your loved one relies on elderly home care, it’s important that you don’t take advantage of this situation or assume that they are going to be doing any sort of outdoor yard work for your loved one. That’s not part of their job.
Depending on the type of home care for the elderly that your loved one receives, the caregiver may help out with some basic cleaning or cooking responsibilities, but they are not a maid or cleaning service. Nor are they responsible for the outside of the house, aside from helping to ensure that the walkways are safe. Does that mean that they should grab a shovel and get rid of the snow? No, but if there’s a small patch of ice, then they might be able to assist with that.
As for spring, make a plan with your elderly loved one. Find out what he or she would like to do this coming warmer season. Have they been cooped up for too long and want to take a nice, long, relaxing drive and visit certain places? Do they want to plan a garden for this year? What about bird feeding? Do they have interest in that?
Relying on elder care doesn’t mean that your loved on stops living; actually, it’s just the opposite, and when they’re prepared for spring, they can have much more to look forward to. So can you.
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