Providing care to sick grandparents is an emotionally challenging task. One never likes to see elder relatives suffering thorough health issues. The elderly are particularly vulnerable, both physically and emotionally. By being proactive, you can make sure your grandparents receive the medical care they need.
Instructions
1. Maintain close contact with the doctor of a grandparent with a medical problem. Accompany your grandparent on medical visits and take notes on the doctor's advice. You may also wish to tape record the conversation, as both a refresher to you and your grandparent.
2. Encourage to wear a medical alarm system with a panic button for alerting emergency services. Not only will this speed care to your grandparent, but it will give you peace of mind when you're not there.
3. Talk with the doctor and conduct research on the Internet to familiarize yourself with your grandparent's medical conditions. Maintain an ongoing discussion with the doctor about whether your grandparent needs hospitalization, care in a nursing home or to live with someone who can monitor care.
4. Keep the home of the ill grandparent well-stocked with basic medical supplies, prescriptions, food, beverages and anything else essential for daily living. An elderly grandparent may not be strong enough to shop at the grocery store or clean the house. Be proactive by handling those chores yourself or arranging for someone else to do them.
5. Keep in daily contact with the grandparent so you can closely track any changes in their health and household needs. Be patient in your questioning. Some people are reluctant to disclose their troubles, so you will have to be specific, sympathetic and tactful. Watch for changes in their appearance (weight, grooming, clothes), energy level and tone of voice.
Tags: your grandparent, with doctor, changes their, contact with, grandparent medical