Caring for an elderly parent at home: a practical checklist
Falls, medicines, water, food and mood: a practical checklist for families looking after an older parent at home, and the changes to watch for.
Written by HoMedi Editorial Team
Medically reviewed by Dr Vinod Kumar, MBBS · Reg. No. APMC/FMR/97301 (Andhra Pradesh Medical Council)
Published · Last reviewed · 2 min read
Looking after an older parent at home is a labour of love, and it can also be tiring and worrying. A few simple habits make home safer and help you notice problems early.
Make the home safer from falls
Falls are one of the most common reasons older adults are hurt at home.
- Keep floors clear of loose rugs, wires and clutter, especially between the bed and the bathroom
- Add a night light for trips to the bathroom
- Fit grab bars near the toilet and in the bathing area, and use a non-slip mat
- Encourage well-fitting footwear with a good grip instead of loose slippers
- Keep things they use every day within easy reach
Keep medicines organised
Many older adults take several medicines a day, and mistakes are easy to make.
- Keep an up-to-date list of every medicine, the dose and the time
- Use a pill organiser with a compartment for each time of day
- Do not stop, start or change a medicine without asking the doctor
- Take the medicine list to every doctor's visit, including the dentist
Water and food
The sense of thirst becomes weaker with age, so older adults can become dehydrated without feeling thirsty. This matters in Hyderabad's hot months.
- Offer water, buttermilk or other fluids regularly through the day
- Watch for dark urine, dizziness or unusual tiredness
- Offer small, regular meals if appetite is poor, and tell the doctor about any weight loss
Health checks at home
- If the doctor has advised it, check blood pressure or sugar at home and keep a written record
- Ask the doctor about vaccines recommended for older adults, such as the flu vaccine
- Keep eye and hearing checks up to date: poor vision and hearing increase the risk of falls and isolation
Mood and company
Loneliness and low mood are common and often go unnoticed. Regular conversation, time outdoors, and contact with friends and family all help. If your parent seems persistently sad, withdrawn or stops enjoying things, mention it to their doctor.
Changes to watch for
Call a doctor the same day if you notice:
- New confusion, drowsiness or unusual behaviour
- A fall, even if they seem fine afterwards
- Not eating or drinking, or passing very little urine
- A fever, a new cough or pain when passing urine
Call 108 straight away for chest pain, breathing difficulty, weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, or if they cannot be woken normally.
Getting help at home
Regular visits from a registered doctor or nurse can take some of the load off the family. HoMedi is launching in Hyderabad to help families find registered professionals who visit homes nearby.
Questions people ask
The sense of thirst weakens with age, and some medicines increase fluid loss, so older adults can become dehydrated without feeling thirsty. Offering water regularly through the day helps, especially in hot weather.
A sudden change in behaviour or confusion can be a sign of infection, dehydration or a medicine side effect. It should be checked by a doctor the same day; if it comes with weakness on one side or slurred speech, call 108.
