Aging in place is a goal most seniors can attain, but it isn’t always easy. The majority of older adults eventually run into problems that make it necessary to reach out for help. Aging adults who experience any of the following issues should have someone provide them with regular care to ensure they can continue to live at home safely.
Cognitive Changes Due to Dementia
Memory loss, confusion, and other cognitive changes can pose several major risks for seniors who live alone. Wandering is the most obvious issue, and your aging loved one could get seriously hurt if he or she gets lost away from home. Medication mix-ups are also a possibility when a senior is unable to comprehend instructions on bottle labels or keep up with the dosing schedule. As dementia progresses, your loved one will need an increased level of care to prevent major accidents.
Caring for a senior with dementia can be challenging for family caregivers. Luckily, there is dementia care Montgomery families can rely on. Professional dementia caregivers help seniors with dementia stay safe and comfortable at home by preventing wandering, providing cognitive stimulation, and assisting with household chores.
Stiff Muscles & Joints
Many injuries occur when seniors are getting out of bed, and experiencing a slip and fall accident is no way for your loved one to start the day. Parkinson’s disease, arthritis, and normal aging can all cause the arms and legs to stiffen up. If your loved one is unable to move with ease, he or she could fall when trying to get up in the morning. Having someone there in the morning hours can make it safer for your loved one to wake up and begin the day.
Diminished Senses
Hearing and vision loss can create several hazards for seniors in their homes. Those who cannot hear fire alarms might not exit their homes in time. Vision loss can increase the risk of slip and fall accidents along with medication mix-ups. The sense of smell is also important. An older adult who cannot detect the odor of spoiled food could get violently ill if he or she ingests it, and your loved one may need to use his or her sense of smell to remember to do things such as bathe or clean the litter box. Ask your loved one about his or her senses, and suggest making changes to the care plan if he or she has major alterations in the ability to sense things in the environment.
Post-Hospitalization Recovery
Your loved one might be eager to get back to his or her normal routine after being discharged from the hospital. After being poked and prodded by nurses and doctors, he or she may even relish the idea of having some time alone. While this is understandable, it’s best to have a caregiver help out during the first stages of recovery. Seniors who receive post-discharge support at home are less likely to be rehospitalized.
Seniors can face a variety of age-related challenges. Though some families choose to take on the caregiving duties, there may come a time when they need a trusted senior care provider. Families sometimes need respite from their duties so they can focus on their other responsibilities, and some seniors need around-the-clock assistance that their families are not able to provide. Home Care Assistance is here to help.
Mental Health Issues
Your loved one’s mental health needs are also worth taking into consideration. A senior with anxiety who lives alone may experience extreme fear about break-ins or accidents, and this apprehension could interfere with his or her ability to handle daily routines. An older adult with depression could also be more likely to develop an addiction. Regular visits from a caregiver can promote positive mental health that increases your loved one’s safety with age.
One of the most challenging tasks of helping an elderly relative age in place safely and comfortably is researching agencies that provide elderly home care. Montgomery families can turn to Home Care Assistance for reliable, high-quality in-home care for aging adults. We offer 24-hour live-in care for seniors who require extensive assistance, and we also offer respite care for family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties. If your loved one needs assistance with the challenges of aging, reach out to one of our knowledgeable, compassionate Care Managers today at (334) 593-3988.