Individuals’ needs change as they get older. Family members must recognize this and help seniors navigate these changes. Some individuals are caring for their loved ones, while others simply want to support them in any way they can. How can a family provide their elderly parents with compassionate care while allowing them to maintain their independence as long as possible?
The Challenges of Aging
When people think of getting older, they often think about aches and pains and wrinkles all over their bodies. However, many challenges come with aging. Some of these challenges are physical, and others are mental. A person may need assistance with daily activities, and this can be embarrassing. Another person may be lonely and doesn’t want to share this burden with family members. Understanding the challenges and whether they affect the family member is essential. With this information, loved ones can ensure they provide seniors with compassionate care.
Physical Changes
As they age, people often find that the things they used to do easily in the past are now challenging. They may have trouble getting out of bed or struggle with ongoing pain. Some individuals have a chronic condition that makes it difficult to breathe, and others are dealing with high blood pressure or cholesterol. They need to see a doctor regularly to ensure they remain safe and comfortable.
Seniors often become frustrated when they can no longer do things they enjoy. Families need to try to help them create a safe and supportive environment where they can participate in things they love as much as possible. The safe and supportive environment ensures that the seniors feel cared for and that they aren’t a burden to others.
Mental Changes
The aging process also comes with mental changes. Many people become forgetful as they age, but this is not the same as dementia. Families need to monitor their loved ones to see if the memory changes they are experiencing go beyond forgetfulness.
Individuals with Alzheimer’s disease often forget names or repeat questions. They may lose track of time or confuse events. Dementia can interfere with their daily life. They may become moody and confused or get lost in familiar settings. A person with Lewy body dementia will experience changes in their thinking and memory, and they may have problems with movement. Families should be familiar with the signs and symptoms of various diseases that affect seniors so they can identify these symptoms and seek help for their loved ones quickly. Early intervention leads to better outcomes.
Holistic Care
Family members need to ensure their elderly loved ones are being cared for completely. A loved one might benefit from telehealth visits if they struggle to leave the home, or they might require assistance with basic tasks like bathing and hygiene. In-home aides can provide this assistance. Social workers and behavioral health coaches might be needed to help the senior deal with any mental health challenges they are experiencing, and family members might need to step in and help the senior with their medication.
Many families invest in medical alert devices or monitoring systems so they know what is going on in their loved one’s life. If a senior falls or has another emergency, these devices and systems can alert family members so they can get help for their loved one quickly. Some seniors also benefit from driving classes to help them stay safe on the road, and the family may encourage a loved one to take part in these classes.
Families should communicate with the loved one’s medical team to see if they have suggestions regarding the care and assistance the senior needs. They can provide information about which environment is best for the senior and how to transition them to this new environment if they can no longer remain in their current living situation. The medical team can also provide advice on other ways the family can care for the senior to ensure the highest quality of life as they age. It never hurts to ask.
Leave a Reply