Sensory changes such as vision, hearing, and touch impairments become increasingly common as seniors age. These changes can significantly affect their quality of life, making everyday tasks more challenging and leading to feelings of isolation and frustration. For caretakers, understanding and managing these sensory changes is crucial in providing effective support and improving the well-being of their loved ones. This article will discuss practical strategies for addressing sensory impairments in seniors, including home environment modifications, the use of assistive devices, and effective communication techniques.Sensory Changes in SeniorsUnderstanding the nature and impact of sensory changes is the first step in effectively managing them.Vision ImpairmentsVision impairments can range from minor issues like needing stronger glasses to more serious conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. These changes can affect a seniors ability to read, navigate their environment, and recognize faces, leading to a loss of independence.Hearing LossHearing loss can result from age-related changes in the ear, prolonged exposure to loud noises, or other health conditions. It can make conversations difficult, leading to social withdrawal and a decline in mental health.Touch SensitivityReduced sensitivity to touch can affect the ability to feel pain, temperature changes, and pressure. This can lead to safety issues, such as an increased risk of burns or pressure sores.Practical Strategies for Managing Sensory ChangesImplementing practical strategies can help mitigate the challenges posed by sensory impairments in seniors.1. Modifying the Home EnvironmentCreating a senior-friendly home environment is essential for managing sensory changes.Lighting: Ensure that the home is well-lit to help seniors with vision impairments. Use bright, non-glare lighting and add task lighting in areas where detailed work is done, such as reading or cooking.Contrasting Colors: Use contrasting colors to help seniors distinguish between different objects and areas. For example, a dark-colored chair on a light-colored floor is easier to see than a chair that blends in with the flooring.Clear Pathways: Keep pathways clear of obstacles and use rugs with non-slip backing to prevent falls. Mark the edges of stairs with bright, contrasting tape to enhance visibility.2. Using Assistive DevicesAssistive devices can significantly improve the quality of life for seniors with sensory impairments.Vision Aids: Magnifiers, reading glasses, and large-print books can assist those with vision impairments. Devices like screen readers and audiobooks are also useful.Hearing Aids: Encourage the use of hearing aids and ensure they are maintained properly. Amplified telephones and alerting devices with visual or vibrating signals can also help.Touch Aids: Use textured mats and grips to enhance tactile feedback. Ensure that hot water heaters are set to safe temperatures to prevent burns.3. Effective CommunicationEffective communication is crucial in addressing the needs of seniors with sensory changes.Speak Clearly: When communicating with seniors with hearing loss, speak clearly and at a moderate pace. Face them directly and ensure your mouth is visible to aid lip-reading.Use Gestures: Incorporate gestures and facial expressions to enhance understanding. Written notes can also be helpful.Patience and Empathy: Be patient and empathetic. Understand that sensory impairments can be frustrating and take time to listen and respond to their needs.Additional Care and Support for SeniorsManaging sensory changes in seniors requires a proactive and compassionate approach. Seniors are better equipped to navigate their daily lives with confidence and comfort as sensory impairments are addressed, ultimately improving their overall well-being and happiness.As tedious as managing sensory changes in seniors may seem, the right strategies can make all the difference. Remember, we are here to assist you. At Senior Helpers Fort Collins, we are committed to making life easier and more enjoyable for seniors living in Fort Collins, Englewood, Littleton, Lone Tree, and Longmont. Contact us today so we can devise the best care strategies tailored to your loved ones' unique needs together.

As we age, we face significant life changes that can impact our mental wellness.Retirement, illnesses, or deaths of loved ones, changes to our physical health or mobility, isolation, and even some medications can impact the way we feel, sleep, eat, and interact with the world around us. Adults over 60 sometimes believe that depression and anxiety are a normal part of aging. Because of this, signs and symptoms of depression and anxiety can be misinterpreted in our golden years.North Range's senior peer counselors are 55 years old or older and trained to provide supportive counseling services to clients in the privacy of their homes or apartments, assisted living facilities, or nursing home facilities. We provide encouragement and support to help with coping through life stressors and emotional challenges.Take this Mental Wellness Check-In for the Golden YearsI feel sad or blue often.I get nervous and anxious often.I get easily overwhelmed.It's hard to make decisionsbig or small.I worry a lot.I often feel jumpyit's hard for me to feel settled.I feel lonely and alone.I have trouble sleeping.My appetite has changed/decreased.I feel tired often.I have little energy, motivation, or ambition.It's hard to find enjoyment or pleasure in things.I wish I had someone to talk with about my life, feelings, thoughts, and situation.Our golden years are not supposed to feel like this. These are not simply normal signs of the aging process and of "just getting older."North Range Behavioral Health's confidential, private Senior Peer Counseling Program may be able to help, at no cost to you.Established in 1976, The Senior Peer Counseling Program has consistently provided outreach and supportive paraprofessional counseling services to Weld County seniors 60 years and older. Our peer counselors are 55 years old or older and trained to provide supportive counseling services to clients in the privacy of their homes or apartments, assisted living facilities, or nursing home facilities. We provide encouragement and support to help with coping through life stressors and emotional challenges.All peer counselors work under a Licensed Professional Counselor with a focus in Gerontology. Senior Peer Counselors have a variety of education, knowledge, experience, talents, and skills in working with other older adults. In fact, peer counselors and clients may have similar lived experiences related to the aging process. We have found this is one of the many reasons why our program has been so helpful to people over the years."This program is amazingyou have been with me through so much. I trust you and I know you stand by me." Senior Peer Counseling ClientThe Senior Peer Counseling program is supported in part by The Area Agency on Aging (AAA.) This means there is no cost for working with a peer counselor. Although some participants choose to make a donation to the program if they can.Find out more about North Range Behavioral Health's Senior Peer Counseling Program or arrange for one of the peer counselors to visit with you or a loved one today!Call Dee McClure, Program Coordinator, Community Based and Peer Counseling, at 970.347.2125

Wellness incorporates many dimensions of health, each of which contribute to a persons overall wellbeing. Because wellness has a personal meaning for everyone, the path toward wellness is different for each person.The good news is that its never too early or too late to adopt healthy habits. SAMHSAs (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) Eight Dimensions of Wellness breaks wellness into eight categories emotional, environmental, financial, intellectual, occupational, physical, social, and spiritual to achieve an improved quality of life.Embracing the Eight Dimensions of Wellness can help us:Be more able to help others/get work doneBounce back from stress, trauma, and burnoutSleep better, improve focus, and strengthen relationshipsEvery day is a new opportunity to commit to mental wellbeing. Consider integrating these healthy habits from the Eight Dimensions of Wellness into your routine.EMOTIONAL WELLNESSHaving the ability to cope with life stress, express emotions, and feel positive about life. It includes being aware and accepting our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors by managing them in a healthy way.Tell someone you appreciate themBe truly present when you are around loved onesPut the phones awayPractice gratitude and self-compassionDo what helps you relax and rechargeAsk for help when you need it. It's a sign of strength to reach out to resources and supports when your mental wellness is suffering.SPIRITUAL WELLNESSConnecting to personal beliefs and values that provide a sense of meaning and purpose in life.It is important to know that spiritual wellness does not mean religious practice, although religion can be one route to increase your spiritual wellness.Find activities or routines that help you appreciate lifeConnect with something larger than yourselfPractice meditationJoin a faith-based communitySpend time in natureIncrease self-reflectionSet an intention for your day. Pick a mantra that you can return to throughout your day to remind yourself of your purpose. Some examples are: I am worthy of love and happiness. I am walking into today with bravery. or I am exactly where I am supposed to be.INTELLECTUAL WELLNESSEngaging in creative and stimulating activities can help us discover our own potential and understand diverse points of view.Do things that help to strengthen your concentration, memory, and critical thinking skills.Try something new or take up a new hobbyChallenge yourself to be curious and open-mindedListen to and consider the perspectives of othersTravel more to increase your knowledge and appreciation for another cultureDo something to build self-confidence. Take up a new hobby such as knitting, baking, or painting. It doesn't matter whether you are good at it, it only matters that you are doing something new!PHYSICAL WELLNESSDeveloping healthy habits around nutrition, sleep, exercise, appropriate health care, stress reduction, and overall physical health.Learn to listen to your bodyGet a great nights sleep (Strive for eight hours of sleep a night)Engage in physical activity every day for 30 minutes Eat a variety of healthy foodRecognize the signs when your body begins feeling ill or tense, and take actions to take care of your body.ENVIRONMENTAL WELLNESSFinding physical and emotional safety in our surroundings (where we work, live, and learn.)A clean, safe home helps us feel at peace in our environmentPlant a personal or community gardenTake a walk outsideDecorate your workspace with things that bring you joyAppreciate your surroundings. Everyday activities like driving with the windows down on a sunny day can help you appreciate your environment more.FINANCIAL WELLNESSFinding the balance between the psychological, physical, and spiritual aspects of our relationships with finance.Learn more about things related to savings, income, and debtLearn how to set long-term goals toward future financial objectivesLearn how to saveReorganize your belongings and utilize what you have currently, rather than buying something newStrive to live within your means. Track your expenses, create a financial budget, make weekly meal plans to maintain your budget goals.OCCUPATIONAL WELLNESSExploring activities that align with our personal goals, belief systems, lifestyle, and values.Build relationships with colleaguesEngage in training opportunitiesVolunteerMake a list of what you have accomplished - if youre feeling burnt out at work, look over what you have accomplished in the past to give yourself a new sense of purposeBalance work and leisure timeManage workplace stress with this after-work checklist:Review: acknowledge a challenge you faced, take a deep breath and let it goReflect: however small, consider and appreciate positives in your dayRegroup: offer support to your colleagues and ask for help when you need itRe-energize: turn your attention to home and focus on relaxing and restingSOCIAL WELLNESSPositive, healthy, and meaningful relationships with friends, family, and the community.Learn about healthy communication skills that respect yourself and othersShow genuine concern for those in needConnect with supportive friends and familySet healthy boundaries with people in your lifeJoin a club or a group with similar interests. By surrounding yourself with people with similar interests, you establish a strong foundation for a sense of community.Taking care of yourself first will have a positive impact on the loved ones in your life and will make you better equipped to listen to and support your family and friends.Three easy ways to integrate some of the dimensions this week:Cook a new recipe or a comfort dish with your familySpend 10 minutes at the beginning or end of your day stretchingSet an intention for your dayDaily intentions:I will spend this weekend relaxing and recharging.I will find a small joy in each activity I do.I will nourish my body and soul this weekend.I am strong and I am loved.When it comes to wellness, doing just a little bit is better than doing nothing at all. Questions or for more information please call North Range Behavioral Health at 970-347-2120.