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Aging is a part of life, and often, children are left responsible for caring for their aging parents or loved ones. Caregiving adds a layer of frustration and stress to any relationship. The key to keeping your relationship loving and happy is to know when you need a helping hand.
Deciding to hire a caregiver isn’t a decision one goes into lightly. So, when is the best time to take that leap?
Ideally, we all want to remain independent until the day we die, but for most individuals, that isn’t possible. There comes a point when we have to look at our aging loved ones and determine whether or not they are functioning well on their own.
This means determining if they are performing their personal hygiene routine properly. It could be a sign that they are depressed, but it could also be a sign that your senior can no longer independently perform their daily care. It’s essential to monitor this behavior to ensure the need for assistance is there and that their lack of hygiene isn’t just a temporary issue.
It’s well known that seniors may make some kind of medication error at one time or another. Thus, it should be monitored, because if your senior starts making errors with their medication, it could create a problem with their overall health. A missed dose or taking the incorrect amount of medication indicates your loved one needs to be monitored more closely or needs hands-on care for medication management.
When you visit your loved one, notice whether or not they have many unpaid/unopened bills or a considerable amount of spoiled food in their refrigerator and cupboards. Seeing these indicates that your loved one might be unable to manage their life independently. It could mean they struggle to remember things or lack motivation due to depression to keep on top of things.
One challenge your loved one deals with as they age is balance, putting them in danger of falling. If their home isn’t equipped with the proper safety measures, they may be unable to continue living independently. Awareness of their abilities and whether mobility has started to decline is essential.
As humans, we aren’t meant to live alone and devoid of other humans to interact with socially. As our loved ones age, they often become lonely due to decreased mobility and other health issues preventing them from safely venturing out of their home for social events. This can lead to depression, which interferes with their ability to care for themselves.
Recognizing that your loved one needs help is only the first step. There are many other steps to consider along the way. One of the more important ones is regarding who will assist with your loved one’s care once they can no longer do it for themselves.
While some families can shoulder the responsibility of caring for their loved ones, there is a higher chance of burnout. Being aware of what you can and cannot handle is very important for you and your loved one. All too often, loved ones think that taking on the care of their senior is the only option, and it creates issues within their own lives and the relationship they have with the family member under their care.
If the family can’t handle the emotional and time considerations of caring for aging loved ones, looking into in-home caregivers is probably an ideal option.
The beauty of choosing a caregiver to come into your loved one’s home is that it can be for as much or as little time as your family needs. Recognizing that your loved one needs a helping hand doesn’t mean they have to give up their independence entirely.
Most in-home caregivers are trained to encourage your loved one’s independence and maintain their physical abilities as long as their health cooperates. Putting your trust in caregivers with medical training and the emotional capacity to separate family from duty will give your loved one a better home care experience.
Of course, we know that choosing a caregiver comes at a financial cost to the family, no matter how tremendous the emotional payoff can be. Most care agencies, such as Accessible Home Health Care, will work with families to determine exactly how much care their loved one needs and whether or not that is within their budget.
Deciding to select an in-home care agency isn’t one that you go into lightly, and having a team that understands that makes all the difference. At Accessible, we have a caregiver match program that ensures whomever your loved one receives care from will be a good fit for the whole family. We also provide various services to ensure that all your needs are met, from respite and companion care to memory loss and long term care.
Contact Accessible today to discuss how our caregivers can help your family.
The respiratory system, like many of the other human systems (e.g., cardiovascular, digestive), is a wondrously complex and sophisticated arrangement of organs working together to maintain homeostasis.Contact an Office in Your AreaChronic obstructive pulmonary disease, more commonly referred to as COPD, is a health problem facing adults in the U.S. Because of its progressive nature and increased age as a leading factor, there is a greater prevalence of COPD in seniors. The good news is that many adults can easily reduce their risk of COPD through lifestyle management. COPD represents a group of lung diseases, with the two most common being emphysema and chronic bronchitis.Symptoms of COPD includeConstant coughingWheezingShortness of breathCoughing up mucusTightness in the chestResearch also suggests that there may be a link between poor air quality and COPD. The American Lung Association estimates that between 80-90% of COPD cases result from smoking. Unsurprisingly, secondhand smoke is a significant risk factor as well. Seniors should take the following steps to reduce their risk of COPD:Older adults that smoke should get support from a primary care physician and take steps to quit. There are many programs, services, and products that can help.Seniors should avoid contact with secondhand smoke whenever possible.Reducing exposure to air pollution can help relieve symptoms. Many cities issue poor air quality warnings when these warnings are in effect, seniors should limit outside activities. Seniors should avoid airborne irritants (chemicals, fumes, etc.) in the home.A healthy diet and exercise plan can improve lung function and overall health with direction from a physician.Older adults should understand the impact of aging on their respiratory system and reduce their risk of any related diseases, illnesses, or conditions.Doctors may recommend getting vaccinations for both influenza and pneumococcal pneumonia to guard against further breathing complications.Comfort Keepers Can HelpComfort Keepers elevates the human spirit for todays seniors and their families through a unique, individualized approach to care that helps seniors thrive and achieve greater wellbeing by fostering everyday positive moments, connection, and a more purposeful life no matter their age or acuity. As part of a healthcare team, an in-home caregiver can assist with activities that slow disease progression or reduce the risk for those with respiratory issues. Comfort Keepers caregivers can help by supporting physician-recommended health programs, preparing meals, encouraging prescribed physical activity, reminding seniors to take medications, and providing transportation to scheduled appointments. References:Healthline. Everything You Need to Know About Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Web. 2018.Everyday Health. 5 Best Ways to Prevent COPD by Chris Iliades, MD. Web. 2018.Aging Care. An Overview of COPD by National Institutes of Health. Web. 2017.Unity Point Health. The Top 8 Respiratory Illnesses and Diseases. Web. 2014.American Lung Association. Lung Capacity and Aging. Web. 2017.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Chronic Respiratory Disease. Web. 2017.
As seniors age, physical activities can have not only positive physical effects, but positive cognitive effects as well.Contact an Office in Your AreaIn one study, 100 nursing-home residents performed resistance exercises three times a week for 10 weeks. At the end, the exercise group could lift significantly more weight, climb more stairs, and walk faster and farther than their sedentary counterparts.Its been proven time and again that exercise is good for seniors physical and mental health. Regular exercise, even in small amounts, can improve mood, relieve stress and improve health. According to the CDC, four of the five most expensive health conditions older adults face can be prevented or managed with physical activity. But, only about 35% of adults over the age of 65 are physically active. Any senior starting a new exercise plan should consult with their physician. And, it is helpful for family and members of the care team to assist and support physical activity in any way they can. For those that are physically able to begin an exercise program, regular movement can help them live a more vibrant and healthy life. Some of the health benefits include:Improved mental health, mood and outlookPrevention, or improvement of, diseases such as diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and osteoporosisReduced pain from arthritis and minimizing its severityDecreased risk of fallsEach individual has different needs when it comes to exercise and varying health conditions that may need to be taken into consideration before beginning an exercise regimen. A health professional to determine the best approach to physical activity with senior care.There are a variety of ways to incorporate aerobic activity, strength-building exercises, stretching and balance all without leaving the comfort of home! Aerobic exercise Walking in place, dancing or aerobic routines can help get the heart rate up. These activities improve cardiovascular health and help older adults maintain a healthy weight. Strength building exercises there are many easy strength-building exercises that can help seniors build the muscles they need to do everyday activities and prevent muscle loss. And, exercises can be done with household items or using body weight, so no expensive equipment is required. Stretching Stretching before and after exercise can help prevent soreness after exercise. And, the additional benefit is improved flexibility, which is good for older adults physical health. For those looking to improve their flexibility even more, there are exercise routines available online that include yoga or stretching routines specifically for seniors.Balance exercises Balance exercises help seniors prevent falls and improve mobility. Yoga, tai chi, and other low-impact activities can all help improve balance and overall physical health.Those that need a little assistance getting started should not hesitate to reach out to their doctor, family or caregiver. It is never too late to adopt an active lifestyle! Comfort Keepers Can HelpFor seniors that need a little extra help living an active lifestyle, Comfort Keepers caregivers can help with encouragement, support and assistance with physician-prescribed exercise plans. And, caregivers can encourage overall health through meal planning, grocery shopping, meal preparation and activities. Our custom care plans focus on physical and mental health and wellness activities. Our goal is to see that clients have the means to find the joy and happiness in each day, regardless of age or acuity.To learn more about our in-home care services, contact your local Comfort Keepers location today. ReferencesCenters for Disease Control and Prevention. Adults Need More Physical Activity. Web. 2019.Health and Human Services. Facts & Statistics: Physical Activity. Web. 2017.National Council on Aging. Exercise Programs That Promote Senior Fitness. Web.Readers Digest Canada, 5 of the Best Exercises for Seniors to Build Strength, Improve Balance and Boost Heart Health. Web. Harvard Health Publishing. Exercise after age 70. Web. 2007.
More Americans are choosing to age in place. That is, they opt to stay in their homes rather than move to alternative retirement settings.But that often means they must modify their home, so it's not a danger to their safety and health when their physical abilities change.A new career field has risen to address this need: the Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS), a program of the National Association of Home Builders. Certified individuals assess homes to identify and recommend modifications to prevent injuries from falls and other risks.According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), one-third of Americans age 65 and over fall each year. The CDC adds that environmental factors lead to about half of all falls that occur at home. In addition to tripping hazards and poor lighting, these factors include a lack of needed modifications, such as bathroom grab bars, handicapped showers, stair railings and ramps. The organization offers a checklist to make sure an older adult's home is as safe as possible.Home modifications help seniors maintain quality of life. They often prevent injuries that lead to a loss of independence and early admission to an assisted living or long-term care facility.The following are examples of commonly recommended modifications:Install grab bars for toilets and tubs and install a walk-in tub and/or tub seatRemove unnecessary throw rugs and fasten down rugs or floor runners to prevent slippingMove furniture to create clear walking pathsKeep objects off the floor and coil or secure cords to the wall to prevent trippingReplace doorknobs with lever door handlesApply non-slip tape on uncarpeted indoor and outdoor stepsReplace standard light switches with rocker-style switchesIncrease the width of doorways and hallways to accommodate wheelchairs and, where possible, lower sinks and countertopsMove often-used items to lower cabinets to avoid the need for step stoolsRepair or replace loose handrails and install adequate lighting in stairwaysInstall an elevator or chair liftInstall an elevated dishwasher or one with drawers for easy accessReplace old stoves with induction cooktops to help prevent burnsReplace ceramic tile floors with hardwood or vinyl for safe standingShedding Light on Home ModificationWhen modifying a home for a senior, don't forget the importance of good lighting. Seniors need two to three times as much light in order to see as well as younger people.Good lighting -- in the form of natural light -- provides seniors safety and other advantages:Sunlight provides a good dose of vitamin D, which helps the body absorb more calcium to strengthen teeth and bones. Choose window treatments that let in sunlight, without glare, to enhance the health of seniors, many of who get outside less than they used to.Daylight also improves psychological health. It lessens the energy-zapping effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and other forms of depression.