Taking Care of Older Adults: Top 5 Caregiving Considerations to Make

If you have an older loved one in your life, it is important to know how to care for them. That includes making sure they are staying safe since they are more likely to fall and sustain severe injury than younger people.A fall could mean severe pain, soft tissue injuries, broken bones, spinal injuries, or even a traumatic brain injury. With that in mind, your loved one could need immediate medical attention. While there are plenty of cases where you can see that they need to seek medical treatment, there may be times when you are not sure about the severity of your loved ones injuries. Even minor injuries can become more severe if they are not treated, so a good assessment of their fall-related injuries matters. Research shows that approximately 20% of falls in the elderly lead to serious injuries. (source: CDC)8 Warning Signs to Look for After an Elderly FallHere are eight of the biggest symptoms to look for after a fall, so you can decide if your loved one should seek medical attention immediately or if they can rest and feel better without medical intervention.1. Lacerations & BruisingLacerations, cuts, and bruises are some of the most common slips and fall accident injuries, especially in older adults. These injuries can also occur from walking into furniture or the corner of a countertop, preparing food, or in countless other ways.Most small lacerations and small bruises can be easily treated at home unless your elderly loved one has a bleeding disorder or other condition that could mean cuts and bruises require them to seek medical attention promptly.Size and Placement MatterAfter a slip-and-fall accident, the size and placement of the cuts or bruises matter. If your loved one has a large abdominal bruise and stomach pain, for example, that can be much more of a concern than smaller bruises on their arm.Additionally, lacerations in areas that are difficult to heal can be problematic, especially if the cut is deep or does not want to stop bleeding. It is better to err on the side of caution by reaching out to a medical professional or going to the emergency room, just to make sure your loved one is safe.2. Behavioral ChangesBehavioral changes after a fall are a definite cause for concern. These changes can be caused by traumatic brain injuries and other types of head injuries or even internal bleeding. Medical assistance is a good idea anytime an older adult exhibits a notable change in behavior, especially after a fall.It is also possible that serious internal bleeding, a stroke, or other problems are causing the changes and may have also caused the fall itself. Medical attention is the key to discovering the severity of the problem.3. Neck & Head InjuryHead injury symptoms to look for after a fall include headaches, dizziness, and difficulty moving the neck, with or without neck pain. Light may be too bright, as well, and the persons pupils could be uneven or not reacting properly.If you notice symptoms like this with a fall injury, it is important to rule out a severe head injury. You will want to seek medical treatment immediately and get a professional medical evaluation to rule out other medical issues.4. Swelling, Tingling, & Restricted MobilityWhen elderly loved one has a slip and fall accident, they can easily end up with broken bones, a head injury, spinal cord injuries, or other serious injury symptoms. If you see that a joint or other area is swollen, they have tingling in their extremities, or they are dealing with restricted mobility, they need medical care.Avoiding Care Can Lead to Chronic PainWithout medical treatment, there can be ongoing pain along with a broken bone or other injury that does not heal right. Even if the senior is not interested in seeking medical attention or does not want to bother anyone, it is important to have the affected limb or other area examined and treated.5. Irregular HeartbeatHaving an irregular heartbeat can be the cause of a fall, but it can also happen after a fall, as well. A medical evaluation will help determine the cause of the irregularity, so it can be treated and reduce future risks.Sometimes, an irregular heartbeat can cause dizziness or even a temporary loss of consciousness. In those instances, a fall could be quite common. If your elderly loved one has fall injuries that are not easily explained, or they start falling often, a medical professional can help discover what caused the initial accident and work to prevent future fall accidents.6. Tenderness & PainAcute injuries such as hip fractures, back injuries, neck injuries, wrist injuries, and soft tissue damage can cause pain and tenderness in the area. Many fall-related injuries create discomfort and can even lead to nerve damage or serious pain that lingers for a long time.Anytime an elderly person falls and has clear injury symptoms such as sharp pain or tenderness, it is wise to take them to the emergency room, urgent care, or their main healthcare professional.Depending on how they fell and whether they struck anything on their way down, they could even have internal injuries that need treatment right away.7. Vomiting & IncontinenceStomach pain (with or without vomiting), incontinence, or both can also be signs of internal injuries, a brain injury, or other concerns. If your older loved one is experiencing either one or both issues after a slip and fall, they could have head injuries or significant health problems.You need to seek medical attention promptly for these kinds of symptoms since they could indicate severe injuries. Internal bleeding, for example, could cause sharp pain and vomiting. Additionally, a stroke or related health problem could cause a fall and vomiting or incontinence issues.8. Vision ProblemsVision problems are another symptom to look for after a fall. They can be signs of a stroke or head injury and should be taken seriously. Diminished vision is common in elderly people, but a traumatic brain injury from a fall can quickly transform low vision into almost no vision.Additionally, you want to seek medical treatment for any serious injury that causes vision problems. There are multiple ways that vision could be affected, and traumatic brain injuries are not the only serious problems that affect the eyes. If your loved one cannot see properly after a fall, get them immediate medical attention.Causes of Falls in the ElderlyThere are many types of fall injuries in the elderly. Slip and fall accidents are more common and frequently cause more serious injuries in older people.While it is not possible to prevent every fall, knowing the most common causes can help you look for ways to make your elderly loved ones living environment safer.Anything can cause someone to fall, but the most common causes of falls in older adults include:Age-related loss of muscle massBalance problemsLoss of vision, hearing, and reflexesMedical conditionsSome kinds of medicationsPain or other issues with the feetCognitive impairmentRushing, such as when experiencing incontinenceSafety hazards like clutter or uneven surfacesAddressing any medical conditions that could lead to a slip and fall accident is an important way to reduce the chances of head injuries, broken bones, and other problems for your aging loved one.A fall injury can lead to chronic pain, fear of living alone, or even a brain injury, so it is vital to make changes that keep the risk of falling as low as possible.How to Prevent FallsAlong with knowing the symptoms to look for after a fall and the leading causes of falls in the elderly, it is important to learn how to prevent falls from occurring and causing severe pain and other serious injuries.Prevention can make a significant difference in your elderly loved ones quality of life. Here are a few ways to reduce their chances of taking a fall.Get Moving to Lower Fall RiskOne great way to prevent falls is to stay active. If your aging family member or loved one is very sedentary, encouraging them to get moving can help. They may not want to exercise, but there are all kinds of enjoyable activities that do not require running or going to the gym.While it is true that staying physically active can reduce falls accidents, anyone who has not exercised in a while or has health concerns should still have a medical evaluation before they get started. That can help determine what level of exercise is safe.Building muscle strength is crucial for maintaining overall health and mobility, especially for older adults, and can be effectively achieved through activities like walking, swimming, strength training, and balance exercises, as well as climbing stairs, using resistance bands, practicing yoga, and engaging in sports such as golf or bowling, provided there are no significant balance issues. (source: STEADI resources)Test Eyes and HearingVision and hearing loss can both lead to a higher chance of falling, and the broken bones, medical expenses, and other issues that come along with it. Even if your loved one does not notice symptoms, seeking medical attention to determine their current level of health can provide valuable information to work with.Another reason to seek medical attention for eyes, hearing, and cognitive abilities is that finding a small problem can sometimes lead to diagnosing a larger issue. If that is the case, it could avoid serious injuries in the future and reduce the chances of a falling accident that could lead to neck pain, head injuries, and other problems.Take More Time to Complete ActivitiesThere is no reason to try to power walk through the days activities. It is okay to move slower and be more methodical when walking or doing other tasks. Especially if your loved one already has chronic pain or any mobility issues, encouraging them to take their time can help reduce fall injuries.They may also need an assistive device like a cane or walker, especially when the weather is bad, or they are in an unfamiliar place. If you notice symptoms that indicate your loved one may be struggling with balance or movement, getting them the right support from a medical professional can make a significant difference.Consider Alcohol and Medications CarefullyDrinking alcohol can cause slip and fall injuries, soft tissue damage, back injuries, and other harm due to unsteadiness. It is often best for your loved one to avoid alcohol, especially if it interacts with any of their medications. Also, slip and fall injuries can also come from some negative medication interactions.If you are concerned about slip and fall accidents because your loved one is taking medications that can impair them, it is important to help them work with their doctor to address those concerns. The goal is to make it easier for your loved one to avoid a fall accident so they do not need medical treatment for an injury.Services That Can HelpSeeking medical attention after a fall accident is extremely important, whether your elderly loved one has a broken bone, head injuries, stomach pain, referred pain, or other serious injuries. You may also find that a fall accident means it is time to start thinking about additional care for your family member.In-home care services, for example, may be able to help prevent a more serious injury in the future. Because a slip and fall accident can lead to so many different issues, and cause your loved one to seek medical attention, the goal is to keep them from falling.Having in-home services to watch over your aging family member can mean fewer slip-and-fall injuries and a lower chance of your loved one needing physical therapy or other treatments to get back to moving again. Treating their injuries carefully will help them heal faster, but the best choice is to avoid the injuries entirely.Even if they only suffered minor injuries from a fall, you do not want your loved one to keep falling in the future. Additional slip and fall accidents can mean more serious injuries, and not all broken bones heal well. That could leave your loved one with chronic pain and other discomfort that could reduce their quality of life.Senior Care & Independent Living OptionsSenior care is essential to helping older adults continue to live their best lives, and CarePatrol helps families find the right senior care and independent living options they need. Our local experts can help you navigate the transition for your family members, so they can settle into their new routine and feel safe and secure again. We will help you find the right care option, whether it be in-home care, a nursing home, or anything in between. Contact your CarePatrol Local Senior Care Advisor to get started. 

If you have an aging loved one, its natural that you want their later years to be happy, fulfilling and comfortable. You also understand its not just their physical needs that need tending to their mental and emotional health is equally important. However, issues like cognitive degeneration, social isolation and poor sleep in later years can all negatively impact mood and wellbeing, leading to issues including anxiety, depression and paranoia. Although paranoia in elderly people is relatively common and generally isnt dangerous, it can certainly be upsetting no one wants to imagine their parent, spouse or family member in distress, especially if you cant always be there to soothe them. Thats why having a professional in-home caregiver can provide a stable and reassuring presence not just for your loved one, but for you as well. What Signs of Paranoia Should I Look Out For? Research shows us that there is indeed a link between aging and mental health conditions like paranoia, which falls under the category of psychosis, which is when an individual is separated from reality and therefore sees, hears or believes things that arent real. Common symptoms include thinking they are being followed, believing theyve been robbed when an item has been misplaced, being convinced people are talking about them behind their back, hearing strange noises, or an unfounded conviction that they are being mistreated. These feelings are often accompanied by strong negative emotions such as anger, fear and jealousy. What Triggers Paranoia in Older People? There are a number of conditions and situations that can lead to paranoia in elderly loved ones. While some of these conditions can be easily identified and treated, others may be more difficult to diagnose and remedy. These include:         Degenerative conditions like Alzheimers and dementia, which affect memory and cognitive function         Certain medications which can cause irritability or hallucinations         Brain tumors and vascular conditions, such as a stroke or blood clots         Urinary tract infections, which can trigger sudden confusion and delirium if left untreated         Social isolation, particularly in seniors living alone As with any health concern, if you are worried paranoia is impacting your loved ones daily life, then you should speak to their physician as soon as you can. How to Help a Loved One Experiencing Paranoia  Seeing your loved one getting anxious or upset can be difficult, but its important not to react with anger or frustration or to let things escalate into an argument. Instead, some easy steps you can take to help include: Investigate their concerns. Sadly, unscrupulous people do often take advantage of vulnerable older people, so always double check to ensure this is not the case. Check assistance devices. Make sure hearing aids are working properly and glasses prescriptions are up to date. Maintain a routine. Avoid changing schedules, moving furniture or even rearranging cupboards. Consider professional assistance. Regular visits from a private home caregiver, particularly one trained in dementia care or mental health in older adults, can help provide stability, routine and sense of calm. Other Benefits of Professional Senior Care While we know that you want to do everything possible to keep your loved one safe and happy, there are times when coping with their paranoia can be tough and even overwhelming especially if you are dealing with accusations of theft or mistreatment or have other responsibilities to worry about. This is when a professional caregiver can provide expert assistance, as they are trained in dealing with distressed or angry individuals and understand how to navigate these difficult situations. On the other hand, introducing a new person into the home is a change, and paranoid individuals can often be suspicious or mistrusting of a new caregiver, so it needs to be handled sensitively and sympathetically. At FirstLight, we understand how important trust is and will take the time to get to know your loved one and build a relationship they can rely on. For those at risk of social isolation, regular visits also provide company, conversation and valuable human connection. Share the Burden of Care With FirstLight  Its true that no one can understand your loved one as well as you do, and nothing can replace the bond you have with them. But that doesnt mean there wont be times when you could use a little extra support. At FirstLight Home Care, our compassionate, professional team of in-home caregivers is specially trained to manage symptoms of paranoia in elderly patients so if youd like help from someone wholl take the time to get to know your loved one and do more to help them live their fullest life, reach out to the team at FirstLight about a personalized care plan today.  Call us today at 612-473-3227 for further information.  

When looking for senior care, many people search for an individual home caregiver because they dont know what their options are. However, they are often unprepared for the risks of hiring a private caregiver and find some unexpected downsides, including caregiver availability and backup care for when a regular caregiver isnt accessible. Instead of directly hiring a caregiver on their own, many families looking for private caregivers find they prefer the flexibility and reliability of a home care agency. With high-quality caregivers and consistent service built to suit your loved ones needs, a home care agency can give you complete peace of mind. Get Caregivers Backed by a Team When you work with a home care agency, you dont just get an individual caregiver; you get an entire team. Your caregiver or caregivers are supported by a group of other caregivers and expert staff who provide additional resources and backup. If your regular caregiver is unavailable for any reason, the agency will send a substitute caregiver to cover for them. You can rest assured knowing that even if the caregiver calls in sick or changes jobs, your loved one will still receive the best care available. Get an Agency-Crafted Care Plan Home care agencies dont just handle the basics. Theyll also customize your loved ones care to meet to ensure their unique needs are met. Independent seniors living alone might need simple personal care services, while those with serious health issues may need more intensive assistance, and a home care agency knows exactly how to handle each level of care needed. Before care begins, a good home care agency will send an expert staff member to consult with you and your loved one about the level of care needed. Theyll listen with kindness and empathy, and work to understand your unique needs. By asking insightful questions based on their experience, theyre often able to identify needs that seniors werent even aware of. Once theyve taken stock of the needs, challenges and situation at hand, your agency will work with you to build a care plan. This plan will guide caregivers from day one, showing them the best ways to aid and comfort your loved one. From shifting schedules to evolving medical needs, your loved one might not always need the same kind of care. Thats why your agency will check with you periodically to see how the plan is working. You can also reach out to them and modify the plan at any time. Get Proven Caregivers Home care agencies like FirstLight Home Care hire caregivers carefully. They perform interviews, assessments and detailed background checks to ensure every caregiver is empathetic, trustworthy and able to perform all in-home caregiver job duties. Many agencies also give their caregivers professional training, so you can rest assured that your caregiver has the right skills to help your loved one. Many of them also have caregivers specifically trained to help with conditions like dementia and ALS. Performance Management Home care agencies know how important it is that your loved one receives top-quality care that specifically meets their needs, and hold themselves and their caregivers to high standards. You always know your loved one is in the hands of a well-trained, accountable caregiver who genuinely looks out for them. Get Peace of Mind with FirstLight Home Care Excellent home care, like the care given by FirstLight Home Care providers, doesnt just provide support for your loved one, it also gives you peace of mind. Avoid the stress, complications and risks of hiring a private caregiver with FirstLight on your side, youll always know that your loved one is in the ands of a capable team that puts their well-being first. If youre ready to get have an expert in-home caregiver team on your side, wed love to learn about their needs. Contact us and well connect you with a FirstLight team in your area!