Many people dread senior care. This is because elderly people face various challenges as they age and may suffer from multiple illnesses. Some conditions are hard to manage. This is why most families hire professional caregivers, while others opt for inpatient elderly homes. Home senior care benefits any senior person since it allows for care in the comfort of their home.
Here are the conditions that require a senior caregiver’s help:
Mobility challenges
Some conditions, like arthritis, are common as we age and can pose mobility challenges. Osteoporosis is also common and can make one more susceptible to falls and fractures, leading to disability. Such conditions make it hard to undertake simple chores or stay physically active.
Older people with mobility challenges are at a high risk of injuries in the home, and safety is vital. If your loved one has issues moving around, you should ensure a hazard-free home and seek help from a professional caregiver.
Vision loss
Vision loss is common among many elderly people, and caring for a blind person can be challenging for family members. Vision loss primarily results from age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma, diabetes, etc. It is associated with safety issues and increases the risk of slips and injuries among older persons. Vision loss also makes it hard to manage medication, and skilled nursing services in Alexandria VA can ease the burden.
Swallowing difficulties
Older people mostly suffer from missing teeth, which may cause chewing problems. Chewing and swallowing difficulties are common among seniors, making it hard to feed well without help. However, a professional in-home caregiver can design the most suitable meal plan tailored to the needs of the elderly person.
Mental health
Mental health issues among seniors can make caregiving challenging. Most older persons suffer from depression and anxiety, which can be attributed to loneliness, physical illness, and sometimes drug abuse.
The condition may go untreated since family members primarily focus on physical illnesses. It’s advisable to take your senior persons for mental health screening.
Other things, like being active and engaging in social activities, can help address the issues and help your loved one live a happy life.
Dementia / Alzheimer’s disease
Dementia and Alzheimer’s take up a considerable chunk of elderly infections. It can be challenging to care for a loved one with such conditions. Worse still, the older person may seem physically fit but unable to lead an everyday life. Someone who has dementia requires constant supervision and frequent reminders. Most family members don’t know how to handle the situation, but Capital City Nurses are always ready to help.
Infectious diseases
Older people are more likely to get sick, and this is attributed to a weaker immune system. Your loved one may frequently suffer from conditions affecting the digestive, urinary, and respiratory systems. Some conditions may be hard to diagnose and manage since they don’t present symptoms.
If you notice any symptoms, they may be general, such as discomfort, appetite loss, incontinence, etc. As a caregiver, you should understand the signs of various illnesses, which helps in seeking early treatment. Therefore, if you suspect your loved one is sick, examine for symptoms such as chills, skin infections, coughs, and sudden behavior changes.
Conclusion
Older persons require special care for improved health and wellness. The best way to show affection to your senior family members is to hire a professional caregiver to care for them. Although you may want to do it alone, you may be too busy and lack adequate knowledge. Trained senior caregivers have the skills to handle the elderly and will make your loved one feel valued.