When you’re trying to evaluate your options for geriatric care it can be helpful to listen to those who have gone through the experience. With that in mind, we spoke recently to 60 year old Justin, who reflected on his experience finding care for his late mother Maria, deceased at 87 years old and a native to Narberth, PA. Here’s what Justin had to say about his experience:
As our loved ones age, it can be heartbreaking to watch them grapple with boredom. Depression and anxiety are common byproducts, so staying entertained is crucial to maintaining good mental health. Physical limitations may prevent them from enjoying the same activities they did when they were younger, and this can sometimes leave them feeling like there is a void in their life. If watching the television has become one of their last-standing activities, perhaps it is time to introduce some new hobbies. Whether it’s picking up an old pastime, or learning something new, hobbies can help keep a smile on your loved one’s face.
The last three months of the year are often the sweetest. The holidays give us so many reasons to celebrate, gifting our taste buds with an array of seasonal delights. This month it will be Halloween candy, next month it’s pumpkin pie, and then we have a month of Christmas cookies to enjoy. Lucky us! With all of these treats in store, let’s take a moment to discuss oral care for seniors.
The topic of in home care can be a sensitive topic, and it’s not abnormal to be met with some level of resistance. Understanding the source of this reaction can help you have an informed and empathetic discussion to facilitate a positive transition for a family member or friend. Fear of the unknown is one of the most common triggers for seniors. More often than not, they have been living on their own for decades, and are very set in their ways. Perhaps having someone in their home might threaten their sense of routine and privacy. Do not be surprised if their initial knee-jerk reaction to in home care is negative. Let’s take a look at some of the most common concerns we might encounter…
Making the decision to seek in home care can be a difficult move for some families to make. Many potential clients fear that in home care will rob them of their independence, and they are reluctant to ask for help. The fact is that a caregiver can help keep our loved ones safe, and allow them to remain in the comfort of their own home. How do you know when it’s time to have this discussion? Here are five tell-tale signs that your loved one may need in home care:
Did you know that in the United States, one in 78 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer within their lifetime? With the goal of early detection, National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month is aimed at spreading awareness of the signs and symptoms of the disease. The risk of ovarian cancer increases with age, peaking around age 70, which makes the senior community a high-risk population. Over 50 percent of new cases are diagnosed after age 65, and over 70 percent of deaths from cancer occur in this same age group. The good news is that if ovarian cancer is detected at its earliest stage, the five-year survival rate is over 93%. The symptoms of ovarian cancer are easily confused with benign ailments, therefore education is key.
When it comes to the safety of our loved ones, every precaution is worth examining. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “falls are the leading cause of fatal injury, and the most common cause of nonfatal trauma-related hospital admissions among older adults.” The majority of these incidents occur in the bathroom as a result of slippery surfaces, and when we look at the source of this problem there are clear solutions to making homes a safer place.
Humans are social by nature; it helps our minds to continually develop and keeps our neurons firing. There are so many ways for seniors to stay connected in this day and age. Below we will discuss different activities and the benefits that go along with social interaction.
As we age, many of us (or those we love) fall victim to various afflictions. These may or may not impact a person’s ability to live independently. One such affliction is dementia, and there are many options available for care (nursing home, assisted living facility, private duty care, etc). While each has its benefits, our agency has helped multiple Philadelphia-area families navigate a dementia diagnosis and lifestyle through private duty care.
Throughout life we all experience a mixture of emotions…happiness, sadness, stress, anger, excitement, etc. Depression is one of those emotions that happen in life, but it is not a normal part of aging (even though it affects a massive amount of the senior population). Like most ailments, depression can be treated in a variety of ways, but it’s most important to identify and address it with your loved one as soon as you notice changes. Let’s take a look at how to identify depression, and how in home care can help seniors cope with depression.
