3 Major Ways
Caregivers Can Help Seniors Stay Independent
Submitted by Kimberly Perkins-Akers with Amada Senior Care
As
an adult, you are used to having the freedom to do whatever you want, whenever
you want. It may be difficult for you to imagine not being able to do
those things. Yet, for many seniors, this is a reality. We’d like to take a
moment to recognize not only the importance of senior independence but
also how caregivers can help seniors maintain their independence for as
long as possible.
With
age comes a variety of changes that can challenge a senior’s physical and
physiological state; some making it increasingly difficult for seniors to
properly care for themselves. Because of this, many older adults are pressured
to move into an assisted living facility. As a direct result, many seniors are
hesitant to ask for help, even when they know they should, for fear they will
be forced to live in an assisted living home. This is a huge mistake.
Failing
to ask for help when you know you need it can backfire and can cost you your
independence entirely. In fact, the best thing you can do to secure your
independence is to learn how and when to ask for help.
How Home Care Can Help
Let’s
clarify – an assisted living facility may be best for you if you need more help
than you can receive from home care. But if you just need a little extra help
around the house, non-medical home care is likely the best option for you and
can really help facilitate your independence.
Here
are a few common threats to a senior’s independence, as well as some
information on how having a caregiver a few times a week can help.
#1: Failing to meet your nutritional
requirements.
Getting adequate
nutrition is crucial for seniors to remain independent. Seniors who meet their
requirements typically report better mental acuity, stronger immune
systems, higher energy levels and have an easier time managing chronic
illnesses. Failure to do so can threaten health, mobility, and as a result,
independence.
Unfortunately, many
older adults experience challenges that make it difficult for them to get the
nutrition they need. For example, seniors who are unable to drive may have a
difficult time coordinating trips to and from the grocery store, while other
seniors may struggle to prepare fresh meals on a regular basis. As a result,
many seniors consume more processed foods due to their longer shelf life.
Home care services can
help seniors by eliminating many of the challenges seniors face that
prevent them from meeting their nutritional requirements, including the
following.
·
Driving seniors to and
from the grocery store.
·
Helping seniors
navigate the grocery store (i.e. getting hard-to-reach items and carrying
groceries back to their home) ·
Preparing fresh meals. ·
Throwing away
old/expired meals.
#2: Neglecting to exercise.
Many seniors refrain
from exercise because they think it’s unsafe. Studies have shown the contrary;
seniors who refrain from exercise are usually more at risk of losing their
independence.
Exercise is crucial for
seniors to maintain their bone density and circulation. When bone density is
lost, seniors are at a much greater risk of experiencing more serious injuries.
Exercise can be the difference between a minor fracture and a broken
bone.
In-home caregivers can
help ensure seniors get enough exercise in the following ways.
·
Encouraging seniors
make the effort to exercise.
·
Making sure seniors
are doing the right exercises for their personal needs and capabilities.
·
Reducing the
likelihood of injuries by providing assistance when needed (i.e.
support while walking, ending exercise when needed)
#3: Forgetting to take medications.
As your age increases, the number of medications you are
prescribed is also likely to increase. As a result, older adults are often
faced with the challenge of managing multiple medications. It can be easy to
confuse medications and miss doses. Unfortunately, doing this can be
detrimental to a senior.
Caregivers can be extremely helpful to seniors who have trouble
remembering to take their medications in the following ways.
·
Reminding seniors to
take their medication at the appropriate time. ·
Ensuring seniors are
consistent with their medication.
Conclusion
Aging is inevitable, bringing to light many of the associated
challenges is the first step to ensuring aging doesn’t equate to a loss of
independence. If you think you or a loved one may benefit from an in-home
caregiver, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Amada
Senior Care provides quality private care and assist with Long Term Care
Insurance Management.
Visit us online or call and say,
"I saw you in SPOTLIGHT"
