Families may be concerned about the welfare of their aging loved ones, especially as they grow older and begin to show signs of physical or cognitive decline. When health issues arise, families need answers. Here are 9 health-related questions and answers to provide guidance and relief.

1. Is it safe for an elderly loved one to live alone?

Seniors prize their independence, with many choosing to live in their own homes. But when evidence of decline appears, families should step in. Older adults may need extra support when their memory fails due to dementia, and they are no longer able to cook or maintain the home.

Frequent falls, serious or chronic health issues that require frequent medical attention, and challenges with routine hygiene tasks, like bathing and dressing, necessitate help at home. Seniors who are socially isolated or lonely benefit from a companion, like a caregiver.

2. Is the senior taking their medications on schedule?

Some elderly individuals take up to five medications regularly. Keeping up with a drug regimen is confusing but failing to do so can be harmful. Ask the senior to keep a medication log, set up alarms to prompt them to take medications, or use a pill box as a reminder.

3. Is it safe for the senior to continue driving?

Older drivers’ responses are slower. Plus, hearing and vision loss interferes with safe driving. If the senior has an accident, drifts into other lanes, or ignores traffic signals, it may be time to hang up the keys. Getting lost in familiar areas is another indicator they shouldn’t drive.

4. Should families be concerned about the senior falling?

One in four seniors falls each year, requiring medical attention or reducing activity. Though common, falls can be prevented. Families should modify the home to reduce the risk of falls. Install grab bars and extra lighting. Clear clutter and other fall hazards. Provide the senior with a medical alert device.

A professional caregiver is instrumental in helping older adults maintain their balance and avoid falls. Caregivers provide mobility support to help the senior navigate the home and outdoors with confidence. Alternately, give the older person a mobility aid, such as a cane, walker, or scooter.

5. What helps a senior who misplaces items?

Due to age-related memory issues or cognitive decline, an older adult is likely to misplace everyday items, from eyeglasses to the television remote. Help the senior organize to keep better track of items. Label kitchen cupboards, for instance, so the senior knows where to place items.

6. How do families support a lonely senior?

An older adult who lives alone or whose spouse has passed may withdraw due to loneliness. Combat loneliness and social isolation by keeping in touch with the senior via video chats, phone calls, and in-person visits. A companion caregiver can be an invaluable source of social support.

Loneliness has serious repercussions on a senior’s health. Online activities, however, can ease these negative emotions. Encourage the older adult to join an online faith group, take an online class, or participate in a support group from the comfort of their living room chair.

7. Should families start a conversation about wishes for future medical care?

Family members should initiate discussions about their aging loved one’s wishes for the future in the event the latter becomes incapacitated due to ill health or injury. A senior who creates a durable power of attorney for healthcare reduces confusion and ensures their wishes are carried out.

8. What should families do if the senior no longer practices self-care?

Self-neglect may be due to cognitive issues or physical weakness. The senior may no longer bathe as often or they may wear unclean clothes. If families are uncomfortable with helping the senior with intimate tasks like bathing and toileting, a professional home care aid can help.

9. Should families worry about the senior’s forgetfulness?

Not all instances of forgetfulness are caused by dementia. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) occurs when seniors forget appointments or struggle to find words. Families should schedule a visit with the senior’s doctor to determine whether their memory issues are due to dementia or MCI.

Not everyone who develops MCI is diagnosed with dementia. In fact, symptoms of MCI can improve or stay the same. Genetics plays a large role in whether or not the MCI progresses to dementia. Memory issues caused by medications or blood clots improve once these conditions are treated.

Senior Home Care from Assisting Hands

Many of the health-related issues that affect the elderly can be resolved with extra support at home. From assistance with personal hygiene tasks to transportation, home care services give the senior the help they need to remain independent at home and ease families’ worries.

When you have concerns about your aging loved one’s health, you’ll find solutions at Assisting Hands Home Care. We provide the elderly with a comprehensive range of non-medical services and promote their physical, social, and emotional well-being. Care is provided in the comfort of home.

Caregiver responsibilities include grocery shopping and healthy meal preparation. We give timely medication reminders to ensure they take them on time and in the right doses. Respectful help with bathing, incontinence issues, grooming, and dressing is provided. We also perform light housekeeping.

Included in our in-home care services are transportation and escort to local destinations, like the medical clinic or pharmacy. We’re pleasant companions who keep seniors socially active with stimulating games, puzzles, friendly conversations, outings, and recreational activities—socialization alleviates boredom and loneliness.

Each of our caregivers is licensed, bonded, and insured to give seniors and their families peace of mind. Our professionals are also trained in CPR and first aid. Care plans are flexible and tailored to fulfill the unique care needs of older adults.

When you have questions, Assisting Hands Home Care offers answers. Our experienced elder care professionals enhance your aging loved one’s quality of life. We serve seniors and adults with limitations living in BallenIsles, North Palm Beach,  Boynton Beach, Palm Beach, Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens, Royal Palm Beach, Singer Island, Wellington, West Palm Beach, FL and the surrounding areas. Call us at (561) 566-5989 to schedule a free in-home consult today to learn more about senior home care.