Many seniors prefer aging in place because it affords them an opportunity to maintain their independence for longer. If your senior loved one wants to age in place, you may have serious concerns about the challenges he or she faces at home. Here are some of the most common risks older adults face when living at home.
1. Falling for a Scam
Changes that occur during the aging process may cause your loved one to become susceptible to certain scams. For instance, your loved one may agree to allow a distant relative to live with him or her out of loneliness and give in to the relative’s requests for money, or your loved one may sign up for unaffordable charitable contributions out of a desire to serve others. Make sure someone is able to check in on your loved one regularly to prevent scams such as these.
Many seniors prefer aging in place over moving to an assisted living facility. If your senior loved one needs assistance to remain safe and comfortable while living at home, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading Lincoln home care agency. Our dedicated in-home caregivers can assist with meal prep, bathing and grooming, exercise, medication reminders, and many other important tasks.
2. Experiencing a Serious Fall
Seniors who live alone may experience fall-related injuries. Sit down with your loved one to discuss ways to fall-proof the home, and implement your ideas accordingly. Simply rearranging the living area to create clear floor paths may go a long way toward preventing injuries.
3. Forgetting to Turn Off Appliances
At some point, even younger adults have forgotten to shut off an appliance. However, seniors with memory loss are even more likely to experience these events on a regular basis. Failing to shut off a stove or iron could cause a fire. Choose appliances with automatic shut-offs whenever you can, and consider having your loved one set an alarm for the items that must be turned off manually.
4. Becoming Isolated
Single seniors are at greater risk for becoming isolated as they age. Your loved one may experience isolation if he or she can no longer drive safely or if his or her spouse has recently passed away. Call or visit your loved one regularly for cheerful talks, and consider having a professional caregiver stop in once or twice a week to provide an outlet for socialization.
For families living in Lincoln, respite care can be a wonderful solution when their aging loved ones need companionship and socialization a few hours a week or just need minor assistance with daily household tasks. At Home Care Assistance, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home.
5. Developing Malnutrition
Seniors are sometimes tempted to skip meals if they cannot chop up vegetables or stir a dish on the stove. Watch out for signs of malnutrition such as sudden weight loss, and help your loved one with meal preparation to prevent malnutrition.
6. Giving Up on Personal Hygiene
An older adult who doesn’t see anyone regularly may suddenly decide personal hygiene no longer matters. However, bathing and getting dressed in new clothes each day is critical for preventing illnesses and emotional health issues such as depression. Always address personal hygiene issues with compassionate concern. If loneliness is a cause, help your loved one make plans for social events each week that provide a reason to get cleaned up.
To successfully age in place, some seniors require the help of a professional caregiver. Families rely on Home Care Assistance Lincoln to provide caregivers who are expertly trained in various aspects of senior home care, including our holistic Balanced Care Method, an evidence-based program focused on healthy eating, regular exercise, mental and social stimulation, and calmness and purpose. To learn about our premier in-home care plans, give us a call at (916) 226-3737 today.