Most elders want to stay in their homes as a sign of their independence, but that doesn't always mean it's the best thing for them to be there alone. If your loved one is getting on in their years, it might be time to hire someone to give them a helping hand. Here are three potential issues your elder could easily face that an assistant could help them with.
Forgetting Medication
Forgetting to take prescription medications is one of the biggest problems facing the elderly. Although it might not seem like a big deal, missing just one dose of a medication can make it not work as well as it should. For medications dealing with heart health and diabetes, this is particularly important. To make matters worse, sometimes elders who aren't sure if they've taken a medication will end up taking two doses in a day, which can also be harmful.
Falls
Falls are a huge problem for the elderly. They tend to become more common as people get older because their muscles aren't as strong as they used to be, and balance often falters as a result. When combined with the brittleness of elders' bones, this is a big problem in the making.
If your elderly loved one has fallen in the past and you've taken steps to try and prevent future falls, like putting up guard rails, that may not be enough. Studies show that those who fall are much more likely to do so again in the future, and if your elder is there alone, it could be a big problem.
Depression
Lastly, a lot of elders experience depression because they spend so much time alone in their homes. While spending all their time with family or loved ones might be ideal, any kind of contact with a kind human being can be beneficial to reduce these feelings of loneliness.
All three of these issues can be tackled by hiring someone to care for your elderly loved one in their home. By providing them with a service that allows them to stay in their home, your loved one will continue to feel independent and secure. However, you'll also have the security of knowing that they have a helping hand who is there regularly to ensure that they get their medication, that they don't fall, and that they are less depressed. It's a winning situation for both of you, so what are you waiting for?
To learn more, visit a website like http://www.seniorsolutionsofli.com.
In the words of the Beatles "we get by with a little help from our friends." When your friend is an older adult, you cannot always provide that help yourself. They might need skilled nursing care or around-the-clock supervision that you're just not equipped to offer. That's where nursing homes and assisted living facilities can come in handy. These businesses make sure your loved one gets the help they need, provided by experienced and kind employees. You can learn more about assisted living and nursing facilities in the articles offered here. We think that after you read and explore, you'll be more confident that this is the help your friend needs.