Aging in the comfort of home provides seniors with many health benefits, but there are some disadvantages as well. Family caregivers need to know the dangers associated with aging in place so they can handle the challenges quickly and safely. Here are some of the most common risks of aging in place and steps family caregivers can take to mitigate each risk.
1. Slips & Falls
Falls are one of the major causes of injuries among elderly people, especially when they take on certain daily tasks without assistance. Older adults are more susceptible to slips and falls because of poor bone health, low metabolism, and decreased brain health. To prevent slips and falls, monitor your loved one’s daily routine, checking in on him or her as often as possible. You should also encourage your loved one to eat healthy, exercise, and stay active to boost his or her bone and brain health.
Many older adults are choosing to age in place, and some need a helping hand to continue living at home safely and comfortably. Luckily, there is professional home care seniors can trust and rely on.
2. Burden of Homeownership
Taking care of a home can be a lot for aging adults to handle. They need to clean the interior and exterior of the home in addition to paying utility bills and maintenance costs, which can be physically, emotionally, and financially draining and put their health at risk. To ease this burden, check in with your loved one a few days each week and pitch in with household chores. You can also help your loved one cover the costs of medical and personal expenses.
3. Lack of Skilled Care
Being a family caregiver is often an involuntary role that people take on. It’s impossible for family caregivers to know everything about their duties without the proper training and education. Although you can learn as you go and receive tips and guidance from medical providers, you likely lack the skills professional caregivers have. The good news is you can hire a professional caregiver to come in on an as-needed basis to help out with a variety of caregiving services. Having a caregiver in the home can alleviate many of the risks associated with aging in place.
Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality at-home care. Arlington families trust Assisting Hands Home Care to help their elderly loved ones age in place safely and comfortably.
4. Transportation Issues
Many adults lose the ability to drive during the senior years, requiring them to rely on family, friends, and paid transportation providers. The thought of asking people to chauffeur them around could have a negative impact on their mental health. Older adults need to maintain as much of their independence as possible to enhance their quality of life and increase their longevity. To mitigate this issue, develop strategic transportation plans and research senior transportation programs.
5. Isolation
Socialization is important for an older adult’s cognitive health, but aging in place can lead to less interaction and inactivity. When seniors isolate themselves, their risk of depression increases. Encourage your loved one to socialize regularly. Simply leaving the house a few times each week could provide the companionship and physical activity your loved one needs to stave off boredom, depression, and various age-related health issues.
For families living in Arlington, senior home care can be a wonderful solution when their aging loved ones need companionship, socialization, and assistance with daily tasks. At Assisting Hands Home Care, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home. Contact us today at (703) 988-1800 to learn more about our reliable in-home care services.
