How to Work Together to Ensure Safety and Support for a Senior for Happiness at Home.
Safety and support for a parent once they reach the senior years is a important concern for adult children.
Did you know that there are an estimated 45 million seniors age 65+ living in the United States, based on recent census data? And it’s estimated that only about 3% of them live in nursing homes.
Studies have also indicated that many seniors have no desire to ever leave their home.
That’s great as long as we make sure the home is a safe environment and provide seniors with the support they need.
Everyone in the family can contribute ideas, time, money and even being observant. Yes, we’re all busy and some families don’t always get along, but put aside those differences and work together to help an elderly parent. And who knows, you may even find that pesky younger sister and you now have a lot in common. By helping a parent, you could be mending fences with each other.
The types of support that may be needed fall into 4 groups:
- Home Safety
- Financial Concerns
- Emotional Support
- Health and Wellness
Home Safety
One of the biggest issues that seniors face is falling and the problems caused to their health by falls. There are a number of steps that can be taken to address this issue – move to the first floor to avoid stairs, take up throw rugs, make sure things aren’t on the floor, put everyday items in easy reach, improve lighting, put in secure hand rails, fix anything that is broken inside or outside the house, etc.
The other side of home safety is security – install cameras, get an alert system, check in often with the senior to make sure they are OK, if the neighborhood is not that safe put in bars across the windows or doors, have neighbors keep an eye out for suspicious characters and have a home aide watch a parent providing the security of a second person in the house.
Home safety is especially a concern if the senior has Alzheimer’s or dementia and often requires a specialist to help in those cases.
Financial Concerns
Seniors are often watching their finances to live on their social security or pension.
A financial advisor, accountant or elder lawyer could be helpful when dealing with Medicare, Medicaid, reverse mortgages, long term insurance, etc.
Unfortunately, many seniors have become targets for scammers who steal not only their money but their identities as well, so a tech or financial savvy relative could provide help to prevent theft.
Emotional Support
According to Mental Health America, more than 2 million seniors suffer from depression.
One of the causes of depression can be loneliness. As a spouse or friend dies, families move away or friends go into nursing homes the senior’s circle closes. Add to that illness, poor vision, deteriorating mobility, etc. and it is easy to see how that affects one’s state of mine. In many cases they can no longer drive and get together with other people.
One reason why many people bring in a home health aide is to help alleviate loneliness at home. Plus the aides can safely accompany seniors to their clubs, churches, doctors and on social outings. Sometimes medication combined with attention can alleviate symptoms of sadness and depression.
Health and Wellness
The current life expectancy of someone in the United States is about 77 years old. If a senior lives past 80 years old there is an excellent chance that they will live another 8-10 years.
Many seniors can continue to live at home even if their health is deteriorating with the assistance of professional care. Medical professionals including doctors, podiatrists, physical therapists, nurses and of course, home health aides can now provide the care needed to stay at home longer. In addition, many new technological devices are now assisting seniors to live outside of structured care facilities. And for a senior who is currently healthy, getting assistance with housework, dressing, activities, transportation, etc. can keep them healthier and increase their sense of well-being.
Want to make a parent’s senior years really “golden”? Then, work together as a supportive team to do so. The SARA Personal Care Team can help. And you know what, everyone reaps the rewards!