As we get older, we can’t help but notice that our bodies are changing. For aging loved ones, this can mean many different things. Perhaps your eyesight isn’t what it used to be, or your hearing isn’t quite as good as it once was. Failing health also means it becomes more difficult for aging loved ones to do the things they were able to do quickly when they were younger.
Hygiene issues like incontinence and urine odor are common problems among aging family members who live alone in their homes. At the same time, a lack of mobility can make it harder for them to get out and interact with people face-to-face. At an assisted living community in Huntersville, NC, they work hard every day to ensure that residents maintain their level of independence while living in comfort and dignity!
Trouble with Daily Tasks
Family members in their golden years can have trouble with daily tasks, even ones that seem simple to you. They might need help remembering how to use their phones or computers or help with laundry and cooking. If your loved one is having trouble with these things, it’s time to get some assistance!
If you notice that your loved one has been struggling with daily tasks like these, it’s time for an assisted living community. An assisted living community will help with things like bathing and dressing so that they don’t have any accidents in their clothes (or worse). If necessary, the care team will also assist with medications and other health issues. They’ll even feed residents who don’t have family members able to come to visit regularly enough!
Failing Eyesight and Hearing
If you notice that your loved one is having trouble seeing or hearing, there are some things you can do to help. With vision loss, getting regular eye exams is essential. If they last had one in the past year or two, encourage them to make an appointment with their doctor.
Even if they don’t have any symptoms, such as blurry vision, it’s still good practice for those over 65 who have diabetes and high blood pressure. Both conditions can cause eye problems later in life.
Assisted living communities can help seniors with these types of problems:
- Aides in an assisted living community can help open doors and carry groceries.
- They’ll also check on your loved one regularly to ensure they’re doing okay without waiting for someone else to call them each day. This can be especially helpful if the person with them has dementia or Alzheimer’s disease!
Worsening Gait or Walking Difficulties
Gait is the pattern of movement of the body while walking. It can be affected by various issues, including arthritis and Parkinson’s disease. Because these problems affect your ability to walk, they may also lead to gait problems.
A physical therapist can help you with this issue by assessing your gait and providing exercises that help improve it. The therapist can also assist with balance issues arising from poor vision or hearing loss and other health issues like arthritis or Parkinson’s disease.
Social Isolation
Social isolation is a significant problem for aging family members. A National Alliance on Mental Illness study found that nearly half of Americans age 65 or older suffer from depression and other mental illnesses.
In addition, more than one in four aging family members report having no friends or family members they can talk to about personal issues. An assisted living community offers residents opportunities to interact with others and build connections through activities like games nights and craft projects.
