How The Four Top Aging Concerns Can Be Conquered with a Professional Caregiver
As we age, we face changing bodies, changing times, and changing faces around us. This can be even more challenging as our minds also begin to show age. Fortunately, we can engage caregivers like those from Visiting Angels of Matawan to support us so we can age in place at home, where we have built our lives and memories. Call (732) 671-2899 to set up a consultation today and help your loved one triumph over these top aging problems.
The four major concerns the elderly encounter include:
- Physical challenges
- Cognitive challenges
- Emotional challenges
- Social challenges
Physical Challenges
Physical decline is one of the biggest challenges aging people experience. Deteriorating health may prevent a person from doing things they enjoy or interfere with their routine activities. Also, chronic illness in the elderly may limit or cause a loss of independence, which is distressing for most people.
Caregivers can encourage daily activities like walking, strength-building exercises, and using tools like walkers and canes to help steady and balance those who need it. The American Heart Association suggests 30 minutes of moderate activity five days a week. The exercise can be cumulative; for example, three 10-minute walks in a day would do the trick. The organization also suggests 2-3 days of strength training, like using therapy bands or lifting cans to build muscle in the arms. Of course, checking in with your doctor is important before starting any new regimen, but they will likely have good suggestions for exercise tailored to your conditions.
Cognitive Challenges
Mental disorders and cognitive decline are often associated with old age. Aging adults are susceptible to dementia, psychotic depression, personality changes, mood swings, aggression, and other mental health issues.
Sometimes medication is prescribed to help with these types of cognitive dysfunction. For seniors, remembering to take their medication may become difficult if they are diagnosed with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, or other memory loss. Having a caregiver on site to ensure that medications are taken at the right times, with or without food, and with plenty of liquid can be a great help that has lasting results.
Emotional Challenges
The decline in health and mental ability makes aging people dependent. Lost independence can be a great source of stress. Additionally, many aging adults face emotional challenges such as feelings of loneliness and isolation. The death of a spouse and other loved ones can add to the stress, depression, and anxiety the person already experiences.
At Visiting Angels, our main goal is to ensure that we support our clients' independence in the ways that make them feel in charge of their lives. While our Angels sometimes must “take the lead” on certain tasks, so they get completed, many things can become assisted, like laundry, meal preparation, and light housekeeping. When someone faces challenges with a companion by their side, they are likely to overcome challenges and complete tasks. This keeps the mind focused, and feelings of stress, depression, and anxiety can be relieved.
Social Challenges
Transitioning to retirement often means limited social life. Also, the death of a spouse, friends, and relatives restricts the person’s participation in social life. Studies show that loneliness and fear of being cut off from social circles are among people's biggest fears as they age.
Another fear that adds to social challenges is losing one’s driver’s license or the ability to get around independently and safely. Having a caregiver is perfect for elderly people who still want to get out to see friends, go shopping, or just head to their favorite tea shop for the afternoon. Family members can be relieved of the transport duty and know their loved one is safe while out of the house. Elders can do the things they want to give them a sense of independence and accomplishment, and the caregiver knows they have helped both family and their loved one have a wonderful day.
Loneliness can also be conquered with the help of a caregiver. While they might not be familiar with everything a senior may want to discuss, we are now endowed with so much knowledge at our fingertips! All the senior has to do is introduce the topic, and with the use of a smartphone or tablet, the caregiver and client can be transported away to a different country, listening to symphonies or looking at places that the elder used to live, making the past come to life.
If your loved one is experiencing any of these challenges of aging, call Visiting Angels of Matawan at (732) 671-2899 or visit our website to learn more about our services.