How Being Lonely Can Impact Your Mom’s Health
Having in-home care can help reduce the risk that your mom will suffer loneliness and from health problems like these…
Have you ever sat down and talked to your mom about her goals as she ages? It’s better to have this conversation before it’s urgent. Having a plan in mind makes it easier to address senior home care services when it is necessary.
Is your mom settled in her home or has she ever thought about downsizing? While some older adults want to stay where they are, some would prefer to downsize to something that’s more manageable. Sometimes, the thought of not having to mow, shovel, and rake leaves is far more appealing than staying in the family home.
Does your mom still have friends in the area or have they moved to warmer climates, to be closer to family, or to have a lower cost of living? If her social circle is shrinking, does she feel lonely or isolated?
When it comes to daily chores, what can your mom do well on her own? Are there areas she struggles? It’s a good idea to get a list created of the tasks your mom feels confident doing on her own. Then, jot down the things your mom says she wishes she had help completing.
She may love dusting and wiping down surfaces. But, she is scared of going down to her basement laundry room on her own. If she loses her balance, the hard concrete floor is waiting and she knows that could lead to severe injuries. For that reason, she doesn’t do laundry often.
Does she remember to take her medications on time? Has she ever forgotten a dose? Does she track when refills are needed? If not, who is helping her or does she just risk her health and not take pills until she remembers?
Can your mom make her bed, change her sheets, and carry everything downstairs? Does she cook her meals and clean the kitchen or does she find it easier to order takeout over and over? These are things senior home care could assist her with.
How is your mom’s health? It’s normal in older age to have at least one health issue. Many older adults have multiple health issues. High blood pressure, diabetes, and arthritis are common. Are these health issues impacting her daily routine?
Has your mom’s doctor talked to her about changing her diet? Often, older adults are told to lower their sodium intake, cut out excess sugar, and monitor saturated fat intake. Is your mom able to keep up with those dietary changes or is she struggling to come up with meals that match her needs?
Does your mom have dietary supplements like vitamin D or B vitamins to take? How about calcium? Is she taking any prescription medications for her health issues? If she is, it’s important that she remembers to take them at the right time of day and as directed. Some pills should be taken with a meal and others need to be taken on an empty stomach.
Once you know what she wants to do as she ages, pay attention to the signs that she needs help. Senior home care aides offer her the support she needs to maintain her independence without taking over the things she can do on her own.
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