San Jose Aging Careenables seniors to live happy, healthy, and independent lives in their own homes.
Members of the senior population need to be aware of warning signs that could indicate declining health. When seniors begin to experience symptoms that are different that what they normally experience, this could be a sign that there is a serious health issue that needs to be addressed. The list below contains some common warning signs. These signs should never be overlooked.
1. If seniors suddenly lose interest in something they previously enjoyed, there is cause for concern. This includes socializing with friends, involving themselves in hobbies or losing interest in physical activity.
2. When seniors become less active, there may be an underlying problem. It is important to talk to a doctor when seniors begin to be less physically active on a day to day basis.
3. Be aware of how seniors move. If they normally move at a normal pace and suddenly begin to slow down, there may be a medical reason. Seniors should try to remain as active as possible. If they suddenly walk differently, make sure to talk to a doctor.
4. Seniors who begin to lose weight rapidly and have changes in appetite or eating habits could have a medical problem. These changes are unhealthy and should always be taken seriously. Be sure to report any changes in weight or eating habits to a doctor.
5. Many seniors do not walk as well as younger adults. However, if seniors begin to wobble when they walk, this is a warning sign. Seniors who lose their balance could have a medical problem that needs treatment.
According to a study, a large percentage of older adults suffer from some sort of chronic pain. Often it goes under treated because seniors fail to recognize that it’s not just a normal part of aging. Allowing chronic pain to affect their activities can have a much greater impact on seniors, since it increases their risk of falling by as much as 50%. Here are some strategies that seniors and their caregivers can use to cope with the pain they experience, and ensure that they get appropriate attention from a medical professional.
1. Keep a pain journal – using a calendar or day planner to rate the level of pain felt each day creates a document of the consistency and frequency of the pain and can help identify other factors that might contribute to it. Seniors can rate their pain on a scale from 1 to 10 in their journal
2. Be persistent – doctors don’t always take a senior’s complaint of pain seriously. Some may feel that the older adult is simply complaining, others may not think it’s as serious because some seniors downplay their experiences. Seniors suffering from chronic pain need to be honest, and persistent to make their doctor understand
3. Understand triggers – if specific activities make the pain worse or physical temperatures outdoors, seniors should record this and adjust their activities to reduce the instances
4. Get on with life – chronic pain can cause seniors to withdraw and avoid all activity. They should continue with activities that they enjoy and maintain a physical routine
When visiting an elderly family member over the holiday season, it’s the best time to begin evaluating how they are managing with their chosen lifestyle. While family members should be on the lookout for warning signs that their loved one might be struggling, the holiday season is not the right time to actually have a conversation about life changing events or cause stress. Families, can however, do an impromptu evaluation of their own and take note of things that should come up during future discussions.
Senior care experts recommend that families make note of the following things:
1. Learn about what your senior wants for the future – the holidays aren’t a time to bring up stressful conversations, but you can casually ask them about their desires for their future. If you learn they’re hoping to move closer to their grandchildren or to a warmer climate, that can help you understand for planning
2. Take a look at how they’re doing physically and mentally – simply being in a senior’s presence over the holidays will help you to evaluate their physical and mental health that could dictate their future senior care needs
3. Include the whole family – particularly if the senior you are assessing is a parent and you have siblings, everyone needs to be included in the discussions, at least until a family caregiver is decided to provide family care. Open the dialogue with your family members about the future of your loved one’s care
Seniors have enough to worry about in retirement without having to be concerned that the place they choose to live is causing more stress. When looking at where to retire, consider the following factors which can influence your enjoyment of your older years:
1. Population and crowding – consider the population density in the area. The more populated it is, the more likely it becomes that there can be crime, petty problems between neighbors, and other factors that can influence your overall quality of life. If you’re looking for a quieter retreat where you can relax in privacy, avoid cities like Chicago (ranked the most stressful place to live) where crowding is high.
2. Employment – even in retirement, the level of unemployment in your area can affect your quality of life. You don’t need to be in the workforce for it to have an impact! Unemployment rates attest to the overall state of the economy.
3. Air quality and weather – the air quality can affect your overall health, which greatly impacts your quality of life, as well as your finances. Also choose a climate that brings you the most enjoyment.
4. Home values – with rising interest costs and decreasing home values, it can be a worry that you might lose your home in older adulthood or find it unaffordable. Low home values can also mean little equity when it comes time to sell. Choose a place to live where home values seem to be higher and holding strong.
A major component of San Jose home care involves ensuring that a senior remains safe in their own home, and since stairs present a major risk for in-home falls and accidents, this is one area that should be focused on for immediate senior safety. When looking at stair safety for the elderly, family members should focus on both the hardware and structure of the stairs, as well as the décor and lighting that surround the area. Complete the following checklist to ensure that your elderly loved one will be safe on their stairs. For more help with your senior’s safety contact Home Instead Senior Care in San Jose - 408-370-6360.
Safe Stair Structure Checklist:
• Steps are at least 11 inches deep and each step is even
• Steps are not slanted or loose
• Stair surfaces have slip resistant treads
• Handrails are on one side of the stairs, if not both sides
• Handrails are strongly fastened and supportive
• Handrails and banisters are no thicker around than 6.25 inches so they can be easily grabbed
• Indicators installed on handrails let seniors know when each step is coming to an end
Safe Stair Surrounds Checklist:
• Stairways are well-lit
• No objects are present on stairs
• Tops and bottoms of stairways are free of rugs and mats that might slip
• Assistive devices have been considered to help with mobility on stairs where appropriate
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