Watching a loved one grow older can be an emotional process, especially when a loved one begin struggling to care for themselves. While nursing homes might be a good choice for some elderly individuals, a survey shows that 90% of the elderly would prefer to stay in their own homes.
Here are three things you can do to help your loved one age independently at home.
1. Arrange for meals to be delivered to your loved one's home.
Maintaining proper nutrition is essential for good health, and many senior citizens find it difficult to prepare meals that meet their nutritional needs. As the body ages, its nutritional demands change. Metabolism slows down, medications can alter appetite, and changes in the digestive system can make it difficult for the body to process some vitamins.
By arranging to have your aging loved one's meals delivered from a reputable meal preparation company, you can ensure that their nutritional needs are being met. This will allow your loved one to remain happy and healthy within their home.
2. Invest in a home health care provider.
Regular medical attention is vital when it comes to ensuring the health of your aging loved one. While visits to a family doctor are certainly beneficial, arranging for a home health care provider can be a great way to monitor your loved one's health on a daily basis.
The professionals employed by home health agencies have the ability to help senior citizens with physical therapy to maintain mobility, monitoring vital signs like blood pressure and oxygen levels, and even assist with the dispensing of medications. Hiring a reputable home health provider will give your aging loved one the opportunity to receive medical attention while living at home.
3. Utilize therapy to prevent depression.
Statistics show that depression affects 6 million Americans over the age of 65, yet only 10% of those affected receive treatment. Clinical depression can have a significant impact on your loved one's quality of life, so utilizing therapy to help prevent the onset of depression can be beneficial.
A skilled therapist will be able to help you and your loved one build a network of social support that will offset the effects of depression. This allows your loved one to enjoy a rich, full life while maintaining their independence at home.
Being able to spend their remaining days at home is a desire that most elderly people share. You can help your aging loved one realize this dream by ensuring their nutritional, medical, and emotional needs are provided for in the future. Contact a company like ComForcare - Buffalo Grove for more information.
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