Growing older almost always comes with physical difficulties. When those challenges arise, many seniors lean on non-medical home care providers. Caregivers help seniors live more comfortably, manage existing conditions, and limit the risk of injury or illness related to their physical concerns. How Home Care Can Help 6 Common Physical Difficulties
At Visiting Angels, our home care providers, regularly assist seniors with physical disabilities, challenges, and concerns. Below, we’ve listed six of the most common physical difficulties faced by seniors, along with how home care can help.
Lack of Mobility
Poor mobility in seniors can be caused by loss of muscle mass, poor bone density, and joint problems, among other reasons. For some seniors, a lack of mobility simply means difficulty walking. For others, it may mean that getting around is only possible via a wheelchair or scooter.
Home care workers are experienced in assisting seniors with mobility issues. Caregivers can lend a steadying hand when walking, watch over seniors to ensure they are safe when moving around, and assist seniors with tasks they find difficult to perform.
Frailty
When growing older, it is natural that seniors lose strength. Frailty not only makes day-to-day life more difficult for seniors, it also puts them at serious health risks. Frailty can increase the risk of injury or illness, and can exacerbate the negative effects of a health event.
Home care providers assist frail seniors in a number of ways. We make daily living easier by performing tasks that frail seniors find difficult. We help seniors stay safe by limiting the risk of falls in the home. And we help seniors maintain their strength by encouraging healthy habits.
Heart Disease
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in American seniors, claiming almost half a million lives every year. According to the CDC, heart disease affects approximate 37% of senior men and 26% of senior women.
For seniors suffering from heart disease, home care workers offer non-medical assistance and support to help them manage their condition. This includes preparing heart-healthy meals, encouraging light exercise, and helping seniors avoid situations and activities that place undue strain on their cardiovascular health.
Arthritis
Roughly half of all American seniors are coping with some form of arthritis. While many seniors are able to manage their condition through medications, natural remedies, and pain management strategies, the fact remains that arthritis can seriously inhibit quality of life.
When caring for seniors with arthritis, caregivers plan care around seniors’ joint pain and physical limitations. Care often involves assistance with joint-stressing tasks, such as those that require fine motor skills. Caregivers can also help clients manage joint pain using non-medical strategies, like hot and cold treatments.
Diabetes
About a quarter of American seniors cope with diabetes, which carries significant risks for seniors. Complications from diabetes can lead to quality of life complications for seniors and carry major health risks.
Non-medical home care providers can help seniors with diabetes in a number of ways. At Visiting Angels, our caregivers often remind seniors to check their blood sugar levels so that they can keep tabs on their condition. We can also prepare meals that are rich in protein and low in carbohydrates, and we can encourage healthy habits like light exercise.
Osteoporosis
As we grow older, it becomes harder and harder to maintain healthy bones. Seniors affected by osteoporosis are at significant risk of fractures, which can be devastating for older adults. Loss of bone mass can also lead to limited strength and mobility, making day-to-day life more difficult on seniors.
Fall prevention and injury prevention are a big part of home care for those with osteoporosis. Caregivers help limit the risk of falls around the home and perform tasks for seniors when those tasks could pose an injury risk. Caregivers also help seniors practice a bone-healthy lifestyle, encouraging light exercise and planning a diet high in calcium, protein, and vitamin D.
Do you have an older loved one who is suffering from physical difficulties? If so, Visiting Angels can help. Contact your local office today to learn more about our services or to schedule a free care consultation in the comfort of your loved one’s home.
How Home Care Can Help 6 Common Physical Difficulties
How Home Care Can Help 6 Common Physical Difficulties How Home Care Can Help 6 Common Physical Difficulties How Home Care Can Help 6 Common Physical Difficulties How Home Care Can Help 6 Common Physical Difficulties How Home Care Can Help 6 Common Physical DifficultiesHow Home Care Can Help 6 Common Physical Difficulties