Many of us have aging parents that may be living alone. In today's society, families are often very busy with their own lives. At times, it may be difficult for families to understand how their aging parent may be feeling. Elderly people are often not encouraged to discuss their feeling, or may be reluctant to ask for emotional support or any assistance.
Today, more and more seniors are choosing to remain in their homes instead of placement in assisted living or nursing facilities. It is important then to make sure that they are still living healthy social lives. Caregivers can ensure that mom or dad still can play a vital role in the society. feeling useful and important can alliviate feelings of sadness.
Many elderly people may live alone, with no family support system whatsoever. Feeling isolated, many elderly people may become depressed. Often, even doctors may misdiagnose the signs of depression. Doctors, in my opinion should often take the time to encourage seniors to talk about their feelings as well as check their health. I feel that a doctor is the first and most important link to families in being able to notice any changes in a seniors mood or behavior. Especially if the doctor has been the primary health provider for a long time. Preventing depression should be very important to health providers when it comes to the elderly. Everybody seems more concerned with an elderly person staying physically healthy. But mental health is crucial to physical health.
A family member should take the time to speak to the doctor on behalf of their aging parent. Ask the doctor to take a few extra minutes to discuss mom or dads mental well-being and encourage them to express their feeling.
Many circumstances may play a role in an elderly person feeling depressed. Sudden loss of independence. Mobility issues. Sudden illness. On-going health issues. Worry over financial problems. Death of a spouse or isolation can all contribute to feelings of depression.
Sometimes we may just not realize or take into consideration how mom or dad may be feeling. We assume that everything is fine. Here are some signs of depression or changes to look for:
Loss of appetite
Weight loss
Loss of interest in daily activities
Loss of interest in family and friends
Loss of interest in going out
Sadness
Irritability
Increased sleeping habits
Difficulty sleeping
Poor Hygiene
Some elderly people may become depressed because they physically cannot do regular household tasks anymore and are reluctant to ask for help. Doctors should also discuss these issues with their aging adult patient and their family to help provide assistance and make life easier for their patient. Elderly people seem to listen to their doctors better than anyone else.
Providing a caregiver or assistance early on can be very important for elderly people to maintain their independence and continue to live a better quality of live. A caregiver can provide the assistance an individual may require as far as housekeeping goes. But retaining a qualified caregiver for mom or dad provides many important factors and plays a major role in an elderly persons live.
Today, caregivers are not just for assistance. A caregiver can help stimulate and keep mom or dad's mind and body to remain active. Having someone to participate in simple conversation and current events helps prevent the isolation that many elderly people feel. All of us, at any age want to feel important. We all want to know that we matter to someone. Eating alone is not as appetising as eating with someone. A caregiver can prepare nutritious meals and may sit and enjoy the meal with the elderly person. This ensures that the senior is eating healthy and eating. caregivers provide encouragement. They show an interest in the elderly persons life. Making sure that mom or dad keeps their medical appointments is an important part of a caregivers role. Caregivers are an important link between physicians, seniors and their families. They can encourage the elderly person to let their physician know how they are feeling or help explain their feelings or issues to their doctor. A caregiver provides moral support, a better sense of well-being and encouragement through any difficult times. Caregivers can help maintain mom or dads favorite interest, outings, acivities and keep them socialized. Statistics show that when assistance is provided to elderly people recuperating from a hospital stay, the rate of recuperation is quicker. The most important thing that families can do for their loved one in difficult times is to give the gift of a caregiver.
Martha is an advocate for families and aging adults. Providing senior home care services in the Lake County Illinois area and surrounding suburbs. We give aging adults the option and choice to remain in your own home. As the stages of your life change due to illness, on-going health issues or disability, you may sometimes require assistance. Whether it may be senior home care care, long term care, continuing care or recuperative care after a hospital stay. We can supplement your care needs as well. We are a comprehensive care resource. Our goal is to provide you with comfort, safety, guidance, independence and support. Services are offered for supplemental care to residents in nursing or assisted living facilities or in your own home. We offer affordable, hourly, daily, weekly, 24hr. live-in care. Visit us at heartsofgoldhomecare.com heartsofgoldhomecare.com for a list of services offered.
No comments:
Post a Comment