Growing older and retiring doesn’t mean life is easier, sometimes, it can be much more difficult. Dealing with aging parents can be emotional and often difficult for adult children, but how do we know when it’s no longer a good idea for your parents to be home alone? The first step in getting more help at home can start with companionship.
Lack of companionship may have a negative impact on the overall health of the elderly. Whether loneliness is caused by the loss of a loved one, miles separate them from family and friends, or lack of a social circle, studies indicate that loneliness in the elderly can raise the potential for certain health risks including depression, high blood pressure and heart disease.
As our elders age, it is important to understand the risks of becoming isolated and inactive in social life. Lack of companionship, having no one to lean on for emotional support, can cause the elderly to internalize negative feelings instead of dealing with issues directly. Internalizing these negative feelings may compound the sense of loneliness and isolation which in turn may increase the risk of death and stroke in the elderly.
When you begin to notice changes in your parents as they age, you might identify issues that you are concerned about. Talking to your parents about needing help can be one of the hardest things that adult children have to address with their parents. The good news is that we can help you through this difficult transition.
As loved ones grow older, approaching serious topics with them about how they would like to handle their future is important. At some point, taking action will be necessary. Initially, they may be resistant to home care. Your parent may not recognize how much you help out, believing extra help is unnecessary. There may be fear of lost independence or freedom, but the opposite is true.
Getting Out
Physical activity, combined with healthy eating habits, facilitates overall health and helps seniors to remain independent. Some seniors are unable to be physically active for various reasons but many maintain an exceptional level of fitness. The more physically fit seniors are, the less chance they have of injuring themselves due to balance and strength issues. Cardiovascular workouts keep the heart healthy while creating good blood circulation. We recommend seniors consult their healthcare provider to determine the best, safest physical activities for the individual. With a customized plan, we believe elders can enjoy the benefits from regular, physical activity. Our caregivers love to take part in physical activity with senior clients whether it be accompanying them to the rec center or going on a walk with them.
Our in home caregivers enjoy taking elder clients on outings. We love to see senior clients get out whenever possible and enjoy the simple things continuing to be as active as possible. An in home caregiver took an elderly gentleman to Wellshire Golf Course this afternoon to have lunch and watch the golfers. While he is physically unable to golf any longer he enjoys being at the course. “It brings me back to my youth and makes me happy.” Another elderly client is going to the ballet with his caregiver at the Newman Center on Saturday as he used to go the ballet with his wife. Extended Family Home Care, of metro Denver, provides a variety of caregiving services.
Extended Family Home Care Companionship services help to relieve stress and worry for the family while providing healthy interaction and activity that are essential for seniors in retaining cognitive abilities and their physical health. Our kind and enthusiastic in-home caregivers truly enjoy working with seniors and hearing their stories. Seniors are more likely to accomplish tasks and participate in favorite activities when they simply have a companion with whom to enjoy them.
