As SeniorLiving.org explains, activities of daily living (ADLs) or basic self-care tasks like eating and bathing may become more difficult as people age. For the elderly (or aging) then changes to daily tasks impact our independence. These changes can slowly develop over time or a sudden health issue can impact them. In this guide, learn more about common issues with daily care for the elderly, as well as how a CCRC like Arbors of Hop Brook supports senior adults in negotiating their care needs.
4 Issues that Impact Daily Care for the Elderly
Changes in a senior adult’s health can impact daily care for the elderly. This is why proactive efforts, such as fall prevention, are so important for helping combat potential problems. An awareness of these changes and potential needs as one ages are also what prompts people to start evaluating assisted living communities. For most aging individuals, there are 4 common issues may impact daily activities.
- Mobility: Whether a fall has occurred or mobility is otherwise becoming more difficult, one’s physical health impacts the ability to do a number of daily activities, such as bathing or using the toilet. These issues may also exacerbate other health concerns. For example, reduced mobility may hinder meal preparation or consumption and result in nutritional issues over time. Consequently, if senior adults or their loved ones are starting to note signs of aging that appear to be impacting daily activities, then it may be time to discuss changes to accommodate physical health needs, such as the use of an elderly meal delivery service, or possible next steps in senior living.
- Sensory Impairment: Concerns like impaired hearing or vision may impede daily self-care and engagement in other beneficial activities for senior citizens that support their overall health. Sometimes, solutions may be acquiring hearing aids or a new eyewear prescription. However, increasing vision or hearing concerns may also result in the need for transportation services or difficulty with other tasks like managing bills or cooking. The Mayo Clinic further highlights that loss of taste and smell also impacts both quality of life and overall health.
- Cognitive Changes: Daily care for the elderly can also be compromised by forgetfulness, confusion and conditions such as dementia. From toilet timing to medication management, cognitive changes may not only disrupt daily activities but also result in potential dangers for seniors. Strategies like phone reminders may be suitable for some individuals. However, it’s important to consider the extent or severity of any cognitive changes, as well as any other existing health considerations, to help determine the necessary and appropriate support for senior health.
- Mental Health: It may seem like an elderly mother is never happy. There are many reasons she may be feeling this way, such as isolation due to reduced mobility or other issues that hinder opportunities for social engagement. More frequent unhappiness in your own experience or of a loved one could also be due to problems with medication or depression. As per the National Institute on Aging, various factors such as isolation, a lack of exercise and difficulty with activities of daily living are connected to the risk of depression. In short, mental well-being and daily care for the elderly are interrelated. Fortunately, a senior living community like Arbors of Hop Brook offers many opportunities for wellness support, such as greater access to social opportunities, exercise and more.
CCRCs and Daily Care for the Elderly
Do you have current concerns about daily care for the elderly? Are you a senior adult planning for today’s independence as well as the potential of future care needs? As a CCRC or Continuing Care Retirement Community, Arbors of Hop Brook can help and is the only community of this kind east of the Connecticut River! Offering a “continuum of care,” our community enables residents to enjoy the services that they need, as they need them. For example, upon their arrival to our community, the wellness opportunities and social calendar of events, not to mention the lack of home maintenance work, may be all that’s needed. As time passes or health circumstances change, our trained staff can help with a range of needs such as transportation and medication management. Additionally, placement at Manchester Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center is also available for residents of Arbors who require skilled nursing or long-term care.
To learn more about Arbors of Hop Brook and how our community can support you or a loved one with regard to daily care for the elderly, please explore our services and amenities and these virtual tours of available accommodations. Our team members are also available by phone to answer questions, or you can contact us here to schedule a tour!