Care for a Senior Citizen at the Home
Aging is an natural part of life, and as citizens grow older, they may have more complicated medical needs, both mentally and physically, and an elderly citizen may need home care assistance so that their lives can be safer, more convenient, and more dignified, and home care assistance may be simply vital for seniors who are going through serious conditions such as major cases of arthritis or dementia such as Alzheimer’s, or serious joint or hip pain. Disability assistance can be another form of home care assistance for elderly citizens who cannot manage all of their chores or other activities alone due to their bodily limitations, and care management services can be hired so that professional nurses and other trained experts can take care of any client. Professional care can ensure that any elderly American today can continue to have a dignified and comfortable life well into their golden years.
Americans and Age
Everyone grows older over time, and statistics are available to show some trends of health and other numbers as American adults enter senior citizen status. Often, Americans can live for many years; the Institute on Aging has released data showing that by 2010, 5.5 million Americans had lived to the age of 85 or beyond, and by the year 2050, this age group might grow to 19 million Americans, representing 5% of the entire population. Often, growing older means increased medical needs for physical and mental ailments alike, and seniors tend to visit the hospitals more often and receive more medication than younger demographics. For example, by the year 2030, nearly six out of 10 Baby Boomers (those born between 1945-1962) will be managing a chronic condition, and nearly 70% of those aged 65 or over will need long-term care at some point in their lives. Other statistics show that around 80% of seniors have at least one chronic disease, and 68% actually have two or more.
Meanwhile, Alzheimer’s Disease is an unpreventable neurological issue that affects many older citizens. Some 5.7 million Americans suffer from Alzheimer’s disease, most of them aged 65 or over, and it is estimated that by the year 2050, the Alzheimer’s patient population may grow to 14 million. This disease cannot be prevented or treated, but a number of methods exist to help slow down its effects or make it less likely to appear, and those who do suffer from it have a number of options open to them. In general, elderly Americans with a condition (or several) can have home care assistance provided to help maintain their lifestyle and ensure relatively good health. What can be done to make this possible?
Home Care Assistance
Some elderly citizens live in retirement homes, but others either live too far away to reach one or simply cannot afford it or do not even need it, and some elderly citizens will prefer to stay in their own private residence and have health care professionals take care of their needs. These professionals can provide company as well as medication and checkups, and this helps maintain the patient’s health and happiness every day. Family can also visit to provide company, and a positive, strong social life can help slightly mitigate the effects of dementia.
For those suffering Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, steps can be taken to keep their lives comfortable and safe in the home. For one thing, hazards should be removed. Since Alzheimer’s often causes physical clumsiness, home care assistants can clear away tripping hazards such as rugs, electrical cords, and small items to prevent trips, and sharp or flame-producing items such as knives, scissors, matches, and even needles can be kept locked away and only accessed and used by home care assistants, to prevent injury. Keeping items in a logical arrangement and placing sentimental items can help reduce the impact of memory loss, and whenever the patient goes outside for a walk or errands, he or she can carry a photo ID name tag with their address and emergency contact information. This can save a life if the patient gets lost or if they get hurt and cannot return home, and anyone who finds them can contact the caregivers, who can then retrieve the patient.