Aging is inevitable. It’s a natural part of life that we need to accept and embrace. While doing so, we also need to be aware of the changes and possible limitations that come with the aging process.
While many aging adults insist on maintaining a sense of independence, it’s critical to pinpoint trouble areas that may be easy to overlook. For many seniors, keeping some of their independence means aging in place. However, it’s imperative to understand and where help is needed to stay safe. Continue reading to find out which services seniors need the most.
Cleaning and Home Maintenance
Keeping a safe, clean, and organized living environment is imperative for seniors. However, cleaning tasks might be more difficult for seniors to complete as they age. Many seniors who opt to age in place will need to incorporate house cleaning services into their lifestyle. Hiring professionals for monthly deep cleaning and weekly dust-overs can be a great way to help.
Hiring professionals for home maintenance is also a good idea. Certain activities, such as mowing the lawn, shoveling snow, or changing lightbulbs, can be difficult or even dangerous for seniors to complete on their own. Professionals or family members assisting with these home maintenance activities can take the burden off the seniors themselves.
Mobility Strategies and Resources
Mobility assistance usually sits at the top of the list regarding the services seniors need the most. Whether it’s help running errands or mobility assistance within their residence, dealing with mobility issues should be a priority to keep seniors safe.
Some changes within the home may be necessary to make independent mobility more accessible and less risky. These changes include widening doorways for wheelchair accessibility, adding ramps, and making sure showers have handrails.
As mobility issues become more of a growing concern, caretakers may need to spend more hours with the senior. This may also be the time to upgrade home enhancements such as chair lifts or hospital beds.
Personal Care Standards
Seniors may need assistance keeping up with personal care. This may include assistance with grooming, bathing, and getting dressed. In most cases, a family member or caregiver will be needed to help seniors with these tasks.
Transportation
As people age, cognitive or physical challenges might make driving unsafe. This means that driving assistance will be imperative when it comes to services that seniors need. This can be in the form of a family member or a hired professional to help get seniors from place to place.
Medication Control
Aging often comes with increased medication use. However, cognitive changes may hinder a senior’s ability to control the amount of medication they use. Many seniors will need assistance keeping track of their daily medication requirements. They might also need help with tracking associated doctor appointments and routine check-ups.
Most of the time, family members will help with keeping track of a senior’s medication requirements. However, as medical needs increase, hiring a professional in-home caregiver may be necessary to assist with medication control.
Nutrition Assistance
As seniors age, it becomes more challenging to prepare meals for themselves. Family members may be able to step in and help with this task. However, sometimes the process becomes too time-consuming. In that case, there are meal delivery services available to ensure seniors are getting the nutrition they need.
Adult Daycare Services
Many of these services are available in one location. Adult daycares can help take the burden off family members while still allowing seniors to age in place. At Nevada Adult Day Healthcare Centers, clients benefit from a range of services, including nursing services, physical therapy, daily living assistance, social and recreational services, healthy and hot meal preparation, transportation, podiatry services, and more. Contact us for more information.
