Common Health Concerns for Seniors Receiving Home Care
The strength of the human immune system as we age, wanes, and this makes us increasingly vulnerable to certain medical conditions, some of which can be attributed to the lifestyle we lived during our younger years.
As we get older, we need some help doing activities that younger and healthier versions of us would’ve easily carried out, especially for elderly people receiving home care services.
People experience specific health and mobility problems that come with old age, which reduce the quality of human life regardless of the fact that some employ the help of home nursing services.
Common Health Concerns for Seniors Receiving Home Care:
- Chronic Pain: Chronic pain affects older adults’ daily lives and quality of life, making it a common health concern for them. Seniors with diseases like fibromyalgia (fibromyalgia is a chronic (long-lasting) disorder that causes pain and tenderness throughout the body, as well as fatigue and trouble sleeping), neuropathy, or arthritis – may experience chronic pain. By working with seniors to develop a pain management strategy that incorporates medication, physical therapy, and additional therapies like massage and acupuncture, home care providers can aid in the management of chronic pain.
- Cognitive Decline: Cognitive decline, including dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, concerns many seniors. These conditions can impact memory, thinking, and overall cognitive function. Home care providers can help seniors with cognitive decline by providing memory care services, such as reminders for medication and appointments, assistance with daily tasks, and activities to help maintain cognitive function.
- Depression and Anxiety: Depression and anxiety are common health concerns for seniors, particularly those who live alone or have limited social interaction. Home care providers can help seniors manage depression and anxiety by providing emotional support, companionship, and assistance with activities that promote mental wellness, such as exercise and social activities.
- Falls and Mobility Issues: Falls and mobility issues are a concern for many seniors, as they can lead to injuries and a loss of independence. Home nursing providers like Sycamore Oasis can help seniors with falls and mobility issues by assessing their home environment for potential hazards, providing mobility aids like walkers and canes, and working with them on exercises to improve strength and balance.
- Cancer: In the USA, cancer is the second leading cause of death among people over the age of 65, with 413,885 deaths in 2014, according to the CDC. The CDC also reports that 28 percent of men and 21 percent of women over age 65 are living with cancer. Many types of cancer are treatable if detected early through medical examinations. While cancer isn’t always preventable, the quality of life of a senior can be improved by regularly visiting the doctor, following health instructions, and adapting to a better lifestyle, which starts with taking toxin-free food, avoiding bad lifestyles like smoking, etc.
Expert Advice and Resources:
It’s important to have expert advice and resources on hand to address these common health concerns for seniors receiving home care. Here are some resources that can help:
- The National Institute on Aging website provides information on a wide range of health issues, including cognitive decline, fall prevention, and medication management.
- Sycamore Oasis: Sycamore Oasis is a home healthcare and nursing services provider that provides a variety of services to seniors receiving home care, including, medication management, memory care, and assistance with daily tasks. These are some of the services they provide to help seniors maintain their independence and quality of life.
- The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) is a non-profit organization that provides information and resources to seniors to help them manage their health and wellness.
Conclusion:
As seniors age, it’s important to address common health concerns that can arise, particularly for those receiving home care services. By working with home care providers and utilizing expert advice and resources, seniors and their caregivers can effectively manage these concerns and maintain a high quality of life. With the support of home care providers like Sycamore Oasis and the guidance of expert resources like the National Institute on Aging and AARP, seniors can live their best lives at home.
References:
- The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases (NAIMS) article on Fibromyalgia
- Everyday Health article on Neuropathy
- Mayo Clinic’s article on Arthritis
- Everyday Health article on The 15 Most Common Health Concerns for Seniors
